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03.2014 BACKPACKER 59 PADDLERS REVERE THE ST. CROIX, a National Scenic Riverway and one of the Midwest’s most unspoiled gems—but hikers can also glimpse its legendary beauty before the plague of summer bugs descends. The relatively unknown Lagoo Creek and Benson Brook Trails (aka the Southern Trail) hug the river’s eastern bank, meandering 14 miles (one-way) across grassy floodplains, climb- ing atop bluffs crowned with oaks, and passing scores of springs where wildflowers cluster (skunk cabbage, marsh marigold, and spring beauty bloom from mid-April to early May). The trail’s hike-in campsites see even less traffic than the path, since most locals don’t even know about these hideaways. Leave cars at both ends (or hire a shuttle; bit.ly/StCroixOutfit), then start your two-day, point-to-point hike at Evergreen trailhead, off WI 87 near Grantsburg. The blue- blazed route quickly enters the woods and crests the river bluff, passing several crystalline springs before dropping to Lagoo Creek after 1.4 miles. Cross the bridge and continue north across the floodplain where deer graze, then traipse through thick ferns and soaring basswoods and maples. Cross County Route O at 6.5 miles, then continue 2.5 miles farther to camp at backcountry site #3 (free per- mit required). Perched atop the escarpment, this secluded nook offers conveniences like a picnic table and fire ring—and views of the St. Croix shimmering through the trees. Next day, hike north through open meadows, rejoin the river (where bald eagles and river otters are often spot- ted), and scale steep steps embedded in the sheer bluffs to hike among bellwort and purple hapatica before arriving at West River Road, the trail’s northern terminus. YOUR TRIP YOUR TOWN GET FIT. Start the season in good shape to go farther, have more fun, and prevent injury. See page 78 for a detailed train- ing plan, and follow these key rules. Do training hikes with the gear—boots, clothes, pack—you plan to use. Train specifically for hiking. Running or biking won’t prepare you for carrying a loaded pack over rough terrain, says Rob Shaul, owner of Mountain Athlete Training in Jackson, WY. Best bet: To prevent a “soreness sufferfest,” Shaul rec- ommends you start hiking over hilly ter- rain with a 30-pound pack at least four weeks before your first major trip. UPDATE YOUR PACKING LIST. Added a hammock? Decided you’re done carrying coffee? Revisit (or create) your packing list and make sure it’s current and as specific as possible. See back- packer.com/check- lists for inspiration. I T W A S A T O R N A D O that pushed this hike into the “must-do” category: A 2011 twister razed all the trees along a half-mile of trail—but left the azalea bushes. Now the spot ranks as one of the southeast’s most dazzling wildflower displays. Like Dorothy in the poppy fields, hikers wade through seas of petals. Hike this 10-mile overnight loop in late April or early May, when all its azaleas and rhododen- drons explode into white-and-pink bloom. Pick up a backcountry camping permit ($10/person plus $5 vehicle pass) at FDR State Park, then drive 9.5 miles east to the WJSP-TV tower (the PMT’s eastern terminus) to stretch your legs among posies, ancient trees, and waterfalls (the route visits five cascades). The azalea garden awaits a half-mile from the trailhead; the second mile enters a tunnel of rhodo- dendron. Next, the trail bobs across streams (rocks or bridges make crossings easy) and visits Csonka, Big Rock, and Slippery Rock Falls before arriving at spring-fed Cascade Falls (2 miles in), which show- ers gently over a series of smaller ledges to its final 4-foot drop. Visit Ferney (a massive oak measur- ing 14.5 feet in circumference and estimated to be several centuries old) before curling west through longleaf pines that produce mas- sive, Nalgene-size cones. At mile 6, camp at the new Big Oak Springs tent site (opened in 2012 at an old homestead site) and admire its namesake tree. Next day, hike a mile east on the PMT, then turn right to follow the Beaver Pond and White Candle Trails to Odie Overlook (3 miles from camp), a west-facing rock promontory with sweeping views to Dowdell Knob (2.7 miles away). If you’ve got time, linger here for a spectacular sunset show, otherwise continue .6 mile back to the TV tower via the White Candle Trail, Beaver Ponds Trail, and the PMT. Atlanta, GA PINE MOUNTAIN TRAIL, FDR STATE PARK Find spring at the Appalachians’ southern tip. ST. CROIX RIVER, GOVERNOR KNOWLES STATE FOREST, WI Explore a pristine river corridor. YOUR TRIP YOUR TOWN MINNEAPOLIS, MN INFO PINEMOUNTAINTRAIL.ORG DRIVE TIME FROM ATLANTA 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES INFO BIT.LY/GOVKNOWLES DRIVE TIME FROM MINNEAPOLIS 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES ROCK STAR: LOOK FOR FOSSILS IN OJITO’S MORRISON FORMATION. READY, SET, GO!