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Rainbows, lightning, clouds, and stars only complement the beauty of this national park.

The group was stranded at high altitude amidst 100 mph winds.

Finally getting trail legs on the Pacific Crest Trail.

A couple flips their canoe in class V rapids on Northern Ontario's Kopka River

These national park towns have everything you need start and finish your next adventure.

The Pacific Crest Trail drums up a wicked four-day storm.

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When my buddies bailed on a backcountry fishing expedition, I figured I’d just go anyway. I didn’t expect how different it would be.

These 10 miles of pure Alaska experience are among the best 100 miles of trail in the whole national park system.

Who hasn't dreamt of working in a national park? Make it happen with one of these fulfilling career paths.

Get ready for adorable: These are the 10 cutest animals in the national parks, according to our scientific rankings. You know you can’t resist.

Once a national park, always a national park? Think again. These 10 lost national parks (and monuments) got kicked out of the club. May they rest in peace.

Like your favorite neighborhood watering hole, you can count on these hikes to deliver exactly what you need, exactly where you need it.

After more than 100 years, a new 224-foot suspension finally spans a longtime gap in Vermont’s Long Trail.

Never hike alone again with this handy guide to convincing key people in your life to hit the trail with you.

Explore waterfalls; check out the best view of Mt. Hood; spend the night alongside mountain lakes in Portland's best local hikes.

Get crowd-free, after-work views; see the Superstition's greener side; and overnight in a heavenly oasis on Phoenix's best local hikes.

Collect wild berries; steal amazing views of Mt. Rainier; or camp in the shadow of twin mountains in some of Seattle's best local hikes.

Share America’s best idea with your children at these parks any adventurous family will love.

Mind the inedibles when you’re snacking at the backcountry buffet.

BACKPACKER Trail Chef Jennifer Bowen has 20 years of culinary experience, including cooking for trail crews in the high country of Yosemite. Follow her tips for better meals on every trip.

Going commando? Not so fast. You never know how your skivvies can come to the rescue.

Learn to produce cascade shots that do justice to the real thing.

Our veteran hiker takes on the ultimate tricky guest: her never-been-backpacking, 64-year-old father.

Most people look at Colorado's Sangre De Cristo Mountains and see a line of peaks. Our scout saw an opportunity: pioneering the range's first end-to-end traverse.

Register for our 24-hour thru-hike AT in a Day on August 20, 2016 and be part of something huge.

The military has spent years studying the best way to move under a load (aka “rucking”). Here are 5 military rucking rules that translate well to hikers.

For long-haul hikers, time has a way of putting things into perspective.

A reader asks: What's the difference between a $100 tent and a $300 one?

What to know, how to plan, and the best parks for tying the knot.

Catch wanderlust, then get out there.

They’re teaming up on a pilot project in Yosemite, Grand Teton, and Denali.

The boy and his father were sleeping in hammocks when the attack occurred.

The AHS releases a "state of the trails" report.

See more on a fast-and-fun blitz through the mountains with advice on how to prepare your legs, care for your feet, and refuel along the way.

In an excerpt from his new book, photographer Ryan Alonzo captures the splendor of Tuolumne Meadows.

Want to experience nature closer to home? Try visiting a trail at one of the National Wildlife Refuge System's 101 urban wildlife refuges.

The film is based on the disastrous 1996 Mt. Everest expedition.

The 58-year-old man was on a 10 day trip along the Arizona Trail.

National park campgrounds are crowded and expensive. Here are your no-fee alternatives.

The 34-year-old woman fell into Feldspar Brook.

The bison charged a 62-year-old who was trying to snap a photo.

From sacred Native American sites to remote settlements, these historic NPS units are worth exploring on foot.

Our testers review a bargain bag, a bombproof tent, and more.

Can a pool float replace a pad for budget-conscious hikers? Our gear editor responds.

It's easier than you'd think to eat paleo on the trail. These 9 paleo snack and meal recipes will have you focusing on the scenery, not your food.

The technology behind the new trend in waterproof breathable footwear.

For almost two decades, Donna Saufley opened her home to PCT thru-hikers at the legendary "Hiker Heaven." But was this trail angel a victim of her own success?

Explore beaches, mountains, and redwood forests on California's Lost Coast.

The ultrarunner will attempt to complete Appalachian Trail in just 44 days.

A Yosemite park ranger shares his tips for getting the coolest job in the outdoors.

The Tetons are showy enough to make roadside views almost as good as the backcountry ones. Almost. This wilderness lake is a haul to reach, but the journey is just as good as the destination.

By Melissa Avery

By Matt Mills

BACKPACKER got the scoop from the brewmaster of new Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. in Franklin, NC.

Nearly all of Everest's surrounding glaciers could vanish by 2100.

Outfit your wrist with a GPS watch that does a lot more than tell time.

The adaptation of Bill Bryson's beloved AT memoir gets its first trailer.

Behold, the year's best new base layers.

It's the park's first fee increase in eight years.

When it comes to kayak safety, here are 4 items that could save your butt on the water.

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Robert Gates called for an end to the organization's current policy.

Did you know these little conveniences existed? Use them to create the best backpacking meals ever.

Most people look at Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains and see a line of peaks. Our scout saw an opportunity: pioneering the range’s first traverse.

You've heard of food and wine pairings, but what about drink and place pairings? Match your morning brew to your campsite for a gourmet trailside treat.

Upgrade your lunch break; visit a lush state park; and get Big Bend-style views without the drive on three of Austin's best local hikes.

Appreciate the urban on a nitty-gritty city trek; dayhike to a crowd-free airy view; and snag a peak-bagging overnight on Los Angeles's best local hikes.

Answers to your AT in a Day FAQs

Snag killer sunset views, escape to the Oquirrhs, and swim in the Uintahs with these easy-access picks for Salt Lake City's best local hikes.

Vist a canyon, tag a summit, and cross alpine passes, all without driving more than 90 minutes from downtown on these top local hikes.

Escape the city on these easy-to-reach trips, from after-work jaunts to an overnight paddling trip on the Rock River.

We're pitting 32 national parks against each other in a single-elimination smackdown. Which park will emerge victorious?

There's plenty of wilderness to be found after work, in a day, or for a weekend on Orlando's top close-to-home trails.