Ryan Wichelns

I wasn't ready for an emergency—but my gear was.

Some hikers grouse that blazing the CDT will ruin it—but that’s exactly the problem with doing nothing.

This New Hampshire footpath— the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail in the country—is a rite of passage for anyone who cares about America’s history of preserving and exploring wild places.

Get away from civilization in these accessible wild places.

Taking a dog on a bear-frequented trail heightens your risks. Stay out of trouble with these 5 tips for hikers with canine companions.

You don’t have to be a planner to start a thru-hike, but you’ll turn into one if you want to finish.

The crowds in Colorado are growing, but you can still find solitude in this quintessential Rocky Mountain hideaway.

Take it easy in these 15 accessible, mellow areas for some of the best backcountry skiing in the Lower 48.

Learn how to find a great backcountry skiing zone and create a custom map with this guide to CalTopo.

In August 2018, Spencer Christiansen, 31, and his wife Jess, 24, spent nearly two days lost in Wyoming’s Darby Ice Caves.

While most national parks cut services, it will be (mostly) business as usual at the Big Ditch.

Whatever you celebrate, do it up different.

Long-distance hikers are selective about their gear. Here are some of the things they’ll want to add to their pack, even if they don’t know it yet.

Who needs an off-season? Take on the challenge with Colorado mountain guide Jason Antin's top tips for alpine travel in the fourth season.

With a Garmin fēnix 5X Plus, you’ll feel like you can do anything.

When Eric LeMarque was rescued off California’s Mammoth Mountain in 2004, he had no way of knowing the hardship was just beginning.

The only thing better than hiking in one fall foliage hot spot? Hiking in two. Or three—or four. Use this itinerary to stage a road trip through New Hampshire’s White Mountains to reach the area’s most underrated treks for fall color.

Venture off the path to find solitude in one of America’s busiest parks.

Start here when packing your bag for a full day of rocky summits.

Steep slopes and snow make for fun—but hazardous—terrain. Bring the right gear to get to the summit and back.

Mountains, lakes, and sunshine: this route has everything a hiker could want.

Lighten up with these simple tarp shelters.

The Centennial State's namesake route offers a tour of some of the country's best high alpine scenery in one monthlong hike. We break down the prep, practice, and travel you'll need to bag it.

We’re all for tagging summits, but the best way to experience a peak? Hike around it. You’ll see a mountain’s many faces on a single, peak-circling loop. These 14 trips circumnavigate the best of the best.

Emergency notification devices, such as the Garmin inReach Mini, can save lives in the backcountry. Learn how they facilitate a rescue.

For Spring 19, outdoor electronics put more power into smaller spaces to streamline tech-packed adventure.

As a gateway to the Chugach National Forest, a trip to Cordova is a primer in hiking southern Alaska

Get a backwoods kind of quiet—even when you drive there.

Killer grizzlies and cuddly teddies make for good movie fodder, but are they accurate? Our scout goes on a cinematic journey to find out.

Enjoy the best of the National Scenic Area—and avoid the fire damage—with these tips and trips.

Hike the PCT or sail the Indian Ocean with these great (but sometimes cringe-inducing) flicks.

Leave the crowds behind: Tackle Mt. Marcy in winter, and it will be just you, the silent mountains, and a whole lot of snow.

Skip the crowds and hike Joshua Tree in the sleeper season. You won't be sorry.

Getting out too much is a good problem to have. Stinky clothes from all the mileage? Not so good.

Insider tips from Yellowstone, the grizzly capital of the Lower 48.

The best way to leaf-peep is by boat—as long as you don't end up in court.

From the Adirondack 46ers to Everest By the Sea, these are ten to-do lists you'll be happy to tackle.

Teenager allegedly sparked blaze with fireworks.

Follow in the footsteps of presidents, pioneers and prospectors on these hikes. Just don’t get snowed in and eat your friends.

Walking the West Virginia skyline

Quintessential West Virginia Mountain Towns

Rising from $10 to $80

Explore the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.

A West Virginia Playground for More Than Just Climbers

Even after a long hike in the Cranberry Wilderness, the scenery is hardly over.

Unmatched solitude deep in the West Virginia forest

A hotspot of ecology for everyone to enjoy

The pre-trip hub you won't want to leave.