Appalachian Trail: Lovers Leap Loop
Sample a classic stretch of the Appalachian Trail on this 11.5-mile route around a 1,000-foot gorge, with overlooks and eye-candy vistas of the Smokies.
| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
|
|
Appalachian Trail: VT 11 to Brooklyn RoadSwimming is not a common word on the AT, but a highlight on this 16.5-mile hike at Griffith Lake. There is a fun rock scramble on Baker Peak too. San Diego: Monument Hill-Vernal Pools LoopThis 9.8-miler reveals the hard-knock life of the West--an old cowboy camp with jailhouse. Also, check out the rare shrimp in seasonal pools. Appalachian Trail: NY 301 to NY 52Postcard-worthy views are plentiful during this 11.2-mile stretch. Bring your camera and snap panoramas overlooking Canopus Lake, the Hudson River Valley, and the Fishkill Plains. |
|
|
Portland, OR: Larch Mountain AscentSubmitted by:Escape urban Portland streets to the Cascade Mountains, and gain 4,000 feet of elevation in the process. Lake Tahoe, CA: Ebbetts PassSubmitted by:Chase the Carson River up hairpin turns to far-reaching views of the High Sierra on this metric century out-and-back to Ebbetts Pass. |
Print & Go: Ape Canyon, Mt. St. Helens National MonumentTraverse the eastern flanks of the most active volcano in the Cascades on this 11.3-mile (round-trip) dayhike in Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. You'll encounter tufts of vibrant wildflowers and postcard views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams. 
Print & Go: Heart Lake and Mt. Sheridan, Yellowstone NPExperience the rugged side of Yellowstone on this two-day, 23.1-mile backpack. You'll track past steaming creeks and old-growth lodgepole on the way to a campsite near Heart Lake's rocky shoreline. On day two, rise early for the 2,800-foot climb to Mt. Sheridan's 10,308-foot crown. 
Print & Go: Enchanted Rock Loop, Enchanted Rock State Park, Austin, TXCircumnavigate a 425-foot-tall pink granite monolith on this 4.9-miler, which crosses a sandy creek and cruises classic Texas Hill Country west of Austin. Spur trails to Moss Lake (backcountry campsites available) and the summit are short and worthwhile. |
Tahoe Rim Trail: Above it AllOn a thru-hike of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, two brothers get some perspective - on America's largest alpine lake, and each other.
Print & Go Weekend Trip PlannersFree Print & Go PDFs give you turn-by-turn trail instructions and photos embedded on a usable topo map. Also: Gear checklists, driving directions, and geo-references for finding the nearest campground, restaurant, gas station, and grocery store. |
Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.
Life's Short, Hike More!
What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.
Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail
The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.
Secret Hikes: Glacier National Park
Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit.
Secret Hikes: Grand Canyon National Park
Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.
Secret Hikes: Grand Teton National Park
Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.
MASTER YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERTISE WITH OUR TIPS
Trail Chef: No-Burn Backcountry Fondue
Chocolate fondue for the backcountry that's mess-free and delicious.
Trail Chef: How To Bake Cake...In An Orange
Use this fun and fruity backcountry recipe to make a tasty dessert that the kids (and you) will love
Grand Canyon Challenge: Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim
Don't try this at home: See BACKPACKER's editor-in-chief's gonzo 21-hour hike with a friend into the Grand Canyon, rim-to-rim-to-rim.
National Parks Hall of Fame
The best videos, photos, and beta from 
Denali to the Smokies.
GearFinder
Find all the outdoor equipment you need. 
Photo & Video Center
Essential gear, instruction, and more.
GPS Trails App for iPhone & Android
Locate, research, plan, and save trips on your smartphone.
