3 Amazing Backpacking Destinations in the Midwest US

Apr 26, 2025

Today we’re sharing three amazing places in the midwest to live out your backcountry backpacking dreams! If you’ve found yourself watching adventure documentaries and reading survivalist fiction, this is the perfect place to start your own exciting adventure! You’ll find plenty of thrills, challenges, scenic views, and memorable experiences along the way as you check out these three magnificent natural areas. From off-road hiking to sleeping under the stars in nothing but a hammock or lean-to, these camping and hiking destinations offer a unique experience of wilderness fun! So gear up, grab your best hiking shoes, and pack up those maps because we’re about to hit the road making unforgettable memories of a lifetime.

Pictured Rocks Lakeshore in Michigan along North Country Scenic Trail offers nearly 100 miles of park trails, with 42 of them running adjacent to the shores of Lake Superior. There are 13 designated backpacking campground areas along the trail, and some of them are very small, intimate locations, perfect for respite away from the 9 to 5 job; there is even one boat-in only site located at Grand Sable Lake but you’ll need to BYO boat to access it. Be mindful that you will need a backcountry permit to camp and hike here, so book that in advance of your travels! If you’re looking for unmatched scenic views, challenging hiking trails in sandy terrain, and a real “rough-it” style camping experience, this is the spot for you! You’ll also want to bring a compass and a map, as most smartphones and cell phones will not work in the park, so plan accordingly with printed waterproof maps before coming! Alternatively you can download the NPS Mobile App to download the park info over wifi before heading out to the trails. This hike and backcountry trails are not pet friendly, so leave your furry friends at home.

Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail in Kentucky is a whopping 343 miles long hiking trail chock full of challenging terrain and plenty of backcountry adventures! The trail is a long-distance hike, so you’ll need plenty of outdoor experience, expert navigation skills, and a lof of endurance to make it to the end. Trails here are generally well marked, but it’s recommended you still download an offline map or bring printed media and a compass. Camping is either in designated campground areas, or a minimum of 300 feet off the trail itself. It’s important to note that if you opt for the long haul full thru-hike, you will not cross into “civilization” often during your route, so plan accordingly with supplies; you’ll only encounter 5 towns along the way: Moorehead, McKee, Livingston, London, and Stearns. The trail crosses through areas such as Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge State Park, Cave Run Lake, and the Big South Fork Recreation Area. If long haul backpacking isn’t your style, there are plenty of 1 to 2 day and night trail routes available as well.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin runs 1200 miles through the state following the path of historic geologic features carved by the Laurentide Ice Sheet over 12,000 years ago! The trail is mostly off-road hiking and backpacking, but passes through several small towns along its winding route. Portions of the trail pass through Kettle Moraine Forest and areas like Devils Lake State Park, and Interstate State Park. Some regions allow camping just off site of the trail, while other portions allow camping in designated campsites or areas along the way; be forewarned that campsite areas are often spaced far apart, so be sure to plan any multi-day hikes accordingly. The trail does have areas open for hunting and fishing in designated spots. Otherwise you’ll enjoy some truly spectacular nature walks, challenging hikes, birdwatching and wildlife spotting, and plenty of stunning stargazing.