Explore the HoosierNF backpacking trip

It's time to start back the overnight trips in the HoosierNF, and this first trip will see us exploring around the northern parts of the Hickory Ridge area. This area is fairly easy to navigate bushwacking compared to other areas, and will be the easiest trip. I know this area very well, and will pass by some old homestead sites, wildlife ponds, small rock features and other unique areas We'll be hiking for about 8 to 10 miles each day, pace will remain around 1.25 mph overall with terrain and breaks.
We will also will be hiking roughly two loops, so we will end up setting up camp within a mile or so of the meeting location. That makes a trip back to a vehicle to grab supplies possible, or to drop off gear after breaking camp on day 2.. This hike will still be primarily off trail, so expect some briars, creek crossings, short steep sections and lots of climbing over-ducking under things with a loaded pack. Also ticks will still be present, and since we'll be following deer trails and old roadbeds at times they can be extremely thick. Please wear treated clothes or whatever precautions you can.
We will also be dispersed camping in a small valley, so a small footprint tent or hammock is best. You'll have to clear and make your own pad for your tent, but the valley I've chosen has plenty of small clearings for a pad or two spaced apart as you walk along the creekbed. Temps are always a little cooler overnight when sleeping in valleys, so be prepared to dip a few degrees lower than forecasted temperatures. While this is one of the easier routes, it's still a very challenging trip if you've never backpacked off trail. While pace is slow, walking side hills and uneven terrain, ducking, climbing and going around or through things requires much more work. Also briars trying to trip you, spiderwebs are thicker, constantly walking through branches like a slalom course also lead to slower pacing and more fatigue. But there are also old roadbeds we will follow, large clearings and pretty easy conditions for a majority of the route.