⛰️Tier 1: Backpacking
Hoosier National Forest, Indiana
“Indiana's only federal wilderness”
Year
2027
Cost
$150
Ages
12-17
Duration
4-5 days
Overview
Charles C. Deam Wilderness, IN • Spring (May) or Fall (September-October)
Navigate Indiana's Charles C. Deam Wilderness with fewer trail markers and more self-reliance required. Harder than Red River Gorge in some ways - prove you can handle wilderness in your own backyard.
What Makes This Special
- •Indiana's only federally designated wilderness
- •Advanced navigation with less-marked trails
- •Monroe Lake shoreline views
- •True solitude and self-reliance
Skills You'll Develop
Advanced navigation with topographic maps
Off-trail route finding
Self-reliance in less-traveled areas
Water source scarcity management
Patrol-led planning and execution
Spring or Fall?
Spring
- ✓Water sources full in a wilderness known for scarcity
- ✓Lush late-spring green through the hardwoods
- ⚠Deam's tick population in May is notorious
- ⚠Humidity already climbing toward summer levels
- ⚠Muddy, horse-churned trail sections
Fall
Best Pick- ✓Ticks and humidity are gone
- ✓Crisp hiking weather for big navigation days
- ✓Fall color over the Monroe Lake shoreline
- ⚠Water scarcity is real after a dry summer — carry extra capacity
- ⚠Archery deer season opens October 1 — blaze orange required
Our call — Fall: September beats the ticks and the humidity; just plan the water carries carefully.
Requirements
- ✓Complete Orientation Challenge
- ✓Pass fitness test: 5-mile hike with 25lb pack in under 2.5 hours
- ✓Attend 3+ troop meetings and 1+ skills training weekend
Fitness Test:
5-mile hike with 25lb pack in under 2.5 hours
Difficulty Level
ChallengingSeason
Spring (May) or Fall (September-October)