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Get stronger and hike longer with a workout that matches your physique.

What to know about hiking with asthma

Stay fit and healthy with these static and dynamic stretches, and secrets from Yosemite National Park wilderness ranger Mark Fincher.

These 4 red-hot recipes will warm you faster than any campfire.

Follow these guidelines to keep your gear dry, secure, and well balanced in a canoe or kayak.

Your partner can't go on. Should you stay–or go for help?

Here's how to avoid hypothermia.

The most remote spot in the Lower 48 is inside Yellowstone National Park. It's also the goal of our correspondent. What he encounters–and what it says about the solitude backpackers treasure–will surprise you. PLUS: See more of his photos and read a Q&A.

Make a fire fast with this pocket-sized tip

Grand Canyon raft guide and Havasupai tribal member Shana Watahomigie becomes a paddling–and Hollywood–pioneer.

Gas prices are soaring. Glaciers are melting. What's a conscientious hiker to do? Take the bus, says Dan Koeppel, who did just that to escape downtown L.A.

Should outdoor education be a top priority in public schools?

Learn how carnivores and their quarry interact—and what happens when humans upset the natural balance.

America's largest rodent may be clumsy on land, but in water, it's a marvel of design.

July to mid-September is prime time for heavy rains in the Southwest, where fast-rising water in narrow canyons can turn trickling streams into deadly torrents. Don't get swept away.

Wind power offers clean energy–but how much will hikers compromise to get it?

Some human remains found at crash site

As conservationists and energy developers fight over Wyoming's Red Desert, one thing is certain: There's no time like the present to hike through its unreal geography.

Where's the best western foliage?

Sample the best section of the country's first thru-hike.

Coastal views, mountains, and fjords await on the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park.

The name doesn't say it all: Arizona's premier cactus preserve conceals a cool mountain escape.

We've got a selection of cozy shelters and trail-side restaurants from Washington to Maine. Check out these hikes in the Rockies, the Northeast, and the Northwest.

Looking to catch some migrating birds? Find out where to look.

Urban living bad for bears

Cash, I.D. with Steve Fossett's name found in Calif.

700 habituated deer own the state capital

Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.

River ford proves costly for a remote wilderness soloist

The Civilian Conservation Corps is turning 75—so celebrate right by hiking its classics.

Catch this national park's brightest fall foliage on a short stroll or an all-day epic.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

MIT scientists, Forest Service power wireless networks with just trees

Local pols seek Park Service help to preserve land

Ultrarunner completes the AT with the fourth-fastest time

Drat, I was wrong on this one

Should I be worried about hiking in bear country when menstruating?

How do I prevent chafing? Nothing I've tried seems to work.

The Economist speculates on North American bear attacks

NPS Scientists enlist climbers to find new lichen species

Accidental bear spray discharge closes Juneau airport

Billions of players worldwide can't be wrong

Now, you can always take the dangerous shortcut

Time-lapse video shows climate change eroding coastline

Wildflowers, bugs, and other nature photographs shot by our map correspondent on the AT © Jeff Chow

A few of the shelters and lean-tos found along the length of the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow

A collection of five-star overlooks along the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow

Some of the faces and places our map contributor saw on the AT © Jeff Chow

Because it's never too early to start a Seven Summits bid

Dead forests create higher temps, less rain, worse air quality

Mallory: "Why didn't I think of that?"

I've never really understood the principles of layering. For cold weather treks, should my baselayer be cotton or wool? What about my midlayer? Wool? Fleece? What are the basics of layering for any occasion?

House-backed compact would protect water for future generations

Global-warming PSA can cause tears, guilt, and unexpected phone calls to Mommy

NPS waives entrance fees to celebrate National Public Lands Day

On an episode of Survivorman, Les Stroud cooked grasshoppers, stating if you didn't, you might get a tapeworm. But he ate a raw scorpion–couldn't one just as easily get a tapeworm from a scorpion?

I am trying to lose weight and boost my stamina for a hike to Colorado next year. Should I eat a big breakfast for a three-day hike to the Porcupine Mountains, or a smaller breakfast and rely on my fat reserves to help burn off the weight?

Is it better to drive a long distance to a much higher elevation (like from the Northeast to the Rockies) to get used to the elevation gradually?

Wind farm on Vermont National Forest threatens black bears

VOGUE tries a first ascent in fur and high heels

They make climate-change research so much fun

On a recent backpacking trip, I underestimated the amount of mosquito repellent we'd need. Is there a North American plant that can be used, or something one can do to avoid being eaten alive?

Musicians join artists on climate-change visit to Arctic

World Trade Center dig reveals buried Ice-Age wonderland

We've got your Appalachian Trail packing list dialed. Here, take stock of what you'll need to thru-hike the trail. Just print it out and get packing.

"What's that burning smell?"