Spring Backpacking Trip (3 Nights)

This 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip meanders around the Wilderness areas of Garden of the Gods and Buzzard Roost. We'll aim to keep daily mileage low, around 6 miles per day over three days and three nights.

• Difficulty: Moderate to Rugged
• Distance: 16 miles (up to 6 per day)
• Elevation Gain: +/-1000ft per day

What to Bring

• Backpacking pack
• Lightweight tent or shelter
• Sleeping bag (appropriate for season)
• Sleeping pad
• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Water (minimum 2L packed) and water filter/purification system
• Food for 8 meals and snacks
• Stove and fuel (if cooking)
• Mess kit (bowl, cup, utensils)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (dress in layers)
• Rain gear
• Map and compass or GPS
• First aid kit
• Trekking poles (optional)

Schedule

ALL TIMES LISTED IN CENTRAL TIME (CST/CDT)

Thursday - Day 1 (6.0 mi, +940ft/-1040ft)

• 10:00 AM: Meet at Lowe's, Oak Grove Rd in Evansville to Carpool
• 11:30 AM: Drop first cache
• 11:45 AM: Drop second cache
• 12:10 PM: Lunch at Trailhead, then begin!

Start at the Backpacker's parking lot, going clockwise (West) along the River-to-River Trail. Pickup cached water crossing Shawnee Forest Rd (5.5mi).

Meals at Car: Lunch
Meals on Trail: Dinner

Friday - Day 2 (4.9 miles, +760ft/-750ft)

We can optionally hike to Buzzard Roost, which adds 0.7mi. Otherwise, following a few roads today. Pick up cached water crossing High Knob Rd, then camp in Rice Hollow (Trail 137).

Meals on Trail: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saturday - Day 3 (4.6 miles, +810ft/-710ft):

Start the morning heading toward High Knob, and Return along the River-to-River Trail back to the Backpacker's Campground.

Meals on Trail: Breakfast, Lunch
Meals at Car: Dinner

Sunday - Day 4 (no plans):

Have a relaxed day. We can day hike nearby if desired, or pack up and return home early. Group decides!

Meals at Car: Breakfast
Meals on Trail: Lunch
Meals on Road: Dinner

Ground Rules

• Dogs permitted off-leash only on trail. Carry a non-retractable 6ft leash and tie/out for public areas.
• Human waste must be buried.

Notes

• We will cache water at a few road crossings before starting. Bring two 1-gallon bottles, one to leave at each of the two crossings.
• We can adjust daily mileage as needed, adding or removing as necessary for the group.

Cost

Free! There is no cost to backpack in the Shawnee National Forest.

Maps / Information

• Carpool: Lowe's Oak Grove Rd (Google Maps)
• Trailhead: Backpacker's Lot (Google Maps)
• Cache 1: Forest Rd x Trail 001A (37.61640, -88.37230)
• Cache 2: High Knob Rd x Trail 137 (37.60741, -88.34117)
• Camp 1: ~ 37.61281, -88.36943
• Camp 2: ~ 37.60860, -88.33620
• Camp 3: ~ 37.59956, -88.38158
• Route Details/Maps: River to River Trail Multi-Day Trails