bikepacking on backpacking trails??

[zh4k]

Is it wrong/legal to go bikepacking on a majority of backpacking trails,  I love backpacking and love to bike and would love to combine the two even if that means carrying my bike straight up a mountain for a mile as long as I could go farther and faster while bikepacking.

[ScottM]

Totally legal as long as it's not wilderness, or not specifically closed to bikes.  Unfortunately a lot of the popular backpacking areas are wilderness areas.  But there are still plenty of "backpack-like" experiences available that are totally legitimate.  Loops that include portions of the AZT, CT, or other long distance trails are one idea...

[zh4k]

Well additionally I'm from Ohio, is there any places in Indiana, Kentucky, Penn, or Michigan were I could do this?  I know a lot of people on here are probably from out west where there are a ton of places, but I feel like in the midwest it seems more limited.  I'd just like to bikepack for like 2-3 days at a time.

Thanks

Also, if anyone has any suggestions as to some awesome places that would be SAWWEEEETT

[jhl99]

What part of Ohio are you from?

North central PA and West Virginia have good opportunities...  although it's not like you just jump on one trail and ride a 3 day loop... more like you connect single track segments with forest and paved roads.

The northern part of the lower pennisula of MI might be good, I know there are motorcyle trails throught the National forests... but it is sandy, and might not be that fun to ride.

[zh4k]

I'm from cincy, so those miCHIGAN AND penn areas are pretty far away

[DaveC]

I'd check out the Daniel Boone National Forest and Red River Gorge areas in Eastern KY.  Not sure how much rideable singletrack you'll find, but ought to be plenty of dirt road exploring to do.  Only a two hour drive from you.

[chuckc1971]

I've done about 80 miles of the Sheltowee before my ride partner called it quits. Even if I was crazy enough to continue solo (more dangerous than the terrain sounds, but that's another story), my wife would of killed me.

http://www.sheltoweetrace.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=307

I've been planning on re-doing this trip this year. I have all the logistics squared away. I just need my frame to be replaced and someone crazy/fit enough to go with me. My route would be from Morehead proper (cutting out the weedy, overgrown Northern Terminus) to Whitley City. You can't legally go to the Southern Terminus. You will have to ride around the Red River Gorge, but that is pretty easy to do. Lots of info on the link I posted above. Let me know if you need any help. If I go on my trip, it will probably have to be pushed into early October at this point.