Welcome! I live in Ohio, and backpack in the Ohio/Indiana/Kentucky area; there are some nice places there that aren't too hateful a drive: Mammoth Cave National Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Great South Fork NRRA, and the Sheltowee Trace in Kentucky, Shades State Park, Deam Wilderness, and the Knobstone Trail in southern Indiana; most of Ohio's good backpacking is in southeastern Ohio, which is a stretch from northern Illinois. I don't know if it counts as being "in" the UP, but don't forget to visit Isle Royale National Park, if you haven't done so yet. Been there twice - two best trips ever (and that includes Shenandoah NP and the Grayson Highlands, both along the AT.

So, where do you backpack in the UP?