Mammoth Cave National Park: Turnhole Bend Trail
Hike above the world's largest cave network on this 6.6-mile out-and-back that passes secluded bluffs with exceptional views of Kentucky's last remaining old-growth stands.
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Kentucky
Hiking and Backpacking Trips
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Cumberland Gap National Historic Park: White Rocks HikeHike 8.2 miles on steep singletrack paths to rock overhangs where raptors soar, then onward to Sand Cave, a giant rock feature sculpted by wind and rain. Mammoth Cave: Sal Hollow LoopTraverse boulder fields and skirt eroded hollows on this 10.8-mile loop across the roof of the longest mapped cave system in the world. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: Wilderness Road TrailFollow Daniel Boone's intrepid bootsteps westward over silent ground carpeted with ferns and history on this 9-mile figure-eight over the recently restored Gap.
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LBL Top of North South Trail TripAn 11.4 Mile Hike on the North/South Trail south from the North Welcome Center Grays Arch LoopOn this trip, I made a loop, starting on Grays arch trail, and continuing on to Rough trail. From rough trail, I took the first junction onto Rush Ridge trail to loop back around to the trailhead. LBL- Sugar Bay South Along the North South TrailStarting at the Sugar Bay Boat Ramp, head south on the North/South Trail. Turn off the trail and head towards a wonderful beach on Kentucky Lake.
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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.
