REI Half-Dome 4 Person Tent Review

I promised an updated review of the REI Half-dome 4-person tent we choose for our family backpacking needs. Although I mentioned in the previous post that we would be going to Shenandoah National Park, that trip did not happen. Put simply, we were blessed with a baby who suffered from extreme colic for 4 months. She cried everyday for 4 months straight! So, we definitely did not feel comfortable enough to take her on a big trip like that. However, we did manage to try out car camping a few times!

The first car camping trip we tried was at Lake Jericho. This is a peaceful campground about 20 minutes from downtown Louisville, KY for reasonable rates. The big drawback to this campground is that it shares space with what appears to be permanent RVers. However, the tent camping area is located right by the lake away from the big rigs.

We set up camp fairly quickly - and the REI half-dome 4 person tent went up in a breeze. In some ways it was easier to set up than our old 2-person tent! The only thing we had trouble figuring out was the rainfly, but this was a nonissue since it was so clear that night. We were there about 2 hours, when we tried to get our daughter asleep unsuccessfully. The location by the lake meant we were quickly engulfed in humidity (even though it was the end of September, Louisville suffered from record breaking heat well into October this past yr!) - this made it hard for her to settle, and we were concerned her excessive crying would disturb the other campers. So, we packed out. Rob was able to tear down and pack up camp in less than 30 minutes in the dark! By then, everything was soaked from the humidity - not fun! I sat and waited in the air conditioned car with our baby who was finally able to fall asleep. We were glad we choose such a close location for our first camping attempt though, and at least we got to try out the tent for a little while!

A couple weeks later, we decided to try again. This time, we choose to camp at Jefferson Memorial Forest. This campground was much more secluded and more "camping" like - plenty of trees and no RVers. It was probably one of the best spots we've ever car camped in! Luckily, someone left a nice stash of firewood, so we were even able to have a nice campfire going. The tent went up without a hitch once again, and we loved how much room it had! It felt like we were camping in a mansion - we could fit everything inside and still had room to spare. It actually might be a bit too large for just backpacking, but for car camping it's perfect. We all slept well that night - but at 4am that changed. Apparently, Jefferson Memorial Forest is extremely close the airport! From about 4am to 6:30am the air noise kept us up as we listened to one plane takeoff after another. Thankfully, our daughter didn't seem to notice and she slept soundly! It did get rather chilly though, and we ended up putting her in between us in our sleeping bags to keep her warm rather than having her sleep in her own travel bed.

So, despite challenging circumstances - record heat and a colicky baby - we were able to get out 2 times in the fall, which I consider a success! This spring, we hope to take several trips and put our tent to some more use. But so far, I am very impressed with our purchase and would highly recommend it to anyone with children. It's perfect for car camping, but I think it will also work well for backpacking, especially once more children come along!

Louisville Area Day Hikes

As a new resident of the Louisville, KY area, I can't wait to discover the new trails that exist within the city! Here are a few I plan on reviewing. As soon as a post is up, the link will become active.

E.P. Tom Saywer State Park (Goose Creek Nature Trail)- Inside the city, this is a different type of state park, but it still affords many recreational opportunities. My husband and I have visited once, and discovered there are a couple miles of nature trails in the park.

Brown Park - Although there aren't any hiking trails in this nature park, there is a nice paved walking trail that winds along a stream. It makes for quick and convenient access to nature when time is limited.

Jefferson County Forest Trail

Charleston State Park (IN)

Knobstone Trail (IN)

Hayswood Nature Reserve Trail

Hike and Bike Trail

Cull Hollow Trail

Fall Hiking and Backpacking in the Cincinnati Area

Now that fall has arrived, hiking and backpacking are back on the agenda again! With the cool weather and beautiful foliage of the trees, fall is the perfect time to get out into the woods before the cold settles in for good. Thinking about planning a hike or an overnight trip? Here are some great ideas to help get you started.

• Mt. Airy Forest (OH) - This municipal forest, one of the largest in the country, has several trails worth trekking. Perfect for a free afternoon or weekend outing.

• Hueston Woods State Park (OH) - Situated around a reservoir, this park has several trails fitting for fall day hikes. The colors of fall are most attractive next to the scenic lake.

• East Fork State Park (OH) - Only a 30 minute drive from Cincinnati, this park is centered around a reservoir. Although the forest is young, a large network of hiking and backpacking trails exist. If backpacking for one night, there are several camps available with 3-walled shelters.

• Caesar's Creek State Park (OH) - Travel north on I-71 to Caesar's Creek, a state park situated around a reservoir less than an hour's drive away. The park is large and the hiking opportunities are numerous. Backpacking options also exist, but camping is limited. Beautiful scenery and great terrain.

• Twin Valley Metro Park (OH) -Located near Dayton, this metropark recently opened a backpack trail perfect for those last minute getaways.
  

• Shawnee State Forest (OH) - If you want challenge, this is the place to be. Although views and scenic areas are limited, the backpack trail is the best in the state and can be traversed in one large loop or two small loops. Best for multiple night trips. (special notice)

• Knobstone Trail (IN) - This trail is best for overnight backpacking trips, but must be done as either an out and back or with two cars. The knobstone rivals Shawnee's terrain.

• Red River Gorge (KY) - A favorite for Cincinnati hikers and backpackers for years, Red River Gorge, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is the perfect place to catch fall foliage. If you're into rock climbing, this is the spot to experience some of the best in the country. Since RRG can be crowded on the weekends, plan an overnight trip during the week for optimal solitude.

• Cave Run Lake (KY) - Slightly north of RRG, Cave Run Lake offers several hiking trails that can easily be made into overnight treks. Catch the Sheltowee Trace Trail nearby, visit the site of an old fire tower and camp by a lake with open skies.

• Mammoth Cave National Park (KY) - As a three hour drive, it's definitely not a day jaunt but perfect for overnight and multiple day treks. The terrain is varied, but never too strenuous. A variety of trails intertwine allowing you to choose your own route. Some trails are frequented by horses, so watch your step! Camping opprotunies abound, many in very scenic locations. After you've had your share of the forest, explore one of the many underground cave systems the park was made for.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN) - For high wilderness adventure, it doesn't get any better than at GSMNP. As the second closest national park to Cincinnati (a 5 hour drive), it makes the perfect weekend getaway for the hard-care backpacker or hiker. However, remember to bring a bear bag and rope!

*Photos by Rachel Campbell; Left: Hueston Woods State Park/Right: Mammoth Cave National Park

East Fork State Park

One of the best last minute getaways from downtown Cincinnati is East Fork State Park. With more than 46 miles of Backpacking and hiking trails on easy to moderate terrain, there is a little something for everyone.

For backpackers, the 20 mile out-and-back backpack trail provides a horsemen free area that never traverses very far from the lake. On this well marked and maintained trail, you'll likely spot quite a few turtles and deer stumbling across the path. Four primitive campsites exist within the park, with a few good illegal sites scattered between. Each campsite features a privy and 3-walled shelters. Water sources may or may not be nearby, so plan accordingly. A free permit is required and can be found in the park office. The park office also sells trail maps for 2$ that is well worth the cost since the free ones are not very helpful.

The one downside to this trail is that it can be quite busy in the warmer months due to its close location to the city. I would recommend trying to camp on weeknights to avoid crowds. Our last trip to the park was on a Friday night, and we had the unfortunate experience of camping with rowdy teenagers who were eventually escorted out of the park. Bring a cell phone (reception is usually good) and call park authorities if you have trouble.

For hiking, the Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail circles the lake and perimeter of the park. With a length of 32 miles, it provides plenty of area for exploration. This trail is shared by horses as well as hikers, so be prepared to yield if any approach.

A good pair of hiking boots would serve well at East Fork, especially in the spring when mud is an issue. The summer is often drier, but since trails often parallel not far from the lake, small plants and brush collect moisture that rubs off onto your feet. If backpacking or hiking for an extended period of time, filter all water accordingly. Also be sure to practice Leave No Trace when using the campsites to ensure that it stays clean, sanitary and safe for future hikers.

Tuesday's Trail: Shawnee State Forest

Now that spring has finally arrived and warmer weather has decided to stay, I will be posting weekly on different trails in the tri-state area. Today's trail is the Shawnee State Forest backpacking trail. I love this trail, and it has quickly become me and my husband's favorite place to backpack.

Located in west Portsmouth, OH, it is only a 2 hour drive from downtown Cincinnati, making this the perfect weekend getaway trail. Total mileage comes in around 60 miles, so its perfect for extended trips as well as overnight adventures. The great thing about the trail is that it is a loop, so there's no need to repeat any part of the trail in order to get back to your car. There are 7 backcountry campsites throughout this loop, each located near water sources and a latrine. The trail is marked with orange blazes that are very well maintained. You must complete a backcountry permit if you are camping overnight.

What makes this trail so appealing is clearly the challenge involved in hiking it-- there are many ups and downs with frequent elevation changes of more than 1000 feet. Between campsites number 2 and 3 there is a hill I like to call Devil's Mound. Either way you hike it, it is a beast and will quickly rip your butt into shape if you're not already. Be sure to carry plenty of water at all times while hiking this trail-- you're going to need it!

The Shawnee Backpack trail is not for the faint of heart. It has commonly been referred to as "Ohio's Little Smokies", and I would vouch that describes it pretty well. You need to be prepared and in good shape to hike this trail successfully. If you are, I can guarantee that you'll be coming back for more!

*Photo by Rachel Campbell, Shawnee Backpack Trail 2009

Backpacking: Knobstone Trail, Indiana

The Knobstone Trail in Indiana has long been on my to-hike list. Coming it at over 58 miles, it really is one of a kind in this area. Many people use this trail as training ground for the Appalachian Trail, so its definitely scoring high on ruggedness. Total elevation gain and loss is over 20,000 feet-- not something you see too much of here in the tri-state area (located between Indianapolis and Louisville). I'm thinking that we'll plan on tackling part of this trail (or all) in the upcoming months.

Downsides to this trail include it being a thru hike, so you really need two cars to get from end to end (unless you backtrack, and that's not very fun!). Water is also an issue there, and you'll have to catche it at the roads it intersects. These reasons alone have prevented me from exploring the area, but hopefully I'll try to overcome them!

Stay tuned for more on this great trail and future trip reports!