| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
all hikes
Springfield, IL: Beaver Dam Lake
Explore a 59-acre lake and get a bird's-eye view of a buzzing wetland on this 2.9-mile hike through an historic state park in central Illinois.
Springfield, IL: Robert Allerton Park
Stop for a bluff-top look at the Sangamon River on this 4.1-miler that loops through lush forests in a designated National Natural Landmark—and one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois.
Springfield, IL: Sangchris Lake State Park
Follow the muddy waters of Clear Creek and the footprints of resident albino deer on this 2-miler in western Illinois' Sangchris Lake State Park.
Springfield, MA: Mounts Everett and Race via Appalachian Trail
Connect the tops of two Berkshire peaks and catch views into three states on this 4.4-mile out-and-back in Mount Everett State Reservation.
Springfield, MO: Big Piney Trail
On this 16.5-mile overnight in the Paddy Creek Wilderness, you'll see tranquil emerald-green creeks and timeless vistas of the rock-strewn Ozark Highlands.
Springfield, MO: Big Piney Trail
On this 16.5-mile overnight in the Paddy Creek Wilderness, you'll see tranquil emerald-green creeks and timeless vistas of the rock-strewn Ozark Highlands.
Springfield: Henning Forest Loop
Wander under oak and hickory trees, up steep hills, and along a wild Ozark creek on this 5.9-mile lassoloop in Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.
Springfield: Little Clifty Creek Loop
Follow rolling hills and ridgelines into the forested hollows of the Ozarks on this 8.4-mile loop in Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area.
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Photos + Videos
Editors' Choice 2012: Feathered Friends Spoonbill Sleeping BagA cozy bag for two |
Editors' Choice 2012: Hungry Hikers Murray's Hurried CurryBeat the backcountry blahs with this aromatic curry dish |
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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.
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Backpacker Expeditions
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