Looking for the best midwest backpacking trails and routes? Read this article for backpacking ideas and trips all accessible from the Midwest!

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’m an outdoor guide and writer committed to exploring the Midwest! I’ve spent thousands of hours exploring the Midwest both as a guide and outdoor writer, and I’m so happy to show you around!

Oh hi there! This website uses affiliate links! That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you. 

10 Best Backpacking Routes in the Midwest:

From North Dakota to Michigan, here are the best backpacking trips in the Midwest!

1) Pictured Rocks Lakeshore Trail, MI

Part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore Trail runs a beautiful 42-miles along Lake Superior between Grand Marais, MI and Munising. Backcountry permits are required, and keep in mind that sections of the trail are sandy terrain and more difficult as a result. 

Read a trip report from Wandering Pine

Check out the best hikes and things to do in the Pictured Rocks

2) Sheltowee Trace, KY

While this trail runs through Kentucky to Tennessee, the 343-mile Sheltowee Trace is a great route for both short backpacking trips and longer thru-hikes. The Sheltowee Trace is a great option for Midwest backpackers looking for a beautiful destination within short driving distance. 

The Sheltowee Trace runs through the impressive Red River Gorge Geologic area, with the highest concentration of natural arches in the US outside of Arches National Park. Note that camping is not allowed in rock houses. Whether you choose to day hike or thru-hike, the Sheltowee Trace is one of the best backpacking destinations for Midwesterners.

Not ready to tackle the whole trace? Check out any of the number of great 1-2 night backpacking routes in the Red River Gorge! (Pictured above is the Auxier Ridge Trail!)

Check out a trip report from Jupiter Hikes

Check out the best hikes in the Red River Gorge

3) The Ice Age Trail, WI

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The trail follows the path of the geologic features left behind in the retreat of the last glacier more than 12,000 years ago. There are tons of excellent shorter backpacking options along the Ice Age Trail as well!

The Ice Age Trail covers some serious ground in Wisconsin! My favorite spots are the Devil’s Lake State Park section (pictured above left) and the Western Terminus at Interstate State Park (pictured right with the yellow blaze!).

Check out The Thousand Miler’s notes on the Ice Age Trail.

4) The Superior Hiking Trail, MN

If you’re looking for one of the most scenic backpacking trails in the Midwest, check out the the Superior Hiking Trail! This 300-mile footpath runs from south of Duluth, MN along the beautiful bluffs, ridges, and waterfalls near Lake Superior north to Grand Portage on the Canadian Border. 

No permits are required outside of State Parks. This trail is considered difficult with significant and constant elevation changes and sections of extremely rugged trail. The reward for your effort is waterfalls, sweeping views of Lake Superior, and some of the best hiking and backpacking the Midwest has to offer. 

The Superior Hiking Trail has a number of great short backpacking trip options as well. 

Check out Blissful Hiker’s Guide to Thru-Hiking the SHT

Check out the best hiking on the North Shore, MN

5) Shawnee National Forest, IL

Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest is home to waterfalls, beautiful bluffs, unique geology, overlooks and some of the best backpacking trips in the Midwest. Within the Shawnee, you can find a number of shorter 2-3 day backpacking routes as well as longer routes.

Check out Hiking with Shawn’s guide to backpacking routes in he Shawnee. 

6) Isle Royale National Park, MI

Looking for one of the most incredible and remote backpacking destinations in the Midwest? Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park is located 18 miles from the nearest land in the largest lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior.

On this island, you can find wolves and moose, rugged shoreline, sweeping views of the lake and distant Canadian shores, beautiful camping, and so much more. Isle Royale is the least visited National Park in the contiguous US, but the most re-visited, and for good reason.

Check out my detailed guide to backpacking and camping on Isle Royale National Park. 

7) The Border Route Trail, MN

Minnesota’s Border Route Trail is a 65-mile thru hike that runs through Minnesota’s Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. Permits are required, and this trail is often considered difficult due to rugged terrain and infrequent foot traffic, meaning that sections of the trail are extremely difficult to follow. 

Nonetheless, the BRT has objectively some of the best views in the Midwest, with remote waterfalls, overlooks, and iconic sweeping views of the lakes that mark the border between the US and Canada. 

Read a trip report from Wandering Pine.

Alternately, read about canoeing and how to visit the BWCA

8) Theodore Roosevelt National Park

One of the coolest off-the-beaten-path backpacking destinations in the Midwest is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While this park is most often visited by day trippers and short distance hikers, backpacking and backcountry camping is allowed within the park. 

The best backpacking route in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the Achenbach Trail, around 18 miles in distance. Here, you’ll need to pack in all your water, and you’ll want GPS to help you follow the trail which can be confusing at times.

Check out this trip report from Outdoor Pilgrim here. 

9) Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, MI

Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has hundreds of miles of backpacking trails, incredible backcountry campsites, views and more. Reservations are strongly recommended and permits are required. In the Porkies, there are hundreds of potential routes to choose from. 

Overall, my Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park must-sees are hiking the Escarpment Ridge (and trying to snag one of the four beautiful campsites along the ridge), Mirror Lake, and exploring the many waterfalls tucked away in the Wilderness. The easiest of these to access are the Presque Isle River Waterfalls, just a short well-maintained hike in the Eastern Unit of the park, but there are a number of waterfalls throughout the entirety of the Porkies.

check out this guide to visiting the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

10) The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WI

While the Apostle Islands are traditionally a sea kayaking destination, did you know that you can take a shuttle out to Stockton or Oak Island to backpack? Stockton Island has a number of sandy beach front campsites and beautiful hiking trails, making for a great base-camping trip. 

In addition, one backpacking site is accessible on the mainland. While appealing, this site is very popular! Book well in advance.

Oak Island has a short loop around the island, several waterfront campsites, as well as a trail to a beautiful overlook facing north of the Apostle Islands below. Overall, the Apostle Islands are a wonderful and unique Midwest backpacking destination.

Be sure to book a permit in advance to visit the Apostle Islands!

I work as a guide in the Apostle Islands! Check out my detailed guide to visiting Bayfield and the Apostles!

Love reading about the best backpacking trails in the Midwest? Explore more Midwest adventures:

• Check out the best destinations in the Great Lakes
• Looking for Michigan travel ideas? Here are the best Michigan road trips for outdoor lovers!
• Looking to plan a backpacking trip? Check out this detailed guide for what to pack for 2-5 days of backpacking!

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