The Midwest Is Full of Good Backpacking. Yes, Really.
It seems like all the best backpacking is on the west coast or in the Rockies, but I live in the Midwest. Just because the hiking options and trail culture are less obvious in the Midwest doesn't mean they're not there. Missouri's no secret haven, though: No matter where you live in the Midwest, you are within driving distance from rugged, secluded trails for miles and miles.
United States Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Wayne National Forest Sand Ridge State Forest Great Lakes Shawnee National Forest
Source: yahoo.com