White Mountain National Forest: Thoreau Falls
Gaze down the barrel of a waterfall and visit a secluded pond on this 10.2-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail.
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Washington, DC: Great Falls LoopThis 4.6-miler runs along steep cliffs to two photogenic overlooks above an impressive waterfall on the Potomac River. Moab, UT: Cameltoe CanyonPut your route-finding skills to the test on this 5-mile trek that ascends rock ledges, skirts slickrock pools, and traverses sandy-bottomed washes. Santa Fe: Enchanted Forest (Winter Route)The snow-draped Enchanted Forest is the backdrop for this 5.3-mile ski or snowshoe trip that offers several overlooks and route options outside Taos. |
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Hondo Canyon (part of Backbone Trail) above Malibu, CA.Submitted by:This is a terrific downhill course offering you great views of Cold Creek Preserve, Malibu Canyon, Las Flores Canyon, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail passes by fossilized impressions of ancient shellfish in several large rocks. When the wildflowers are blooming, this course is fragrant and colorful. |
Quick Escapes: 10 Trails Near Major CitiesThe perfect metro-area trail: close, wild, uncrowded. Here are 10 major city options. 
Vanishing Act: Explore Yellowstone's Northern FringeDisappear into Yellowstone's secret northern fringe, where you'll find a rejuvenated landscape and total solitude (except for the bison and grizzlies). 
The Peak: Mt. Le Conte, TNIt's not the smallest peak in the Smokies, but spend a night on its summit (no tent required), and you'll agree it's the finest. |
Natural Wonders: Freaky Bats, Dry Falls, Winter Witch HazelWashington, Arkansas, and Georgia are host to these three life-list phenomena treks. 
The Wild Edge: Exploring Portland's Forest ParkWhen urban trails blend with raw wilderness, the sum is much greater than the parts. 
Top 3 Battlefield HikesClose your eyes and hear the bullets fly: These three routes pass through parks drenched in United States military history. |
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Adventure Weekends: Luxury Hiking and Camping
We've got a selection of cozy shelters and trail-side restaurants from Washington to Maine. Check out these hikes in the Rockies, the Northeast, and the Northwest.
Hiking The Annapurna Circuit: Q&A With Shannon Davis
Associate editor Shannon Davis tells us more about the highs and lows of his honeymoon trek (featured in March 2009's "The Perfect Circle") on the sky-scraping Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.
American Classic: Hiking the Appalachian Trail
In this ultimate guide to the country's favorite footpath, you'll find our picks for the best hiking and camping, and a complete plan for thru-hikers. Plus, meet a man who has made it his job to help AT hikers.
Mt. Adams: Solitude On Ice
Test your self-arrest skills on Mt. Adams's 12,276-foot fractured glacier.
Hiking Hip Deep in Florida's Swamps
Get your feet (and more) wet on the Florida Trail's best section.
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Gear Lab: Boots Torture Test
Can any hiking boot survive 15 minutes in a cement mixer filled with rocks, sticks, dirt, and bricks? Gear Lab aims to find out.
Gear Lab: Tents Torture Test
Who wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us--so we blasted four top tents with a carwash pressure washer to see which one comes out on top.
Gear Lab: Sleeping Bag Torture Test
Can any sleeping bag survive getting squished by a 4,000-pound car? Find out in this video.
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