all hikes

Baltimore, MD: Patapsco Valley State Park

You'll find two wooded creeks and plenty of solitude on this 2.8-mile lollipop loop nestled in the heart of Patapsco Valley State Park.

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.

Baltimore: Sugarloaf Mountain Loop

Climb a lone sentinel rising above the rolling Maryland farmland on this short-and-sweet 5.7-mile loop to a mountain oasis in the sky.

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.

Baltimore: Wye Island Paddle

On this 7-mile paddling route, you'll tour the inner reaches of Chesapeake Bay, passing riverbanks and wooded wetlands with picturesque trails.

Washington, DC: Blue Ridge Overlook to Cunningham Falls

Escape on a 5-mile loop through Catoctin Mountain Park, where healthy hardwoods, unique fungi, and a host of fauna conceal this area's industrial past.

Wolf Rock & Chimney Rock Trail: Catoctin Mountain Park

A relaxing, wooded hike up to two popular outcroppings in Catoctin Mountain Park: Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock.

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Photos + Videos

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

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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