Newbe looking for trips.

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11:19 p.m. on June 30, 2009 (EDT)

ATO4LIFE
New Member

Joined: Jun 30, 2009
Posts: 4

Newbe looking for trips.

Hello all. I live in northeast Illinois and am looking for a location to go on my first back country camping trip. I want to do 2-3 day trip.

The main problem I am having is just getting started. Gear is not a problem. The actual finding a place and setting a course is. How do you pick a place and what step are needed to take. Do u just go to a park and start going or are there special rules.

My group wants to just go some where hike to a random spot and camp.

Thanks for the help. ATO4LIFE

12:15 a.m. on July 1, 2009 (EDT)

mike068
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 5, 2008
Posts: 640

Re: Newbe looking for trips.

Welcome to Trailspace ATO4LIFE

Sorry I cant help you with you question but I live in Central New York I just wanted to jump in and say welcome. I sure some members here will be able to help you.

12:43 a.m. on July 1, 2009 (EDT)

ATO4LIFE
New Member

Joined: Jun 30, 2009
Posts: 4

Re: Newbe looking for trips.

thanks for the welcome. its a hard hobby to get going without any help

3:21 a.m. on July 1, 2009 (EDT)

mike068
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 5, 2008
Posts: 640

Re: Newbe looking for trips.

Yes it is

You could could try to contact the boy scout troops in your area and maybe they could steer you in a direction or a local store that deals mainly with camping, hiking & backpacking gear or hunting they may be able to help you as well.

8:45 a.m. on July 1, 2009 (EDT)

ATO4LIFE
New Member

Joined: Jun 30, 2009
Posts: 4

Re: Newbe looking for trips.

im hitting up Cabelas and REI today

10:29 a.m. on July 1, 2009 (EDT)

trouthunter
Senior Member

Joined: May 22, 2008
Posts: 1548

Re: Newbe looking for trips.

Hey there ATO,

Websites are a great starting point, the national parks have a network of websites with pages for each park, and most state parks I'm familiar with do too. Here is a link to the nps.gov site for your state:

http://www.nps.gov/state/IL/

You should find a wealth of info through that site.

Also pick up a copy of a trail guide for you state, these guides will list trails in your state with small maps and a description of the area. REI should be able to hook you up with one or you can order the book online from numerous sources.

Hiking clubs, try to find a hiking club in your area. These clubs usually meet on weekends to do group hikes and are a great way to meet knowledgeable people.

A quick search turned up this club in your area:

http://www.foresttrailshc.com/

Welcome to Trailspace!

3:35 p.m. on July 1, 2009 (EDT)

trouthunter
Senior Member

Joined: May 22, 2008
Posts: 1548

Re: Newbe looking for trips.

Oh yeah, does the ATO refer to the Alpha Tao Omega frat by any chance. Just curious.

10:08 p.m. on July 1, 2009 (EDT)

ATO4LIFE
New Member

Joined: Jun 30, 2009
Posts: 4

Re: Newbe looking for trips.

Yes it does. ATO Alumni. thanks for the advice as well.

7:50 p.m. on July 2, 2009 (EDT)

trouthunter
Senior Member

Joined: May 22, 2008
Posts: 1548

Re: Newbe looking for trips.

No problem my friend, good to have you on Trailspace!

9:27 p.m. on July 2, 2009 (EDT)

mikemorrow
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 15, 2009
Posts: 113

Re: Newbe looking for trips.

ATO, I lived in Iowa. And to tell the truth there is very little backpacking country in that area. I think you will find some spots along the Mississippi. Other than that go to Wisconsin. Iowa and Ill are not hot backpacking areas. Good luck.

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