| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
all hikes
Acadia National Park: Mountain Carriage Loop
This old 11.1-mile carriage loop is a family-friendly adventure complete with lakes, streams, easy walking, and beautiful ocean vistas. Open to cyclists and hikers.
Albuquerque: Atalaya Trail
This challenging 5.8-mile hike climbs through pinon scrub and rust-red ponderosa pine before topping out 2,000 feet above Santa Fe's adobe sprawl.
Albuquerque: Pino Trail
This 11.2-mile trek runs through a sweet high-desert canyon, connecting stark cactus country and pretty fir highlands. Pack extra water for this dry hike.
All of Butano State Park
Hike a piece of almost every trail in Butano with this beautiful day hike or easy over night adventure.
Asheville: Old Butt Knob-Shining Rock Trails
Climb knobby ridges to the white quartz cap of Shining Rock, then follow a pristine stream back to your car on this arduous 7.8-mile loop.
Atlanta: Arkaquah Trail
First, check out the petroglyphs; then climb 2,500 feet to the state high point on this popular 11.6-mile out-and-back in Chattahoochee National Forest.
Atlanta: Coosa Backcountry Trail
This strenuous 11.3-mile loop offers a bit of everything--rugged summits, challenging trails, dense woodlands, mountain streams, remote campsites, and heaps of solitude.
Atlanta: Coosa Backcountry Trail
This strenuous 11.3-mile loop offers a bit of everything--rugged summits, challenging trails, dense woodlands, mountain streams, remote campsites, and heaps of solitude.
Atlanta: Dockery Lake Trail
Walk 6.8 miles out and back on a rocky singletrack path into an intimate ravine streaming with cold, blue mountain waters. The hike ends at a quiet Appalachian high point.
Atlanta: Flat Creek Loop
This lovely 5.4-mile loop shaded by oaks, pines, and birches leads to the rushing headwaters of Flat Creek in Chattahoochee National Forest.
Atlanta: Penitentiary Branch Trail
Nestled in a quiet corner of the Cohutta Wilderness, this 10.2-mile out-and-back features giant hardwood stands, waterfalls, and a remote mountain campsite.
Atlanta: Penitentiary Branch Trail
Nestled in a quiet corner of the Cohutta Wilderness, this 10.2-mile out-and-back features giant hardwood stands, waterfalls, and a remote mountain campsite.
Atlanta: Wagon Train Trail
Stand on top of the Peach State on this 13-mile out-and-back under mixed second-growth forest to the bare high point of Brasstown Bald.
Atlanta: Yellow Mountain Trail
Discover solitude again on this quiet, mostly forested 6.4-mile trek up a wrinkled Appalachian mountain to a delightful babbling brook. Bring tree ID book.
Austin: Lost Pines Hiking Trail
This 7-mile circuit offers a Texas treasure: a chance to hike and camp under an isolated stand of loblolly pines where countless birds nest and sing. Bring a bird ID book.
BONANZA PEAK WASHINGTON CASCADES
AN EARLY SEASON SUMMIT ATTEMPT ON THE HIGHEST NON-VOLCANIC PEAK IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON....BONANZA PEAK 9511' yOU TUBE KEYWORD(>BONANZA PEAK)(2,899m)VIA THE EAST FACE RATED:4-5.0 GRADED III
Ballona Creek
The Ballona Wetlands Ecosystem is the last open space of nature in the Los Angeles basin. Ballona (and Centinela creek) before they reach the preserved 600-acre Ballona Ecological Reserve and the Santa Monica Bay are not only ecologically important; but it is financially viable for local government to maintain.
Baltimore: Upper Loch Raven Reservoir
Breathe easy on this hilly 6.8-mile out-and-back to the calm banks of the Upper Loch Raven Reservoir, a beautiful waterscape just north of the city.
Big Bend National Park: Mesa de Anguila
A 24-miler in the the Big Bend's remote west corner.
Big Bend National Park: Outer Loop Trail
From the Chisos Mountains to the Chihuahuan Desert, this 3- or 4-day hike samples it all.
Big Bend National Park: South Rim via Pinnacles
Hike across twisted, tortured landscape on this 11.2-mile overnighter through the High Chisos Mountains to the South Rim escarpment. Bring plenty of water; this is dry country.
Birmingham: Land Trust Loop
Explore seasonal waterfalls, mellow woods, and a large quarry on this moderate 4.5-mile loop along the relatively steep flanks of Monte Sano Mountain.
Boston: Falling Waters-Old Bridal Path
Climb past cascading waterfalls, alongside rocky ledges, and over three exposed summits on this 7.8-mile loop, which offers some of the best views in the White Mountains.
Boston: Mt. Monadnock Loop
Hike 4.6 miles up the quieter, less-traveled west side on one of the mountain's oldest trails, alternating between forested scrambles, old streambeds, and exposed rock ledges.
Boston: Skyline Trail to Cross Fells Loop
This 12.1-mile loop skirts five reservoirs, cuts through forests of oak, hemlock, and birch, and gains 2,600 feet of elevation in 2,060-acre Middlesex Fells Reservation.
Caprock Canyon Trailway
Caprock Canyons State Park, 100 miles southeast of Amarillo in Briscoe County, was opened in 1982. It consists of 15,313.6 acres (including the Trailway, a 64.25 mile Rail-to-Trail conversion, acquired by donation in 1992 from a Railroad entrepreneur).
Channel Islands National Park: Lobo Canyon Trail
Discover ancient archaeology and island isolation (playful sea lions excepted) on this 5.2-mile loop through Santa Rosa's steep canyons and sandy beaches.
Charlottesville: Three Ridges Loop
Enjoy a quiet weekend on this 12.3-mile loop to creekside campsites, a sea of mountains, and an excellent waterfall in the 4,608-acre Three Ridges Wilderness.
Chattanooga: Chickamauga CreekTrail
This 5.6-mile loop climbs the woody spine of Dick's Ridge, then meanders along a twisting mountain stream in a hilly section of Chattahoochee National Forest.
Chattanooga: Taylor Ridge Trail
Amble 5.2 miles on this easy out-and-back along an ancient weathered ridgeline with views of the broad valley below and the Tennesee border in the distance.
Chattanooga: West Rim Loop
This easy 4-mile loop plunges you into a deep canyon to view high waterfalls, then skirts up the canyon rim, passing impressive overlooks in Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Cheyenne: Gap Lakes to Lost Lake Loop
Hike to more than 9 lakes beneath the stark peaks of the Snowy Range on this 6.5-mile loop. You'll have countless chances to catch native trout or take breathtaking photos.
Cheyenne: Sheep Mountain
Roam 6.8 miles mostly off-trail along elk and mule deer trails to undulating granite ridgelines that offer numerous picture-perfect views of the plains and Rocky Mountains.
Chicago: Glacial Park Conservation Area
This 4.1-mile hike exposes the wilder side of northern Illinois, an untouched 3,000-acre tract filled with wildlife and a gravel cone formed by an ancient stream.
Chicago: Swallow Cliffs
Enjoy the views and solitude of this 9.6 mile out-and-back trek through wind and water-scoured ravines to glacier-carved moraines in southeast Chicago.
Colorado 14ers: Kit Carson Peak
Knock off two thrilling 14ers on this strenuous 11.2-mile, out-and-back adventure in Colorado's rugged Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Also makes a great overnight.
Colorado Springs: Palmer Lake to Cap Rock
Quiet rules on this mostly off-trail, 5.1-mile scramble up a boulder strewn canyon to a gnarly rocky crown with panoramic mountain views in Pike National Forest.
Columbus, OH: North Zaleski Loop
Dare to hike here: On his 18.4-mile overnight, you'll pass vacant mines and farms to enter land allegedly guarded by a ghostly brakeman.
Columbus, OH: Old Mans Cave Loop
This beautiful 5.1-mile loop in Hocking Hills State Park runs along a tight sandstone gorge to waterfalls, caves, and funky rock formations.
Dallas: Knob Hill Trail
Hike a shadowy creek bottom to carpets of sweet-smelling Texas wildflowers on this 9.6-mile out-and-back featuring a smorgasbord of wild sights. Open to bikes.
Denver: Heil Valley Ranch
Hike or ride smooth singletrack on this 7.2-mile lasso-loop, which climbs gently through rich scrubland and ponderosa forest to a killer mountainside overlook.
Des Moines: Cedar River Greenbelt Trail
Hear the deep calls of trumpeter swans on this 7.8-mile hike along a wild river corridor to limestone cliffs, prairies, and wooded hills where coyotes, deer, and turkey roam.
Des Moines: Jester Park Lake Shore Route
This great 5-mile lasso-loop links up several trails and is the best way to explore the NW end of Saylorville Lake.
Flat Tops - west loop Wall Lake
This 17 mile loop starts through a burn up to the rim, then around the central canyon near tree-line off trail, ending (the difficult way we went) with a bushwhacking descent down a burned drainage to the canyon floor.
Glacier National Park: Five Pass-Red Eagle Loop
This strenuous 54.8-mile, 6-day loop follows a historic abandoned trail across the true crown of the continent.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Cha Canyon
This narrow sandstone wonderland is a gateway to unlimited off-the-grid backpacking near Navajo Mountain.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Gunsight Canyon
Pack a rope and lots of water for Gunsight Canyon, because this parched southern Utah slot requires immediate rappel down a narrow pour-over.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Ticaboo Creek
This hike explores a network of canyon forks anchored by scenic and isolated camping and reliable water sources in central Ticaboo Creek.
Grand Canyon National Park: Royal Arch Loop
Pack two days' worth of water and dive off the South Rim on this 4- or 5-day, 34-mile trip in the Grand Canyon.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park: Spence Field Loop
Wander from bubbling cascades to scenic balds to wide ridgelines to old-growth forest on this classic 12.5-mile, 2-day loop in the shadow of several 5,000-foot peaks.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park: Spence Field Loop
Wander from bubbling cascades to scenic balds to wide ridgelines to old-growth forest on this classic 12.5-mile, 2-day loop in the shadow of several 5,000-foot peaks.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Deep Creek Loop Trail
This moderate 5.5-mile loop on the eastern boundary of the Smokies combines stellar woodland hiking with superb waterfall exploration.
Greensboro: Mayo River
This 10.2-mile kayak or canoe trip starts out with a big rush over Class III rapids, then runs a mellow river lined with hardwoods rich with waterfowl and wildlife.
Hondo Canyon (part of Backbone Trail) above Malibu, CA.
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.
Horseshoe Meadow to Cottonwood Lakes Via Rocky Basin Lakes
Great 3 or 4 day hike with lots of variety in scenery.
Houston: Four C Trail
Cross rolling hills and recovering woodlands on this 13.4-mile, one-way backpacking trip through a sweet slice of East Texas wilderness.
Ice Age Trail - Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest
Hike though open prairies and oak forests as you travel 30 miles along the terminal moraine left behind from retreating glaciers approximately 10,000 years ago. Plan a three day hike to observe the many State Natural Areas that border the trail.
Isle Royale National Park: McCargoe Cove to Rock Harbor
Camp on sandy beaches, explore untouched forests, and listen to gray wolves howl on this 16.2-mile hike on an isolated island in Lake Superior.
Jacksonville: Suwanne River Trail
Hike easy on a rolling 4.5-mile loop through bluffs and ravines to an oak hammock above this gorgeous riverway in northern Florida.
Kettle Moraine St. Park (South Unit)
1 night overnight backpacking trip in Kettle Moraine St Park
Killarney Provincial Park, LaCloche Silhouette Trail - Ontario
Killarney Provincial Park has some of the best hiking Ontario has to offer. With a 100km long Backpacking trail, hikers can expect to spend as much as 5 to 10 days here. There are also numurous day hiking trails in the area.
Knoxville: Honey Creek Loop
Squeeze through house-sized boulders and pass tranquil waterfalls on this 4.6-miler in the rugged highlands of the Big South Fork River.
Las Vegas: Grand Circle Loop
Escape the glitter and gridlock of the Strip on this 11.7-mile loop, which cuts across open desert to explore contorted rock figures and massive red-rock cliffs.
Little Rock: Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls via Buffalo National River
Paddle the Buffalo National River into a narrow valley pinched by steep rock walls, then hike up to the largest waterfall in the Midwest on this 9.9-mile trip.
Little Rock: White Rock-Shores Lake Loop
Embark on an 11.8-mile loop into the Ozark Mountains with haunted hollows and undulating ridgelines bearded in oak and rare views of the Arkansas Valley. Best hiked in fall or spring.
Los Angeles: Bolsa Chica Wetlands Loop
This 5-mile loop meanders along coastal bluffs and into wetlands in the heart of one of the finest birding spots in the United States.
Los Angeles: Crystal Cove State Beach
Trace the rugged, uninhabited coastline of Crystal Cove on this 5.2-mile out-and-back to sunbleached bluffs, swirling tidal pools, and a deserted settlement of old beach villas.
Los Angeles: Eagle Rock Loop
A scattering of rocky outcrops, with their big sky views, offers a surprisingly wild haven within the city limits on this 6.7-mile, figure-8 loop in Topanga State Park.
Los Angeles: Fryman Canyon Loop
This 5-mile loop winds through an undisturbed swath of parkland to babbling creeks and fine views across the San Fernando Valley to the San Gabriel Mountains.
Los Angeles: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
This 6.6-mile dayhike in Orange Country features scenic ridgelines and lush wooded canyons.
Los Angeles: Mount Bliss
Don't be fooled by the name--this 9.3-mile out-and-back climbs more than 3,000 feet. But it rewards hikers with some of the most spectacular views in the LA foothills.
Los Angeles: Nicholas Flat
This 7.3-mile loop leads to photo-worthy views of the colorful Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, then enters a highland meadow to a tranquil pond.
Los Angeles: Parker Mesa
Hike, run, or bike this moderate 6.2-mile out-and-back, which follows a scenic, rolling ridgeline to a boot-shaped mesa with a stunning ocean vista.
Los Angeles: Peters Canyon Regional Park
Escape gridlock on this quick and easy 5.6-mile getaway along a peaceful reservoir with eucalyptus groves and views over Orange County.
Los Angeles: Point Dume Nature Preserve
This out-and-back beach hike climbs over Point Dume to a coastline littered with tidepools. Tip: Bring snorkel gear and plenty of drinking water.
Los Angeles: Poppy Reserve
This 5.2-mile desert hike is great any time, but spectacular in spring when the Antelope Buttes bloom with native grasses and fire-orange poppies, the California state flower.
Los Angeles: Portuguese Bend
Amazing views of Catalina Island and Abalone Cove unfold right from the start of this 5.2-mile hike. Minutes from metro L.A., this quiet wildland is also home to red-tailed hawks.
Los Angeles: Rancho Nuevo Trail-Deal Trail
Squeezed into the extremely rugged landscape of Dick Smith Wilderness, this 5-mile out-and-back features great streamside camping and plenty of solitude.
Los Angeles: Santa Ynez Falls
This 4.6-mile canyon hike features chilly mountain pools, several beautiful waterfalls, and slim sandstone cliffs set in a cool oasis of lush oak and sycamore forests.
Los Angeles: Sullivan Ridge Loop
Savor sunny views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean, then descend to a cool creek under the pleasant shade of sycamore trees on this 8.9-mile canyon loop.
Los Angeles: Telegraph Canyon via Diemer Trial
Cross a rolling ridgeline with great views of Orange County before descending down into the beautiful sycamore-, manzanita-, maple-, and wild zucchini-filled Telegraph Canyon.
Los Angeles: Temescal Canyon Loop
Get the best of two worlds--high ridgeline views and intimate canyon settings--on this moderate 4.8-mile trek in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Los Angeles: Tongva Peak
Hike 6 miles to an island of green space nestled in L.A.'s suburbs, then climb steeply to panoramic views of the nearby San Gabriel mountains and the Hollywood Hills.
Los Angeles: Vulture Crags
Jagged sandstone cliffs, glorious wildflowers, and deep canyons seem endless on this 9-mile out-and-back ridgeline run in Cleveland National Forest.
Mammoth Lakes, CA: Sadler Lake
Escape Yosemite Valley crowds on this 21.2-mile, multiday trek to glacial cirques and turquoise lakes deep in the wilds of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Memphis: Chickasaw Bluff
Stay found on this scantily marked 7.7-miler into hardwood forests and bird-filled swamps. This one-way trek ends at Poplar Lake in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.
Minneapolis: Eagle Point Lake
This 3.5-mile circuit explores a lakeside community of marshlands, meadows, and spotted forests rich in wildlife and intimate picnic spots.
Moab, UT: Fisher Towers
This short hike threads through a hoodoo-filled climbing mecca with outrageous scenery and countless sidetrip options.
Montpelier: Cotton Brook Loop
At 9.9 miles, this multi-use loop gently climbs an old logging road crisscrossing Cotton Brook, then moves up the banks of a reservoir with dramatic views of the Worcester Range.
Montpelier: Mount Moosalamoo
Passing through a mature hardwood forest, this 6.2-mile out-and-back contours gradually up Mt. Moosalamoo for fine views of the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, and Lake Dunmore.
Morgantown: Breathed Mountain Loop
This 16.2-mile overnighter in Dolly Sods Wilderness traverses a wild, isolated land more like northern Canada than the forests of West Virginia.
Morgantown: Otter Creek Trail
Chug 6.2 miles along an old railroad scar and a lively creek to a wetland glade bustling with wildlife and birds in Monongahela National Forest.
New York City: Burnham Hollow to McKenley Hollow
This 14-mile shuttle hike winds tranquil wooded slopes to five peaks over 3,400 feet in a remote section of the Catskills. Off-trail experience and navigation skills required.
New York City: Doubletop Mountain
Escape the crowds on the Catskill High Peaks with this 5.6-mile bushwhack to the range's highest trailless summit. Compass skills required; hiking poles recommended.
New York City: Fingerboard-Tiorati Loop
Hike a section of America's first National Scenic Trail on this 23.2-mile, 3-day loop around Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.
New York City: Kaaterskill High Peak
Hike 9.2 miles to a picturesque peak loved by Hudson Valley painters like Thomas Cole. This lasso loop passes two plane wrecks and provides unmatched views of the Catskills.
New York City: Long Path Loop
Tour the less-crowded NW quad of Harriman State Park on this 18.8-mile uber dayhike or moderate weekend trip.
New York City: Neversink Loop
This 12-mile loop in Slide Mountain Wilderness connects popular trails with a rough route to secluded campsites and trail-less peaks near the headwaters of the Neversink River.
New York City: Popolopen Gorge Trail
Visit a lesser-known treasure of Harriman State Park on this 5.7-mile jaunt, which contours through hilly hardwood forest and along cascading creeks to a few peaceful ponds.
New York City: Stony Brook-Rampano Torne Loop
This hilly 7.2-mile circuit visits the best vistas in southern Harriman State Park, including views of the NYC skyline, after a fine start along one of the area's prettiest streams.
Onion Valley to Horseshoe Meadows
We are planning this trip for June 2009 anyone intrested is more than welcome to contact me at brian@backpackeroven.com
Pacific Crest Trail: OR Section 8
Editor's Note: Wildfires forced our map contributor to abandon the PCT and jump ahead to the next section. We hope to collect details on this 57-mile section soon.
Pecos Wilderness Traverse
Got a week? Step into the Pecos Wilderness and experience
Philadelphia: Appalachian Trail-South of 309
Most of this easy 7-mile hike passes under a tree-shaded ridgeline that insulates dayhikers from the outside world.
Philadelphia: Pinnacle and Pulpit Rocks
This sometimes-steep 6.8-mile loop climbs hillsides carpeted with mountain laurel and hardwoods to two sweeping vistas overlooking the Lehigh and Cumberland Valleys.
Phoenix: Bear Mountain Trail
This rugged 4.6-mile hike climbs 1,800 feet and delivers excellent vistas over the Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness and the Verde Valley.
Phoenix: Blodgett Basin Trail
This little-used trail plunges 1,700 feet through wildflower country to a cool reward by West Clear Creek. Watch for cairns on this 6.8-mile hike to avoid involuntary bushwhacks.
Phoenix: Brins Mesa Trail
Veer off this popular trail on a scenic detour with elevated views of impressive rock formations and beautiful Oak Creek Canyon. This out-and-back variation runs 6.7 miles.
Portland: Mary Young State Park
Home to a 9-foot Sasquatch, or just apretty bit of forest solitude along the Willamette River? Some think the former, but you'll definitely find the latter on this 3.8-mile trek.
Portland: Old Salmon River Trail
Hike along a renowned Salmon River on this 5-mile trip through a moss-covered virgin forest to salmon spawning pools, whitewater drops, and hollowed out Douglas firs large enough to resemble caves.
Portland: Old Salmon River Trail 742A
Hike along a renowned Salmon River on this 5-mile trip through a moss-covered virgin forest to salmon spawning pools, whitewater drops, and hollowed out Douglas firs large enough to resemble caves.
Portland: West Linn Wilderness Trail
Hike or run 3 miles into a thick forest of pines, ferns, and firs within The Nature Conservancy's Wilderness Park, which is nestled on the suburban outskirts of the city.
Raleigh: Dutchmans Creek Trail
Trek along a chain of ancient volcanoes to pristine mountain creeks and an old gold mine on this 14.4-mile, 2-day hike in Uwharrie National Forest.
Raleigh: Uwharrie National Recreation Trail
This 19.3-mile, 2- to 3-day backpacking trip follows an old trapper's route to pleasant streams, old volcanic peaks, and the wooded digs of numerous wildlife.
Redding: Albert Lakes via PCT
This 9.6-mile overnight in the Russian Wilderness is pine-studded, alpine lake-riddled, and in-your-dreams beautiful.
Redding: Alphabet Lakes
Basecamp in a rarely visited basin and take daytrips to several alpine lakes with stunning views on this 17.2-mile, long-weekend backpacking trip.
Reno: Arc Dome Loop
This 22-mile Toiyabe Range loop offers a front-row vantage of vibrant aspen glades, crowdless peaks, and the frozen-wave geography of central Nevada.
Revelation Mountains: Stony River Loop
You'll need multisport skills to scramble, glacier-trek, and paddle through these rarely seen towers.
Richmond: Beaver Lake Trail
Flee summer's heat spells on this relaxing 2-mile loop around a breezy lake in Pocahontas State Park, which is just a few minutes by car from downtown.
Sacramento: Pinecrest Lake Loop
Giant stands of ponderosa pine alternate with patches of wildflowers along the rugged shorelines of Pinecrest and Catfish lakes on this isolated 5.9-mile loop.
Salt Lake City: Sunset Peak
This 5.2-mile out-and-back threads through a pristine alpine landscape with abundant streams, lakes, and wildlife on its way to a 10,650-foot peak in Wasatch National Forest.
San Bernardino: Deep Creek Hot Springs
Take this lesser-known, 6-mile route to the famous Deep Creek hot springs. Go on a weekday for more seclusion.
San Diego: Pacific Crest Trail (Long Canyon)
This aggressive 20.2-mile loop snakes past canyon walls and up aggressive ridgelines to stellar views of the Laguna Mountains and beyond.
San Francisco: Hazelnut Loop
This easy 4.2-mile loop is the perfect sunset hike, thanks to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for foraging rabbits and deer.
San Francisco: San Bruno Mountain Loop
Hike 3.8 miles through a quiet oasis of undulating hills to a 1,076-foot summit overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Bay Area. Bonus: Trailhead is less than 9 miles from city center.
San Francisco: Wilder Ranch Loop
This 7.6-mile loop stitches together windswept coastline bluffs with the steep and quiet foothills of Santa Cruz County. Open to hikers and mountain bikers.
San Franscisco: Coyote Hills
This easy 6.2-mile loop links lush marshland with ancient mountains--now small weathered hills--that were once islands before river sediment filled in the channel.
Santa Fe: Santa Fe Baldy
Knock off two Santa Fe must-dos--Lake Katherine, the most beautiful lake in NM, and illustrious Santa Fe Baldy—in one long day on this strenuous 15.4-mile out-and-back.
Savage Gulf
Gorgeous views; difficult climb to campsite; nice, airy campsite on ridge overlooking gulf
Seattle, WA: Heather Lake
Explore 4.4 miles through old growth timber to a glacier-carved lake on this family-friendly hike in the Cascade Mountains.
Seattle: Cashmere Mountain
Set aside 2 days to explore the Wenatchee Mountains on this 16-mile out-and-back, which features alpine lakes, glacier-draped peaks, and lots of solitude.
Seattle: Esmeralda Basin Trail to Fortune Creek Pass
Climb to a pass high in the Wenatchee Mountains with colorful wildflower meadows, campsites, and eye-candy panoramas on this 5.4-mile out-and-back.
Seattle: Far Country Lookout
Only minutes from downtown, this easy 4-mile hike into the Issaquah Alps passes near a charming waterfall en route to a memorable view of greater Seattle and the Olympics.
Seattle: Iron Goat Trail
Trace the abandoned Great Northern Railroad to remarkable stone tunnels, collapsed avalanche sheds, and super views of the Cascades on this 12.2-mile, out-and-back historical hike.
Seattle: Kachess Lake Trail
Solitude rules on this 9.4-mile out-and-back hike along Little Kachess Lake to rock gardens ablaze with wildflowers,giant green forests, and a quiet lakeside hideout.
Seattle: McClellan Butte
The 4.3-mile climb to McClellan Butte is steep and rugged, but the payoff on top of this strikingly sharp summit is nothing short of spectacular. Wear sturdy boots for extra support.
Seattle: North Fork Taneum Creek Trail
Hike 8.6 miles along a rippling creek and past high cliff walls to pockets of old-growth forest, birding hotspots, and a bonanza of wildflower patches.
Seattle: Surprise Lake Loop
See a remote part of the Goat Rocks Wilderness on this 16.8-mile loop, which passes a fine array of giant fir, Alaskan yellow cedar, and a smattering of larches.
Shenandoah National Park: Hazel Mountain
This 9.6-mile hike into a narrow wooded valley passes through old settler farmlands, impressive waterfalls, and mountain overlooks to a quiet creekside lunch spot.
Shenandoah National Park: Little Hogback to Overall Run Falls
Take this 8.8-mile out-and-back dayhike or overnight to escape high-season crowds; it stitches together a lesser-known route leading to a photo-worthy waterfall.
Shenandoah National Park: Moormans River
This 4.2-mile out-and-back hike is a local's favorite, climbing gently from the flood-torn banks of the Moormans River to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park.
Shenandoah National Park: Whiteoak Canyon
This 6.6-mile out-and-back canyon hike is fantastically verdant and loaded with glistening cascades, including the park's second highest waterfall.
Shenandoah National Park: Whiteoak Canyon Trail
This 6.6-mile, out-and-back canyon hike takes you through fantastically verdant terrain loaded with glistening cascades, including the park's second highest waterfall.
Sia Pass
This city day hike offers spectacular views from the northwest of the greater Las Vegas Valley.
South Mountains State Park - Murray Branch
12 mile out and back hike in South Mountains State Park.
St. Louis: Dark Hollow
This remote valley in Mark Twain National Forest is often overlooked, but it's a great escape for hikers willing to bushwhack along and through its streams to huge granite walls.
Summiting Huron Peak
Huron is one of the Colorado 14ers. It's not as hard as some of the others, but it will get your heart pumping.
TableRock
Table Rock Picnic Area is part of the Linville Gorge Wilderness. This steep sided gorge is a great destination for an overnight or multi-day trip.
Talkeetna Mountains: Independence Pass-Bomber Pass
Glaciers, high passes, and pristine tundra highlight this intermediate hike.
Tallahasse: Marsh Islands Trail to Sandhill Trail
This lightly traveled 9.4-mile trail strings together sawgrass marshlands, sandhill flats, and thick forests on its way to sweeping views overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Trapper Lake - Grand Teton NP - Wyoming
Fantistic trip for scenery and solitude. Great for family or couple hikes. Easy hike in for an overnight trip.
Tulsa: Horse Thief Springs Loop
Cut through the towering pines of Holson Valley to the rocky shelf of Winding Stair Mountain on this 12.8-mile dayhike or overnight in the Ouachitas. Primitive camping allowed.
Tulsa: Reading-Spy Rock Loop
Solitude is easy to find in the Ozarks, and this 6.6-mile loop is no exception. Tackle this hike, which features forest, river, and bluff views in one day or camp out for the weekend.
Washington, DC: Wild Oak Loop
Find your inner hermit on this 26.3-mile loop in George Washington National Forest, complete with endless scenery, heaps of wildlife, and oh-so-quiet campsites.
Watersmeet, MI: Clark Lake
This 8.2-mile Sylvania Wilderness overnight loops around a glacial lake with sandy beaches and huge virgin-growth trees. It's one of the best hiking spots in the upper Midwest.
Winston-Salem: Salem Lake Trail
Stroll along the shores of Salem Lake on this 7-mile loop over rolling hills and under tall pine and poplar trees.
Yosemite National Park: Breeze Lake Backpacking Loop
Camp under sharp peaks and sharper stars on this 4-day, 20-mile tour along the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park. Summits, swimming holes, and trout abound.
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Photos + Videos
Packing for a Backcountry Ski DayKristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing. |
Adjust Your Pack Straps on the TrailMaximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments. |
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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.
International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.
Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.
BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.
Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.
