all hikes

Atlanta: Twin Falls Trail

Walk 8.2 miles through blooming rhododendron patches and towering hemlock stands to a double-spouted waterfall in Chattahoochee National Forest.

Baltimore: Cascade Falls

Hike, bike, or snowshoe this 3.1-mile loop to pioneer ruins and a relaxing waterfall in Patapsco State Park, a short drive from downtown.

Chicago, IL: Waterfall Glen Loop

Chicago: Waterfall Glen

This preserve offers plenty of big city escape. Shady forests, gentle waterfalls, and a lofty vista over the Des Plaines River are just a few stops along this 10.1-mile multi-use loop.

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.

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.

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.

Mary Jane Falls

Hike around Mount Charleston, passing limestone cliffs and masssive pines on the way to Mary jane Falls on this moderate 2-miler.

New York City: West Kill Mountain

This challenging 7.2-mile scramble up rocky West Kill Mountain rewards hikers with stellar views of the Catskills and a waterfall lunch site.

Pacific Crest Trail: CA Section 35

BURNEY FALLS to GRIZZLY PEAK: Scope a raging 129-foot waterfall to start this tough-and-dry 37.5-mile leg through rolling fir-forest basins to an isolated peak that rewards with views of Mount Shasta.

Portland: Pup Creek Falls

Climb an easy 1,000 feet above the Clackamas River to a three-tiered waterfall that rivals almost anything in Maui.

San Francisco: Pescadero Creek Loop

Go deep into a rugged creek basin teeming with towering trees and a charming waterfall on this 4.2-mile hike in Portola Redwoods State Park.

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.

Silver Falls State Park: Trail of Ten Falls

The Trail of Ten Falls is a nationally recognized trail system that leads hikers along the banks of the north and south forks of Silver Creek. It takes you to 10 majestic waterfalls, five over 100 ft. Four have an amphitheater-like surrounding where you can walk behind the falls.

Sipsey Wilderness

Two night Backpacking Trip in Sispey Wilderness.

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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.