High Points: Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina
A high point that provides an alluring combination of scenery, storms, and access.
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High Points: Britton Hill, Florida
A humble high point in a low-lying state
High Points: Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina
It's all about the journey.
First Aid: How to Stop A Bleeder
Let our wilderness EMT teach you the best way to treat those gushing cuts and scrapes.
High Points: Black Mountain, Kentucky
Look closely for the path to this high point.
High Points: Brasstown Bald, Georgia
Come visit this Cherokee named place of fresh green.
High Points: Driskill Mountain, Louisiana
The mile-long walk invites contemplation like few other high point approaches.
High Points: Mt. Magazine, Arkansas
Hit the high point and move on to the other attractions this park offers.
High Points: Woodall Mountain, Mississippi
America's bloodiest high point
High Points: Guadalupe Peak, Texas
This peak lives up to its reputation.
High Points: Black Mesa, Oklahoma
Welcome to this delightfully weird world of extremes.
Backpack, Paddle, and Camp the Great Lakes
Backpack Lake Huron's shores, kayak the St. Lawrence Islands, and camp along Lake Superior
High Points: Clingmans Dome, Tennessee
A downright goofy dome marks this highpoint.
High Points: Cheaha Mountain, Alabama
Go from the path of racecars to the path of a high point.
Tips and Tricks for Staying Dry (Skills)
How to keep your gear--and yourself--dry on your next backpacking adventure.
Time To Treat: When to Repair Gear
How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.
Waterproof Your Wilderness Gear
A complete guide to buying gear that will keep you dry--no matter what
Jacket Review: EMS Thunderhead
You don't have to be a direct Mayflower descendant to appreciate a little Yankee thrift with this rain shell
Apparel Review: Arc'Teryx Switchback Pants
Look chic when you head for the alpine life.
Jacket Review: GoLite Phantom
Racing a storm to a peak is no time to whip out an inferior rain shell.
Jacket Review: Sierra Designs Hurricane LT
This super-compact and affordable shell is perfect for the Southwest
Accessory Review: Sea to Summit Trekking Umbrella
You won't miss a thing with this piece of raingear.
Save Your Feet: How to Prevent Foot Problems
You think thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a long walk?
Walk Faster: Interval Training
Pick up your hiking pace with these fitness tips
Death Valley Adventure Guide
Lose the sun-baked stereotype and bring thoughts of shady canyons and breezy passes.
The Best Recipes: REI/BACKPACKER Camp Cook-off
The best gorp, breakfast, entree, and dessert recipes from our cooking contest: 200 contestants, eight finalists, one culinary king
Want to Climb a Tree?
Here are tons of tree-climbing resources to get you started.
The Village: Tioga State Forest, Pennsylvania
Visit this scary state forest and let your imagination run wild.
High Points: Hawkeye Point, Iowa
The view is high on soy and corn and low on drama.
Salomon XA Pro 2
One of the lightest shoes in the test scores big with trail runners.
Boot Review: 6 Fast-Track Shoes
Ready, set, go. You'll literally run down the trail with these featherweight kicks.
Boot Review: Scarpa Alpha
No toes will be lost in these mountaineering boots.
Boot Review: Merrell Torque
Not a speed demon? These traditionalists are great for light hiking.
Boot Review: Tecnica Tricon
Ventilation and traction are a nice combo, but stability doesn't match the best.
Boot Review: Dunham Trail Mix
Even big guys with wide feet will feel agile with these supportive shoes.
Boot Review: Montrail Masai
Let others wilt in the heat; your feet are air-cooled by these ventilated runners.
Boot Review: Vasque Velocity
Pillows underfoot might be softer, but they won't last like these cushy shoes.
Backpack Review: Exped Adventure Dry Pack
Stop lugging extra water weight. This pack comes with downspouts.
Camping Toys: Summer Games
Hike, pitch your tent, then play like a pro with these new Frisbee and hacky sack diversions
Thirst
Is there a sense that's more powerful? We'll let you be the judge.
Apparel Review: Kokotat Swift-Entry Dry Suit
Get wet, get cold. Or stay warm with this leakproof suit.
High Points: Harney Peak, South Dakota
Traveling to this point will leave you at a loss for words.
High Points: Panorama Point, Nebraska
There's not a bad napping spot anywhere.
High Points: White Butte, North Dakota
If you loathe traffic, the commute to White Butte is pure ecstasy.
High Points: Mt. Sunflower, Kansas
Something's happening in this spot where nothing happened.
High Points: Mt. Arvon, Michigan
The view is nothing to write home about, but this newly crowned high point deserves a visit.
High Points: Eagle Mountain, Minnesota
Find this high point in the largest national forest outside of Alaska.
High Points: Timms Hill, Wisconsin
This old logging camp and woolly mammoth marching ground provides incredible views.
High Points: Campbell Hill, Ohio
Time it just right to get to the top of this one.
High Points: Charles Mound, Illinois
Access is limited, but well worth the view.
High Points: Hoosier Hill, Indiana
A fitting place to ponder the true meaning of the term Hoosier.
The Body Olympic: Fitness and Conditioning Tips
Meet these 6 Olympic hopefuls who will help you perform like a champion outdoors.
Shenandoah Adventure Guide
Here's your chance to uncover secret paths in this popular park.
High Points: Taum Sauk Mountain, Missouri
Lay low like Jesse James at this high point.
Family Camping Gear: 3 Ways to Carry Your Kid
Baby carriers, backpacks, and strollers for the backcountry
Up High Down Below: 3 Top Peaks in the Lower 48
Can't make it to Canada? Try Glacier Peak, Baker Peak, or Catamount Mountain
Tight Ain't Right: How to Stretch for Hiking
4 simple stretches to relieve stiff, sore muscles.
Family Camping Tips
Ideas to help make the backcountry family friendly
South Beach Trail Diet
A hiker's guide to low-carb eating
Expedition Tips: Canadian Rockies
Helpful tips for scrambling Canada's Rocky Mountain parks
Common Sock Materials
Get the lowdown on what your socks are made of.
Gear TLC: Make Your Socks Last
Get more mileage from your stockings, on the trail and in the wash
Jacket Review: MontBell Thermawrap
This is one of the lightest three-season sleep systems we've seen
Offshore GPS: How to Navigate in the Water
New tools for water navigation: Strap one to your thwart, and you'll never paddle in circles again.
Boot Review: Montrail Java GTX
These shoes can handle any terrain.
Sleeping Bag Review: EMS Mt. Light 20
This bargain bag could turn car campers into ultralight zealots.
An Overnight Success?
Need a crash course in backpacking? Join our newbie and his brooding teenager as they fend off mountain lions, overzealous retail clerks, and other beginner hazards.
Backpacking Basics
Our 5-step guide to planning, gear, food, fitness, and essential skills
Whale-watching and Hiking on Maui
See Hawaii's humpbacks in late winter
Hike Arizona's Atascosa Lookout
Explore classic views in the Coronado National Forest
Arizona's Eagletail Mountain Wilderness
Springtime in the Sonoran Desert
Float the Colorado River through Topock Gorge
Paddle through a timeless Mojave Desert landscape in Arizona
Paddle Florida's Wilderness Waterway
Canoe the wildlife-filled waters of Everglades National Park
Winter Camping in Michigan's Porcupine Mountains
Lake effect snow and a vast virgin forest make this a spectacular winter getaway for skiing and snowshoeing
Winter Camping at Mount Rainier National Park
Snowshoe to a scenic high balcony
Hike New Mexico's Big Hatchet Peak
A seldom-visited peak on the Continental Divide Trail
Hike Nevada's Moapa Peak
Scrambling this 6,471-foot mountain is a trip, even mid-winter
Hiking at Lake Mead
Explore wild canyons just an hour from Las Vegas
Backpack the Florida Trail's Alaqua Section
Clear-running creeks, longleaf pines and wildlife in Florida's outback
Hike Death Valley's Cottowood and Marble canyons
Flowing water means a lighter load and an easier time exploring