Backpack Trail
5.2 mi · ▲ 218 ft · 1 hr 51 min
Backpack Trail is a 5.2-mile out-and-back in Shades State Park near Banner Mills, IN. It is mostly level, with 218 ft of elevation gain. It scores 58/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
0 mi669 – 774 ft5.3 mi
Getting there
Trailhead: Unnamed 39.94570, -87.09667
Nearest town Banner Mills, IN
Directions
AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com
Backpack Trail
5.2 mi · ▲ 218 ft · 1 hr 51 min
Elevation 668–774 ft
Out & Back · Shades State Park
Trailhead: 39.94570, -87.09667
Weather Sep 20: sunrise 7:35 AM · sunset 7:51 PM
- Start at the trailhead, heading S.
- 400 ftSharp right onto Backpack Trail, heading SW.
- 1.8 miBear right onto Backpack Trail / Trail 8, heading SE.
- 450 ftTurn right onto Backpack Trail, heading S.
- 0.7 miReach Backpack Trail, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.7 miTurn left onto Backpack Trail / Trail 8, heading NW.
- 450 ftBear left onto Backpack Trail, heading NW.
- 1.8 miSharp left, heading E.
- 150 ftArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Weather
Sunrise 7:35 AMSunset 7:51 PM
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.4 mi in (~36 min). Leave by 6:55 PM for the 7:51 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:40 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
More from this trailhead
- Silver Cascade Falls–Kickapoo Ravine, 4 sights 5.2 mi · ▲ 407 ft
Get outside more
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