Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap
Multiple peaks, steep climbs, and open meadows highlight this weeklong trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Appalachian Trail.
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Parc National de la Gaspésie, Quebec: International Appalachian Trail
Find caribou, moose, and bald eagles on a hut-to-hut trek through the rugged McGerrigle Mountains on this 15.6-mile point-to-point in Parc National de la Gaspésie.
Appalachian Trail: Four State Challenge, PA-VA
Hike 42.9 miles on the AT in 24 hours, in the process traveling across the borders of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Portraits
These men and women were photographed as they thru-hiked the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail, from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. They each walked more than 2,000 miles—enduring the Smokies, the Shenandoahs, and the White Mountains—to get
Recipe: Appalachian Trail Jerky
Take Appalachian Trail Jerky along for a sweet and spicy burst of energy.
Readers' Choice 2012: Appalachian Trail, 100-Mile Wilderness, ME
Tackle the Northeast's most remote wilds for bears, moose, and berries.
International Appalachian Trail, Quebec – Readers Choice 2012
Find caribou, moose, and bald eagles on a hut-to-hut trek in an undiscovered park.
Video: Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail—in Five Minutes
Stop-motion film "Green Tunnel" takes you through the length of the Appalachian Trail
Best Hikes Ever: Appalachian Trail, GA-ME
Thru-hike America's most revered long trail: the Appalachian Trail.
Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail
The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.
Appalachian Trail Museum
America's favorite long trail gets its very own museum
Blind Hiker Tackles Appalachian Trail
Minnesota man hopes to navigate using GPS voice technology
A 2,175-Mile Dayhike: Trekking the Appalachian Trail in One Day
The Dartmouth Outing Club targets an Appalachian Trail hiking record.
Hiking The Appalachian Trail…Barefoot
Two sisters tackle the AT, bootless
Rip & Go: Pennsylvania's Appalachian Trail – From Wind Gap to Delaware Water Gap
Trek to the New Jersey border along PA's finest section of the AT.
Update: Appalachian Trail? More Like Argentinian Affair
South Carolina governor covered up extramarital affair with Appalachian Trail trip
Springsteen Hits the Appalachian Trail
Does the Boss hike? Or just his anti-hero Outlaw Pete?
Pack Man: The Appalachian Trail Guru
Thirty miles up the trail from Springer Mountain, Winton Porter shelters and feeds thru-hikers–and works tirelessly to slash their pack weight.
Appalachian Trail Nature Photo Gallery
Wildflowers, bugs, and other nature photographs shot by our map correspondent on the AT © Jeff Chow
Panoramas of the Appalachian Trail
A collection of five-star overlooks along the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Gear List
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.
Appalachian Trail Shooter Strikes Again
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Alabama connects to Appalachian Trail
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
The Appalachian Trail's Kittatinny Ridge
Hike this trail to find peace, stress relief and a tonic to cure your daily routine.
The Appalachian Trail's George Washington National Forest
Find spectacular views and deep solitude on this weekend hike.
Hiking The Appalachian Trail
The famed peaks of the Appalachian chain entice some 2,500 people to attempt the thru-hike each year.
Riga Plateau, Appalachian Trail
Get spectacular Appalachian Trail mountain views without much effort on the Riga Plateau.
Canada's Appalachian Trail
Who says the Appalachian Trail has to stop in Maine? Certainly not some plucky Canadians, who're extending the long-trail concept 600 more miles into their homeland.
Hikers Urged to Stay Off Appalachian and Long Trails Following Vermont Floods
Live electric wires and bridge damage are among the hazards that trail crews have found so far—but it’s not all bad news.
Why Are Eastern Trails So Steep, When the West Loves Switchbacks?
Easterners and Westerners love to debate whose trails are better. But how did such different hiking styles come to be?
Hike to the Edge of Land on Newfoundland’s Wild East Coast Trail
From rugged cliffs to quiet fishing villages, the East Coast Trail offers 200 miles of coastal trail. Start planning now for your 2026 trek.
Thru-Hiking One of These 7 Trails? This Is What Alumni Want You to Know.
Whether you're headed to the Pacific Crest or the Florida Trail, long trail alumni have something to teach you. Here, backpacker writers share their best thru-hiking wisdom from a collective 11,000 miles of walking.
Meet the Thru-Hiker Intent on Building Mexico’s First Long Trail
After becoming the first Mexican to complete the Triple Crown of hiking, Zelzin Aketzalli has an even bigger dream: building Baja California’s first thru-trail.
How Will the Government Shutdown Impact America’s Long Trails?
The Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails will stay open, but permits, maintenance, and facilities could all take a hit.
Quiz: What’s the Best Trail Town for You?
On your days off the trail, would you rather get a slice of pizza with your tramily? Or relax all on your own? Take our quiz to identify the best trail town for you.
The Highest Peak in the Appalachians Reopens to Hikers
North Carolina's Mount Mitchell State Park had been closed since Hurricane Helene wrecked part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
So You Want to Move to a Trail Town? Here’s How to Make It Work.
Falling in love with one of America's outdoor hubs is easy. Making a life there? Less so. Learn how to make the move to a trail town from hikers who did it.
How to Hike America’s Longest National Scenic Trail in a Day, a Month, or a Year
From rugged Upper Midwest forests to sweeping Appalachian ridgelines, the North Country Trail spans 4,800 miles across eight states.
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Why You Should Hike West Virginia’s 311-Mile Allegheny Trail
Experience the state’s longest path—rich in beauty, history, and a strong hiking community, with events and trail magic along the way
Tara Dower Just Smashed the Long Trail FKT
The ultrarunner completed the 272-mile trail in 3 days, 18 hours, and 29 minutes, breaking the overall supported FKT by more than 2 and a half hours.
Should You Hike in Boots or Trail Runners? Here’s How a Backpacker Editor Chooses.
On trails today, low-cut shoes are king. But the hiking boot still has its place.
“High Country Harasser” Arrested Near Continental Divide Trail After Altercation
CDT hikers have reported disconcerting run-ins with “Cottonmouth” for years.
Hike From Your Luxe Bed to the Trail From These Dreamy Cabins
Hike out of your cabin at one of these new and upgraded nature retreats.
Trail Crews Nationwide Relied on AmeriCorps Funding. Here’s How They’re Faring Without It.
Conservation corps members are increasingly important to fixing America’s trails. Thanks to federal funding cuts, their jobs are now in jeopardy.
The Best Long Trail Segments Backpacker’s Editors Have Ever Hiked
From sculpted desert rock formations to high peaks to the mossy rainforest of the Oregon coast, these three long-trail segments are a treasure trove of gorgeous views—and you can do each of them in a day.
This Is What Trail Town Residents Want Thru-Hikers to Know
How can a backpacker make the most of a night in town? Residents share their best tips.
How Two Hikers Scored $5,000 to Trek the Pacific Crest Trail
Chosen from hundreds of applicants to the Carson City to Canada Quest, Julianne Mahoney and Audrey Payne embrace the challenge of hiking from Nevada to the Canadian border along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Thanks to Federal Funding Cuts, Hiking Organizations Say Trails Will Suffer This Summer
Without federal funding and support from agency partners, trail stewardship organizations are struggling to keep maintenance projects afloat.
Thru-Hiking Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail is a Step Back in Time
A Triple Crowner discovers how this little-known trail turns the hiking world on its head.
The 8 Best Trails to Train for a Thru-Hike
Four legendary thru-hikers share their favorite spots to train for long trails.
Everything I Wish I Knew Before Hiking the Ice Age Trail
For a veteran thru-hiker, 1,200 miles across, down, and up Wisconsin sounded simple. Suffice it to say, there were unexpected obstacles.
My Favorite Trail Sucks—and I Couldn’t Be Happier
Could your worst miles create your best memories? After a hike on a rocky Pennsylvania segment of the Appalachian Trail, our editor ponders.
I Found Home in Wisconsin on the North Country Trail
An autumnal section hike of the 4,800-mile North Country Trail brought our writer closer to his ancestry, his home state, and himself. Here's how to hike it yourself.
More Than 100 Miles of Hurricane-Damaged Trail Are Open Again in North Carolina. Here’s What Hikers Can Expect.
Two months after Hurricane Helene, miles of storm-impacted trail, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, have begun welcoming hikers back. Others remain closed until further notice.
“Meadow Ed” Wasn’t Just a Trail Angel—He Was a Pacific Crest Trail Hero.
A friend to the thousands of hikers he fed, the late Ed Faubert helped Cheryl Strayed during the journey she chronicled in "Wild," and earned a place in PCT history along the way.
5 Remote Trails Where Nobody Will Ask You Who You’re Voting For
Election day is next Tuesday, and we're all feeling the heat. Take a breather on these trails, but only after you've turned in your ballot.
A Month After Helene, My Appalachian Community Is Looking to the Future
The floodwaters may have receded, but for outdoor businesses and residents in trail towns, there are more challenges ahead. Writer and guide Steven Reinhold reflects on his own experience riding out Helene—and the surprising support and community North Carolina's Appalachian Trail towns found in the wake of it.
The Forest Service is Losing 2,400 Jobs—Including Most of its Trail Workers
In response to a shrinking budget, the land management agency is suspending seasonal hiring next year. Public lands will bear the cost.
Don’t Own a Car? Access Remote Trailheads with These 6 Tips
There are plenty of resources at your fingertips, as long as you know where to look.
I’ve Hiked New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail. Here’s How You Can Do It Too.
Cross the whole length of New Zealand's two main islands on this 1,900-mile thru-hike.
Move Over, Snickers: These Bougie Trail Snacks Are Our New Faves
On a long hike, Snickers, GORP, and instant coffee can start to become as draining as the miles. Here are five—admittedly fancy—alternatives we love.
I’ve Hiked 10,000+ Miles Around the U.S. These Are My Favorite Trail Towns.
A safe place to sleep, a good library with air-conditioning, and a bar that feels familiar? These are just some things that make a town on trail feel ideal.
This August, See 100 Meteors Per Hour From These Dark-Sky Backpacking Trails
Watch shooting stars all night long from these four backpacking trails.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiking the Colorado Trail
Even for thru-hikers with a wealth of long trail experience, the Colorado Trail offers challenges all its own.
5 Perfect Backpacking Trails For Long Summer Weekends
You don't need a long trip to have a summer full of adventure. Spend a 3-day weekend tackling any of these trails.
The Oregon Coast Trail is Getting a Facelift. Will More Hikers Follow?
The 400-mile trail has the potential to be a popular thru-hike. Will it ever live up to the hype?
Legendary Long-Distance Hiker Anish Sets a Superhuman Record on the Arizona Trail
Heather "Anish" Anderson obliterated the previous record, hiking 800-miles in 24 days with no aid or resupply.
Hike to BBQ on These 7 Trails
What's better than hiking? Hiking to BBQ. Celebrate summer with a hike-and-feast combo on one of these seven trails.
Can You Name the Trails in These Historic Photographs?
A great trail is eternal. See if you can pick out some of America’s best hikes in these photos from the National Park Service’s archives.
Everything I Wish I Knew Before Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
In pursuit of the Triple Crown, many hikers save this high route through the Rocky Mountains and New Mexico desert for last. It’s not so scary—as long as you’re prepared.
Is Trail Magic Only for Thru-Hikers?
Kindly trail angels often provide free food for thru-hikers. Who’s allowed to indulge?
Is Leaving Trail Magic Unattended Really Just Littering?
For thru-hikers, there’s nothing better than stumbling upon refreshments partway through a long day. But do trail angels need to babysit their gifts?
Want to Cross an International Border on a Thru-Hike? These Trails Do it.
Borders can be arbitrary political edicts or hard facts of geographical existence. Crossing them on foot opens a rare view into both sides.
Do You Know What Balds Are? Hike These For Iconic Appalachian Beauty
These treeless summits have expansive views of some of America's most beautiful terrain. Here are 6 of the best to start with.
Thru-Hiking a Long Trail This Year? Backpack These Trails First
You can't (or shouldn't) just jump into your thru-hike without a trial run. Take these three trails for a spin before the big trip.
It’s One of the World’s Longest Trails—and She’s the First Woman to Hike it All
At 6,800 miles counting both its northern and southern branches, the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail is one of the longest paths in the United States, and thru-hikes of it are rare. With less than 50 miles to go, Briana “Rocky Mountain High” DeSanctis is poised to become the fourth person—and first woman—to complete both routes.
Backpacker’s Top Long Trail Stories of 2023
From a globetrotting adventure on the International Appalachian Trail to a family hike of the Triple Crown, our most popular long trail stories of the year were a look at just how big a backpacking trip can be.
These 3 Long Trails Just Became America’s Newest National Parks
The North Country Trail, Ice Age Trail, and New England Trail are the newest units of the national park system, a move that supporters hope will help them close gaps in the routes.
Hiking the England Coast Path, the World’s (soon-to-be) Longest Coastal Trail
At 2,795 miles, the King Charles III England Coast Path is on track to become the world’s longest coastal trail. Wild in some places and suburban in others, walking along it offers an incredible education in Englishness.
The New Triple Crown: Meet the Next Best Long Trails
You’ve heard of long-distance hiking’s Big Three, but North America has more amazing thru-hikes to discover. Find a new challenge—and a new perspective on the backcountry—on these incredible lesser-known trails.