all hikes

Charlotte, NC: Chestnut Knob Loop

Looping 6.5 miles through South Mountain State Park, this Charlotte-area dayhike (or overnighter) showcases above-the-trees overlooks and sublime autumn colors.

Charlotte, NC: Crowders Mountain Loop

This 5.2-mile loop climbs through chestnut oak and fern undergrowth to far-reaching views on top of Crowders Mountain. Bring your binoculars—warblers, hawks, and owls are a common sight along the trail.

Charlotte, NC: Crowders Mountain Loop

Charlotte, NC: Mallard and Clark's Creek Greenway

The Mallard and Clark’s Creek Greenway is one of several trails in Charlotte that are perfect for riding with the kids.

Charlotte, NC: Sherman Branch

Do you have that nagging itch to go really, really fast on your mountain bike this weekend? Hit up the Sherman Branch trails just outside of Charlotte, and get ready to rip up some dirt.

Charlotte, NC: The Booty Loop

This 2.8-mile loop is a hotspot for Charlotte cyclists. It’s also the short track for the 24 Hours of Booty, an annual cancer charity ride.

Charlotte: Upper Falls Loop

Hike a 6.9-mile loop past raging waterfalls to the lonely ridges of North Carolina's Upper Piedmont for sky-high views in South Mountains State Park.

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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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