all hikes

Beaumont, TX: Turkey Creek Trail

Feast your eyes on Big Thicket National Preserve's longest trail--and east Texas carnivore country. This easy 15-mile point-to point hosts hikers, alligators and insect-eating pitcher plants, too.

Houston, TX: George Bush Park

Sample the paved hike-and-bike path in Houston's George Bush Park with this flat and easy 4.2-miler that's perfect for a run or a family bike ride.

An introduction to Texas’ second-largest lake, this 13.25-mile round-trip paddle on Lake Livingston’s western shore will have you rubbing elbows with the locals--turtles, snakes and alligators included.

Houston, TX: Spring Creek Paddle

Preview the Spring Creek Greenway--and pull up for a sandbar picnic--on this 12-mile paddle that cruises a lazy creek between newly protected shorelines of Montgomery and Harris county parks.

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.

Houston: Richards Loop

Best in the cooler months, this easy 6.4-mile hike links creeks, rolling hills, and woodlands in Sam Houston National Forest.

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Photos + Videos

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

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. Powered by:

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.

Backpacker Expeditions

Backpacker Expeditions will challenge your outdoor fortitude and indulge your passion for discovery. Powered by:

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