I am a fan of the outdoors, not just paddling. Also from Minnesota and would love to get some insight on a few places to backpack around here. The only place I know that you can get a little ways away from the crowd is Crosby Manitou Park. On the North shore. 28 miles of hiking but it still isn't that remote but other than the BWCA it's the best place I have seen. Does anyone here know any other remote backpacking locations around MN, WI or the UP of MI.

Here are some places I have been to in the upper midwest:

Isle Royale National Park (in Lake Superior near Grand Marais, MN). The Minong trail can be quiet. I backpacked
once in mid-September and had many campsites to myself
(Hatchet Lake, Little Todd, Todd). Campsite locations are designated, some sites have shelters, and in most areas
open fires are not allowed.

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Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (near
Ontonogon, MI). Lots of people and savvy bears, but
quite beautiful. Some shelters. Not my cup of tea.

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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (near Munising, MI).
This is a hidden gem for backpackers. The main trail east-
west runs along the shore of Lake Superior between
Munising, MI, and Grand Marais, MI, and includes an
incredible variety of terrain. On one of my backpacking
trips, I spent two weeks there, exploring all of the side
trails I could find. One of my best wilderness experiences.
The campsites are designated, but include fire rings and
bear poles (didn't see a bear or bear sign for two weeks).

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The Bay de Noc Grand Island Trail in the Hiawatha
National Forest (in central upper Michigan). This trail runs
north-south more or less following the Whitefish River
Valley. You can camp nearly anywhere and only need a
permit in developed camping areas. The opportunites
for variations and side trips are enormous. There are lots
of bear (I saw two on one weekend trip), but they were
timid and didn't bother my camp (I did have a close
encounters with some skunks, though). The HNF has
quite a few shorter "day trails" that can serve as a start
for longer trips, many lakes, rivers, and streams (try
Haymeadow creek for brookies).

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There is quite a bit of land open for rustic recreation at
the tip of the Keewenaw Peninsula (near Copper Harbor,
MI) that has a great trout stream (Montreal River) and
numerous lakes (Shlatter). There are no developed
campsites and permits are not required, but the area
is criss-crossed with access roads that can be used to
develop a path. The area is rugged, like the BW/Q and
has some interesting history (Nike launch pads and
abandoned mines). There is a stand of old-growth white
pines that is breathtaking (Estivant Tract) that once
held the largest (DBH) white pine in Michigan. Lots of
wild life, including bear. This is may favorite spot in
Michigan, and I have spent many great first weeks in
October there.

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I'm not sure what you are looking for, but these places
I know of that are decent destinations.

There is an interesting area near Michigamme, MI, called
Craig Lake State Park that has good fishing and is only
accessible by foot. I plan to get there sometime this
spring.

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-aj