all hikes

Adirondack Park: Gothics Mountain

Test your legs and vertigo tolerance on this rugged, 11.8-mile out-and-back to a pinnacle of steep, weathered rock in Adirondack Park.

Adirondack Park: Hurricane Mountain

Don't let the 2,000-foot gain on this 5-mile out-and-back in the Soda Range stop you the long, crowd-free summit views are well worth the effort.

Adirondack Park: Hurricane Mountain

Don't let the 2,000-foot gain on this 5-mile out-and-back in the Soda Range stop you the long, crowd-free summit views are well worth the effort.

Anchorage: Primrose Trail

This old mining trail offers a 6-mile out-and-back on the shaggy, rugged Kenai Peninsula.

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: 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: Mountaintown Creek Trail

Camp near an idyllic mountain stream on this 11-mile out-and-back into a deep, remote gorge scoured by small waterfalls in Georgia's Cohutta Wilderness.

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.

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.

Birmingham: Cheaha Mountain

Hike 'Bama's longest trail to reach its highest peak on this 20.6-mile out-and-back near the southern anchor of the Appalachian Mountains.

Bozeman: Emerald Lake

Pass a handful of big canyon waterfalls on your way up to an alpine lake with jaw-dropping views on this 9.4-mile out-and-back in Gallatin National Forest.

Charleston: Palmetto Trail (Awendaw Connector)

This 9.8-mile out-and-back strolls through sandy pine and oak forest, and across tidal creeks to stunning coastal views in Francis Marion National Forest.

Charleston: Palmetto Trail (Swamp Fox Passage)

This leisurely 8.2-mile out-and-back meanders through the low-country forests and cypress swamps of Francis Marion 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.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP: Swains Lock to Violettes Lock

Hike or bike 11.6 out-and-back miles on an old mule path to views of the Potomac and historical relics. A flat profile makes this trip suitable for young hikers.

Cheyenne: Savage Run Trail

This 12.4-mile out-and-back is in country so wild, so remote, and so loaded with wildlife not even locals know much about this wilderness in the corner of Medicine Bow National Forest.

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.

Chicago: White River State Trail

Grab your boots or hop on your bike to hit one of the Dairyland’s newer trails on this 11.8-mile out-and-back along an old railroad trestle.

Cincinnati: E Trail

This 8.4-mile out-and-back--just 10 minutes from downtown--connects a handful of wooded hills and stream-carved valleys in Mt. Airy Forest.

Cleveland National Forest is comprised of 3 segments administered as ranger districts. The Forest extends from within 5 miles of the border with Mexico and northward approximately 130 miles to Orange and Riverside counties.

Cleveland, OH: Hemlock Gorge to Lyons Falls

This 9-mile out-and-back slices across Mohican State Park along a 300-foot deep sandstone gorge to the launch pads of two impressive waterfalls.

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 14ers: Mount Sneffels

This 4.8-mile out-and-back climbs steep, boulder-covered slopes and an often snow-filled couloir to a compact San Juan summit overlooking turquoise mountain lakes.

Colorado Trail--South Fooses Creek

This section of the Colorado Trail follows Fooses creek up into a lush high elevation mountain valley. A great escape from the heat in the summer months, you have a good chance of seeing one of the areas Elk herds along this lush singletrack.

Trip By Absolute Bikes

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: Boulder Skyline

Bag three peaks and bird's-eye views of Boulder on this tour of the Flatirons. Bring a few extra energy bars: This out-and-back gains 5,000 feet in 11 miles.

Denver: Eldorado Canyon Trail

No ropes required, but a camera is recommended, on this shady and scenic 5.6-mile out-and-back stroll into the heart of Eldorado Canyon climbing country.

Des Moines: North Skunk River

Believe us: Nothing stinks about this place. This 5-mile out-and-back along the greenbelt of the North Skunk River is teaming with wildlife and migrating waterfowl.

Fire Island National Seashore: Sunken Forest

See centuries-old endangered trees in one of the Eastern seaboard's last remaining maritime forests on this 6.2-mile out-and-back across a diverse barrier island.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Chimney Tops

Joshua Tree National Park: Warren Peak via Black Rock

Escape the hot-air desert floor by bagging two breezy peaks with outstanding views on this 5.8-mile out-and-back hike.

Kenai Fjords National Park: Harding Icefield Trail

Get a front row seat of retreating glaciers on this challenging 8-mile out-and-back to the Harding Icefield. No crampons or ice axes are needed during the summer hiking months.

Las Vegas: McCullough Wash Trail

Close to the city but far from the gridlock, this 5-mile out-and-back takes you over an arid lunar landscape and pays off with expansive desert views.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Bumpass Hell to Kings Creek

Hit two alluring lakes while exploring a landscape carved by fire and chiseled by ice on this picturesque 9.2-mile out-and-back lined with plentiful wildflowers.

Lexington: Auxier Ridge Trail

This 3.6-mile out-and-back follows a stunning, sinewy ridge to campsites with clifftop views of the Red River Gorge- a local favorite for backcountry camping.

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: Morris Peak

This rigorous but rewarding 9.8-mile out-and-back on the Pacific Crest Trail climbs more than 2,000 feet to a summit with splendid high-desert views.

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: 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: 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: Satwiwa to Tri Peaks

A stiff 2,300-foot climb rewards you with monster views and a waterfall swim on this 8.8-mile out-and-back in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Los Angeles: Trabuco Canyon Trail

Meander through big oaks, sycamores, and pines on this 7-mile, out-and-back hike along a tranquil creek and up Trabuco Canyon for vistas overlooking Cleveland National Forest.

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 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.

Montpelier: Moose Mountain

Climb less than 1,000 ft. to craggy overlooks of Lake Willoughby and Mt. Pisah on this 8.3-mile out-and-back in Willoughby State Park.

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.

Mount Rainier National Park: Shriner Peak Lookout

This 8.2-mile out-and-back is rarely hiked. If your legs can take a stiff, 3,434-foot climb, the payoff is best-in-show vistas of Rainier and its neighbors.

Mount Rainier National Park: Tolmie Peak

A bit of rain will only enhance your 6-mile out-and-back trek to foggy forests, misty waterfalls, and a nearly 6,000-foot peak in Mt. Rainier National Park.

New York City: Fingerboard Shelter via the AT

Tackle a section of America's first National Scenic Trail on this 15.8-mile out-and-back overnight near Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

New York City: Fingerboard Shelter via the AT

Tackle a section of America's first National Scenic Trail on this 15.8-mile out-and-back overnight near Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

New York City: Hurd Corners to Morgan Stewart Shelter via the AT

A massive oak, a sprawling wetland, an atomic lake-this classic weekend trip packs it all into a 19.2-mile out-and-back on the Appalachian Trail. Bonus: Save the Earth by taking the train to the trailhead.

New York City: Hurd Corners to Morgan Stewart Shelter via the AT

New York City: Peekamoose-Table Mountain

This 9.8-mile out-and-back dayhike or overnight explores a lesser-known corner of Slide Mountain Wilderness while summitting two rugged peaks taller than 3,800 feet.

New York City: Sugarloaf Mountain

This 9.6-mile out-and-back has quad-bustingly steep inclines and hairy downhills, but features long, magnificent views from Sugarloaf Mountain.

Philadelphia: Mt. Minsi via the AT

Wander through white pine, Eastern hemlock, and mountain lauren to the summit of Mt. Minsi on this 4.2-mile out-and-back sprinkled with lovely mountain overlooks.

Philadelphia: Wind Gap to Smith Shelter

This 8.8-mile, out-and-back wooded hike runs the spine of the Appalachian Mountains to one of the most remote AT shelters in Pennsylvania.

Phoenix, AZ: Shaw Butte

This 5-mile out-and-back travels above a Sonoran landscape dotted with brittlebush, cholla, and cresote and tops out on a signature Phoenix peak.

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.

Phoenix: Camelback Mountain

This 2.2-mile, out-and-back hike links Echo Canyon to Camelback Mountain, climbing more than 1,200 feet with fine views of the city.

Phoenix: Camelback Mountain Ultra

Cross Phoenix's signature peak--twice--on this 5-mile out-and-back packed with full-circle views over sheer sandstone cliffs.

Phoenix: Lookout Mountain

This stiff 1-mile, out-and-back climbs to a 2,054-foot summit and offers fine views of metro Phoenix.

Phoenix: Loy Canyon Trail

Hike through a variety of Arizona vegetation to a Native American ruin and a classic red-rock rim on this 8.4-mile out-and-back trip in black bear country.

Phoenix: North Wilson Trail

Climb 2,300 feet in 3 miles to a pine forest and red-rock views on this 6.8-mile out-and-back excursion.

Portland: Mount Mitchell

Portland: Salmon Butte Summit Trail

Portland: Sister Rocks to Observation Peak

Portland: Tom Dick and Harry Mnt. via Mirror Lake

Roanoke: Mount Rogers

Catch great views on your way up Virginia’s highest mountain on this 7.2-mile out-and-back through the open balds and ridges of the Appalachians.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Pear Lake

This 12.6-mile out-and-back sweeps under a giant evergreen forest to a blossoming burn zone, then ends at an alpine lake perfect for stargazing.

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 Diego: El Cajon Mountain

Rock-scrambling and long-range vistas highlight this hardy 11.2-mile out-and-back up a much photographed but rarely climbed East County peak.

San Diego: Iron Mountain Trail

Tackle a heart-thumping 5.6-mile, out-and-back scramble over boulder fields to a 2,700-foot peak perched high above the coastal haze of the Pacific.

San Francisco: Bear Valley Trail

Go from an active fault zone to thundering ocean spray on this classic 9.4-mile out-and-back in Point Reyes National Seashore.

Santa Fe: Mesa Trail to Upper Alamo

This 10.4-mile out-and-back surveys a sunbleached mesa en route to a backcountry camp in the Jemez Mountains of Bandelier National Monument.

Seattle: Carne Basin

Mountainsides of wildflowers and alpine larches will excite all five senses on this 6-mile out-and-back mountain trek in Wenatchee National Forest.

Seattle: Hamilton Buttes

Grab shotgun views of four volcanoes on this lonely 6.2-mile out-and-back in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

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: Shoe Lake

This 13.2-mile PCT out-and-back is resplendent with mountain scenery, including big panoramas, heaps of wildlife, and a blissfully blue alpine lake.

Seattle: Tumac Mountain

This 8-mile out-and-back to a pair of volcanic Cascades cones comes with dozens of colorful wildflower meadows and chilly alpine tarns.

Seattle: Upper Ashland Lake

This out-and-back 4.4-miler gently wanders under the shade of giant cedars and firs, then circles a peaceful lake.

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: Turk Branch Trail

Solitude rules on this 6.2-mile out-and-back past the headwaters of a lively mountain stream where deer and black bears roam by the skeleton of a weatherbeaten homestead.

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.

St. Louis, MO: Taum Sauk Mountain

This rugged 11.2-mile out-and-back on the Ozark Trail winds through the volcanic uplift of the St. Francois range to Missouri's highest peak and tallest waterfall.

St. Louis: Millstream Gardens Conservation Area

This 6-mile out-and-back offers commanding views from bluffs overlooking the St. Francis River and passes remnants of an old mining operation.

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Photos + Videos

Packing for a Backcountry Ski Day Kristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing.	Adjust Your Pack Straps on the Trail Maximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments.

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.

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