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52 BACKPACKER 03.2014 G E T A B I G D O S E of Vitamin D on this 13-mile overnight loop in Austin Creek SRA, where grassy, oak-dotted hills soak up spring sunshine while Sierra summits still rest under snow. The open terrain invites an early wildflower show—lupine, irises, and buttercups line the park’s 20 miles of trail starting in April—yet hikers are few (most head for Austin Creek’s better-known neighbor, Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve). Visit both parks with a season-starter (or winter treat) that sets the bar high for the rest of the summer: Beginning at the Armstrong ranger station, follow the Pool Ridge Trail on its northward course among 250-foot-tall redwoods. Hike west on the Gilliam Creek Trail, which scales grassy hills and hugs glittering, fern-lined streams, then, at mile 6, take the East Austin Creek Trail, a fire road, 2 miles to Mannings Flat Campsite ($25 permit required) to end an 8-mile first day. This shaded, east-facing nest sits on a bench above Austin Creek and offers easy access to its azure pools (which make fine swimming holes when temps allow). Day two, hike east for 5 miles on the forested East Austin Creek Tra il, which includes a mile of steep climbing (gaining 1,000 vertical feet), to return to your car. ST LOUIS, MO Starting in March, bluebells, mush- rooms (including morels, hen of the woods, and chan- terelles), and seasonal creeks sprout along Meramec State Park’s easy, 10-mile Wilderness Trail loop, with eight backcountry campsites to choose from. bit.ly/ MeramecSP; 1 hour drive AUSTIN CREEK STATE RECREATION AREA SAN FRANCISC O, CA SAVE THE EMPIRE STATEsum- mits for summer: In spring, New Yorkers’ best backpacking awaits across the state line, on a section of the Tunxis State Forest Trail that sees more moose than people. Elevations are high by Connecticut standards (1,400 feet), but low enough to melt out by April. Like the Appalachian Trail to the west, this blue-blazed path runs from north to south along a plateau that’s covered with mountain laurel (in May, the white blooms light up the forest like Times Square). But unlike the AT, traffic is light, and you’re almost guaranteed to camp alone: Few hikers have discovered the secluded Roaring Brook tent site tucked beneath hemlocks and white pine boughs. For a 15-mile, out-and-back overnighter com- bining mountaintop panoramas, flower-filled groves, and piles of giant boulders that offer play- grounds for young and old alike, start at the CT 20 trailhead (near North Granby) and hike south. After a short climb, the trail pierces dense stands of hemlock and passes little cascades near Morey’s Brook— extra lively in spring—before reach- ing moss-lined Roberts Creek at mile 4. The trail hugs its deepening gorge for .1 mile before climbing 1,391-foot Pine Mountain to one of the state’s finest views, with rolling forests softening into green valleys that dwarf a scattering of homes. Descend to Roaring Brook camp- site (free permit required; 860- 485-0226) for a 7-mile first day. Next morning, dayhike south for a half-mile to Indian Council Caves, where a 40-foot rock overhang and heaps of massive boulders offer opportunities for cave-like explora- tion. Then retrace your steps to CT 20. NEW YORK, NY TUNXIS STATE FOREST TRAIL, CT YOUR TRIP YOUR TOWN Roam sun-drenched hills. Plumb Connecticut’s wildest woods in solitude. YOUR TOWN YOUR TRIP INFO BIT.LY/AUSTINCREEK DRIVE TIME FROM SAN FRANCISCO 1 HOUR, 40 MINUTES INFO BIT.LY/CTPARKS DRIVE TIME FROM NEW YORK CITY 2 HOURS P H O T O B Y K E V I N O ’ C O N N E R YOUR TOWN, YOUR TRIP