My daughter and I are both backpacking a fair amount this summer, and her spring break is the first week of April. We're looking for a quick backpacking trip - just one or two nights, with at least five miles each day to start breaking in new boots and get ready for the summer. A friend of hers and the friend's dad will join us if it's not too cold (we'll go regardless).

I'd been thinking the Chippewa Moraine segment of the Ice Age Trail as it has the characteristics we're looking for, but I'm concerned it may still be too snowy and icy. Another possibility I'm considering is the Yellow River State Forest in Northeast Iowa but I haven't been there before. I figure being three hours south, it's got to be warmer and clearer than we are.

Any suggestions? I don't want to drive more than about three hours, if possible. Rugged conditions are preferred, but dry and not icy would also be lovely.

It is legal to camp in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. All sorts of trails on the bluffs, then set up camp. I never make fires when I do this, be respectful of adjoining land owners and expect a cow or two. Really beautiful in spring. Another area to check is black river falls in Wisconsin. I’ve never camped there but know people who have.

We have also done a lot of bushwack camping along the kettle and st croix rivers. Inevitable to do some swamp walking in this area. My kids grew up doing these type of trips as we avoided the crowds in the bwca. Great for character building.

I plan to be on Ice Age Trail in April at Kettle Morraine North. This will be 4th or 5th time.

Also the Superior Hiking Trail looks appealing, plus there are reportedly shuttles available. Check with trail office.

Oh man, I knew nothing about that Dorer State Forest, it looks great on the map. I'm going to do a bit of research on it, thanks.

Kettle Moraine of course looks great but is too far from the Cities. SHT, I expect, will still be too snowy and icy for hiking in early April. Of course, this Wednesday is supposed to get seriously warm so a lot could change in terms of conditions after that. We'll see.

Currently I'm betting we'll choose which one to go to based on weather the day before, but the more ideas the better - there's already some likely winners here.

Well, with the impending snowstorm we went down to the Yellow River State Forest in Iowa, where the snow was supposed to be lighter and later than the other options. It turned out to be a great choice. We literally never saw another person in the forest. We did an 8-mile loop, and the western and southern parts of it were surprisingly hilly and kind of rugged.

Their "dispersed camping" area was surprising - given the facts that you have to dig catholes and filter water, and that use is free (unlike their campground, which is $6), I expected a clearing with maybe some rocks to define a fire pit. In fact it was a grassy hollow with three big fire pits with grates, and with benches in each of the three areas. A mix of wild camping and campsite amenities that I haven't seen elsewhere.

Anyway, it was a really pleasant trip and I feel like we got away with something, sneaking in some decent backpacking while Minneapolis was getting covered in snow. It would be interesting to know what it's like during the summer.