Backpacker Magazine – September 2012

Trail Mix: East

Your region's go-now guide

by: Steve Johnson (Heroes), Nathan Pipenberg (Pack Your Perfect Days), and Rachel Zurer

Tags:
• Destinations
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• Maryland
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• New Hampshire
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• Massachusetts
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• Virginia
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• Rhode Island
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• Alabama
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Hike For Heroes
Give a salute atop New Hampshire’s highest peaks.

Three days after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, six somber hikers summited New Hampshire’s 4,459-foot Mt. Liberty and erected a U.S. flag on a makeshift pole, in tribute to the victims. The patriotic act went viral, and a tradition was born.

Every September since, groups of hikers carry flags to the state’s 48 summits reaching 4,000 feet and above, from Mts. Adams to Zealand, and fly the colors for two hours in remembrance (flags from other countries are welcome as well). “It’s our way as hikers to show that hope and understanding are possible,” says founding hiker Jim Roy.

Bag an easier peak like 4,052-foot Mt. Jackson via the 3.1-mile (one-way) Webster Cliff route (Trip ID 1736083), or if you prefer longer miles and rougher terrain, target the routes up Mt. Isolation (Trip ID 534226) or Allen Mountain. Even non-hikers can participate, via ski lifts or auto roads. Get in on the chest-swelling event this year on September 8; find registration info and hike details at flagsonthe48.org.

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