Chattanooga, TN: Walls of Jericho
Straddling the Tennessee-Alabama state line, this strenuous 7-mile shuttle explores the headwaters of the Paint Rock River, delving deep into a natural ravine amphitheater.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Balsam Mountain TrailTrek deep into the Smokies on this 23.4-mile weekend trip that traces the North Carolina-Tennessee state line, passing two trail shelters and forests of mossy hardwoods. Seattle, WA: The EnchantmentsTrek through a glacier-carved basin filled with turquoise lakes and jagged peaks on this challenging, 22.2-mile backpacking trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. North Cascades National Park: Stehekin to Moore Point via Chelan Lakeshore TrailThis lifelist trip packs in two adventures: an outrageously scenic ferry ride and a remote 14-mile out-and-back hike in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. |
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Lake Mead Recreation Area, NV: Historic Railroad TrailSubmitted by:Explore the original railway line used to build the Hoover Dam, on this 8-mile out-and-back cut deep into the Aztec Sandstone Mountains of southeastern Nevada. |
The Changing MountainThe following is adapted from Northwest editor Michael Lanzas new book, Before Theyre Gone: A Familys Year-Long Quest to Explore Americas Most Endangered National Parks ($24.95, beacon.org, TheBigOutside.com). 
Hiking Switzerland: Around the Alps in 80 DaysWell, maybe 105. But who's counting? Contributing editor John Harlin defies conventional wisdom with a 1,400-mile circumnavigation of this mountainous kingdom. |
Died and Gone to New ZealandHiker heaven, redefined, is a month-long hike/paddle/camp in Adventureland. 
Kids, Camping, and Abuse: A Q&A with Tracy RossContributing editor Tracy Ross talks about the aftermath of publishing her abuse memoir, The Source of All Things, which originated as a BACKPACKER feature story and is now available in paperback. 
America's Newest Long TrailDon't have time to hike all 1,200 miles of the Pacific Northwest Trail? No worries: Our scout pinpointed the finest two-week stretch. |
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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
Editors' Choice 2012: Feathered Friends Spoonbill Sleeping Bag
A cozy bag for two
Editors' Choice 2012: Hungry Hikers Murray's Hurried Curry
Beat the backcountry blahs with this aromatic curry dish
Editors' Choice 2012: L.L.Bean Microlight FS 2 Tent
An ultralight tent for two that's under two hundred bucks.
International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.
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