TN/AR/MS area hiking ?

[jcramin]

I am looking for some decent length trails for 2 or 3 day backpacking trips for me and my son to do within a couple hours of Memphis.

It would be nice to find some with some nice things to see and do, not just a walk thru the woods.

But we really want to get some practice in on some weekends making sure all our gear is what we want and we have everything, before going out on longer trips.

Thanks,
J

[flemdawg1]

Within 4-5 hours you could go to the Sipsey Wilderness in AL, the Upper Buffalo Wilderness in AR, or the Land Between the Lakes.

[The Solemates]

good luck. not much within 2-3 hrs.

in NW AL, theres Sipsey

in mid-TN, theres Savage Gulf area

in AR, theres the Oauchita Trail, Laurel Highlands Trail, and Buffalo Trail.

in Eastern AL, theres the Pinhoti Trail

in South IL, theres the River to River Trail

these areas are 3 hours up to over 5 hrs drive away from memphis.

[The Solemates]

yep forgot about LBL...thats within your 2-3 hr limit.

[mudhead]

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=44670

Bet this guy would answer your questions.

[snowhoe]

I think there is a place out side of Memphis called mouse tail landing. I hiked there once but it was a long time ago. I remeber staying in a shelter that had screened in windows I think.

[Jim Obermeyer]

There's the Highlands Trail in Arkansas in the Ozarks Mt.

[mikec]

I recently spent Christmas in Memphis, TN. While driving there from VA I made a note of 2 places that I would like to hike in the future:

Natchez Trace State Park, TN
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/p...x.shtml#hiking

Land between the Lakes, KY
http://www.lbl.org/Home.html

Both look to be 2-3 hours east of Memphis.

[Tennessee Viking]

I am looking for some decent length trails for 2 or 3 day backpacking trips for me and my son to do within a couple hours of Memphis.

It would be nice to find some with some nice things to see and do, not just a walk thru the woods.

But we really want to get some practice in on some weekends making sure all our gear is what we want and we have everything, before going out on longer trips.

Thanks,
J

The only thing that comes to mind are the Ozarks and Natchez Trace. And a few of the Tennessee state parks.

Johnny Molloy, a East Tennessee trail author, has done some trips along the Mississippi River basin.

[SGT Rock]

Check on the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas, it might be within your range and it is a good loop hike.

[leeki pole]

Witch Dance has a nice loop at mile marker 233.2 on the Natchez Trace parkway. It's a good weekend loop, parking is safe, I'd call it about 22 miles. It can get a little muddy on the north side. I'd put that about 3 hours from Memphis, but you get to drive the Trace. Sweet anytime.

[Worldwide]

I would avoid the Ozark Highlands Trail during off season. That is if you if you need a shuttle.

The shuttlers along the Buffalo River / OZHT aren't set up for hikers they are set up for kayakers that hikers use. When the water is low the Kayak shuttlers hibernate.

[riceNbeans]

I would avoid the Ozark Highlands Trail during off season. That is if you if you need a shuttle.

The shuttlers along the Buffalo River / OZHT aren't set up for hikers they are set up for kayakers that hikers use. When the water is low the Kayak shuttlers hibernate.

Not necessarily true. Check out http://www.turnerbend.com on the Mulberry River. While it is true that they are primarily a canoe / kayak outfitter, they would be MORE than happy to provide shuttles. Ask for Brad.