I am looking for suggestions: I want to do a fairly brief backpacking trip of 3-5 days, including the drive from the North Metro.

The SHT seems a bit cool and is often so muddy this time of year. Any other suggestions within 8 or so hours?

North Country Trail - Munising to Grand Marais, MI. 3 days, 2 nights.

If you are serious about the 8 hour drive it might get you south to the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. They list quite a few backpacking trails including the Ozark Trail which ought to have some long segments. Weather is likely to be pleasant.

There might also be some segments of the Ice Age Trail in southern Wisconsin that are long enough for you needs. If y'all are having some early spring weather it might be real nice.

There is some good hiking around the Porcupine Mountains in Upper Michigan. I can't say I enjoyed hiking the muddy trails of Porcupine State Park, but you might find it a better experience.

You could easily put together a couple day hikes in the UP and find some local camping.

St. Peter's Dome and Morgan Falls Trail - haven't done it, but on my list. Marengo, WI
Trap Hills segment of the North Country Trail - nice dry trail, great views! North of Bergland, MI
Craig Lake State Park - the most remote State Park in Michigan, but the access road has been improved a few years ago. Loop trails, campsites, lakes. NCT runs thru and leads to McCormick Wilderness to the east. Very low usage.

There are many good segments on the NCT.

what dates are you lookin at?
Segment 4 is Trap Hills

Thank you for the suggestions. No decisions yet ...

I used to take my kids backpacking in the Chengwatana and st croix state forests. It’s state forest and you can camp anywhere. It’s wet and nasty, lots of orv trails, but way less stress than the bwca.
It’s an eight hour drive to Theo Roosevelt NP. Definitely a cool place. Buffalo add a neat touch.

Gotta second the Ozark Trail in southern Missouri. I went on it a couple years ago in late March and it was wonderful. I recommend the Current River Section, starting at the Highway 60 trailhead or the Blair Creek Section, starting around the Owls Creek Campground.

About a five hour drive to Grand Portage where you can take a ferry to Isle Royale National Park. One of the very best backpacking locations in the entire country.

Freddy: "
About a five hour drive to Grand Portage where you can take a ferry to Isle Royale National Park. One of the very best backpacking locations in the entire country."

+1 - I have been there three times since the 1970’s and it is still one of my favorite spots to backpack.

Freddy: "
About a five hour drive to Grand Portage where you can take a ferry to Isle Royale National Park. One of the very best backpacking locations in the entire country."

The park is closed until 4/15 and the ferries don't run until some time in May.

snowbank lake loop (you will need a permit)

I decided on Arkansas, but the weather forecast looked bad. I didn't want to drive that far for rain.

We decided to just hike and motel. Viroqua WI, Effigy Mounds IA along the River, and then maybe Beaver Creek Valley in Caledonia or Whitewater Park.

Something, anything, away from home.

Seems early to go anywhere except south.
I am going camping near home next week but it is going to be cold here in northern Nevada.