Midwest Expeditions

[mcps_190]

Trying to get some feedback on some places to go in the Midwest. I usually only get out to the California/Arizona area once a year. Sometimes it's only every other year. I'm looking for some areas closer to home to explore. Any recomendations?

[jim65wagon]

It may not sound like the best idea but get DeLormes State Gazetteer and look for the little roads, we've found some interesting things in VA and WVa that way. Sometimes the roads are closed/private other times they lead to an excellent campsite...

[boonie45]

I, too, am looking for some good trails here in the Midwest. I'm in Indiana, but am more than willing to drive 10 hours or so to find a trailhead. If anyone has done any trips around the area, definitely let me know!

[SIR VEYO]

Since you asked,

You've got the UP right there. I've been in some fairly decent off-road stuff there, even if it is listed as state roads. Lots of surf/beach stuff too.
You're pretty close to Ontario, which has lots of great 4x4ing, and even if the US dollar is weaker, they'll still talk to you. Gas actually isn't that different in cost.

Indiana is a little trickier, I don't recall that much off-roading I've done there. Illinois had some nice stuff though. Wisconsin too.

Kentucky has its spots, as does West Virginia (I actually prefer WV over KY).
There are several off-road clubs in all the northern states and Canada that can help you out. The emphasis is on mud-boggin and 4x4ing with lots of trees involved on the trails.

And don't forget Gravelrama near Cincy, OH. Lots of clubs and people from all over, and you can see how good your rig is at King of the hill!


A lttle googling and you should be overwhelmed!
Sir Veyo

[TimB]

Trails are scarce. There are 4x4 area's but once you have wheeled out west the mid-west wheeling is not so great. I've spent some time at Disney OK, and Tuttle Creek Ks - not very large area's though so exploring them does not take too long. A few years back I explored some of the national forest in western Ark - great country and several miles of forest roads -but - many roads end at a little shack with a bald kid on the porch picking a banjo. Evidently it is OK to live in the national forest around there. I went to a local library looking for maps and the librarian advised me to not go or at least go armed.