I am from the plains of Indiana, flat and endless. I have had the pleasure of hiking many a rugged trail in the areas in or around my Hoosier homeland (Turkey Run, Hocking Hills, Tahquamenon Falls, Great Smokey Mountains), but it was only in the latter of that list that I truly felt like I was "out there" in nature. Those previous experiences I'm grateful for, but they were with others who appreciated shorter, 5-10 mile hikes. I am looking for my first camping/backpacking experience, and solo at that so I can immerse myself to the fullest. I am struggling to select my destination and ask the backpacking/hiking vets of Reddit for your recommendations. Here is my "wish list":

Rugged/mountainous terrain: I'm a sucker for elevation, steps, rock, etc.

Water features: waterfalls and/or creeks along a trail are a plus

Timeline: NOW! As in in the next week or so!…