midwest hikers

[downes911]

I am from NE IN and am planning thru hike in March 2010, looking for some company either for shakedown hikes, or on the AT or both. Haven't had much luck finding people from the midwest (where are you guys hiding LOL)

See ya at Springer!!

[bugnout]

Where are you planning to do the shake downs?

[downes911]

it's open, i could use some suggestions

[fredmugs]

I'm in Bloomington and need to get thru GSMNP sometime before the end of the year.

[bugnout]

I did an AT section, Troutville to Damascas VA this spring. Not going to be able to get out again until fall. I'm hoping to do a section or two on the IAT in WI in Sept or Oct.

That's about a 4 or 5 hour drive from NE Indiana. Might be talked into something closer, just don't know of any good multiday trails close by.

[downes911]

i think i want to save the AT for when I thru hike so it will all be new. I may have to travel to southern IN to get some hills.

[fredmugs]

You can hike the Knobstone Trail. I've done all but the 5 southern most miles. It's a nice trail with plenty of 250 foot gains but practically no water sources. There's a lake around MM 31 and plenty of road crossings to cache water if you want to.

[bigmac_in]

Knobstone is the best if you want hills in Indiana. The Tecumseh Trail is nice as well. If you come down this way, PM me and I might go with you. I need to get some miles in before my section hike this fall.

[downes911]

Thanks, I'll check those trails out

[dradius]

yeah knobstone would be the way to go for a Indiana shake down. just be sure to cache water at the road crossings!