Greetings From Ohio

I am from the Northwest Ohio area. There is no backpacking around here at all. There's not too many hiking trails or state parks either. I have little experience backpacking. I have day hiked all over the country in quite a few National Parks, but have only backpacked overnight (or longer) three times. (Colorado, Washington and the U.P. of Michigan) Those were all over 5 years ago (I have 3 children under 6yrs old) My outdoor activities consist of overnight car camping and day hikes for now. I have also hunted since I was very young. I am also into bushcraft and I love all things sharp.

Welcome - southwest Ohio, here. Mostly, I have to go to southeast Ohio or central/south Kentucky, or a couple of pockets in Indiana. Anything across the line in Pennsylvania?

Ive heard that the Allegheny National Forest (and surrounding areas) just east of Cleveland is beatiful and full of trails

It is not true that there are no backpacking trails in Ohio. I have not backpacked in Ohio but I know that there is the North Country Trail and the Buckeye Trail and several state parks and national and state forests. Google Ohio Backpacking and you will find more. First Google hit=

http://www.backpackohio.com/

We've even got a 40 mile loop just outside Dayton, the Twin Valley Trail (headed there this weekend for an annual "winter" trip - 2 years ago, it hit zero with snow on the ground; this year, the low is predicted at 48. Welcome to the Buckeye State.)

Welcome. I love car camping and day hikes! It is great that you introduce your kids to camping from a young age. Hopefully they will be backpacking with you some day! Maybe you will enjoy this article: http://ezinearticles.com/?Family-Camping-Adventures&id=7366255

The BT looks great and comes pretty close to where I live. Gonna have to check it out in the Spring with my boys. Whereabouts in MI are ya?