East of the Mississippi

[John “Jay” Menna]

I live in Austin. I would like a 4-5 day 40 -65 mile trip someplace that I have not been to before. Have hiked all overt the wester US, but very little (zero) the east.

Looking for

Good Weather in Mid June
Scenic
Not Too Crowded
Not too expensive a flight form Austin or Houston
Either a loop or something with easy logistics/ drop at one end.

Rugged terrain a plus.
An AT section?
Swarms of Black Flies a minus.

Suggestions?

[Richard May]

I've been looking at Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas for much the same reasons. Maybe a bit short but it seems there are many trails around to extend it.

I've done some looking, this might be helpful: http://caltopo.com/m/7215

Arkansas has more. Is worth checking out.

[Bob Gross]

Eagle Rock Loop, AK (Alaska) or Eagle Rock Loop, AR (Arkansas)?

Whichever, I don't think that this is east of the Mississippi.

–B.G.–

[John “Jay” Menna]

Have hiked the Ozark and Ouachita. Beautiful country but just an awful trip.

Exploding Stove. Bee Hive and 40 Bee stings, Poising Ivy, Feral Dogs and some really freaky "Christians" living in the woods.

I don't mind a few hours on a plane if I can get within 3 or 4 hours driving time of the trail head.

[David Noll]

You might want to look at the Superior Hiking Trail. Flights to MSP from Texas are usually fairly affordable. No loops but a shuttle is available Friday – Sunday.
http://www.shta.org

Some pictures from a few trips.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/d1948n/sets/72157627565411671

https://www.flickr.com/photos/d1948n/sets/72157631691988454

https://www.flickr.com/photos/d1948n/sets/72157636103313323

Depending when you go there is a chance of hooking a ride up with a BPL member.

[Richard May]

> Whichever, I don't think that this is east of the Mississippi.

Ha! Where's my head?
Doh!

AK/AR, I do it ALL the time.

[Ben C]

Loads of options.
Southern Appalachia will be good that time of year. A traverse of the Smokies is about 80 miles and shuttles are easily found. Or you could do a loop out of Big Creek in the Smokies that goes over some AT.
Grayson Highlands is a great option. Roan Highlands is similar and nice too. Both have lots of balds with views and you might even catch the rhododendron in bloom.
Maine is a great option. Baxter State Park has Katahdin and many other great trails. Southern Maine on the AT would have fewer people. Some complain of bugs in Maine but I didn't think they were that bad.
The Whites of NH sound great but I've not been.
Good luck.

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