The Long Trail’s Home Forest Is Getting a Little Bigger
Green Mountain National Forest will acquire more than 2,000 acres to provide a buffer around the United States’ oldest continuously-used footpath.
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I Was in Denial About My PTSD. On the Pacific Crest Trail, I Learned How to Heal
When the memories of combat refused to fade, a former army medic found healing in thru-hiking.
What Did I Learn Trudging Through the Swamps of the Florida Trail? That I’m a Kink Hiker.
The pain I experience while thru-hiking draws me back to the present and makes me more aware of my privilege
This Is What The Pacific Crest Trail Looked Like Nearly 40 Years Ago
Everything changes—even the Pacific Crest Trail. One of the trail's early thru-hikers shares snapshots from his trip up the path in 1985
Hike This, Not That: Skip the Big-Name Parks for These 15 Uncrowded Trails
No one likes hiking in a crowd. Get all of the scenery and less of the lines with these alternatives to the big parks.
We Used AI to Invent a Bunch of Trail Names for Thru-Hikers and the Results Are, Well, Something.
What happens when you feed 2,000 actual hikers' trail names into a neural network? We'll let you see for yourself.
Florida Trail: A Guide to Thru-Hiking the Sunshine State
There's more than gators and beaches here: Florida has one of the best all-season thru-hikes around.
Why Do So Many Thru-Hikers Become Trail Runners?
Many of the skills involved with long hiking also lend themselves to going faster on trails.
Arkansas’ and Oklahoma’s Ouachita Trail Is Pure Mountain Magic
Two thru-hikers find unexpected trail magic on one of America's lesser-known thru-hikes.
Through Love and Heartbreak, My Favorite Trail Was Always There
Through two breakups, career changes, and more, the Beaten Path has been a welcome constant—and a yardstick for just how much everything else has shifted.
The Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park Are Your Gateway to the Appalachians
The trails of Shenandoah National Park have it all, from mountain ridgelines to forested waterfalls to a whole range of thriving wildlife.
Map: Explore America’s Best Long Trails
Plan your next big hike with this map of America's best long trails.
Why Intergenerational Friendships Thrive on the Trail
Take a long hike, and you’ll find yourself falling in with people decades older and younger than you. There’s good reason for that.
I Set FKTs on Long Trails Across the US. Was I Missing the Point?
A writer with a few FKTs under her belt ponders whether or not speed enhances or detracts from the experience.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Do I Do if I Get Sick On the Trail?
Getting ill on the trail happens, and it can be scary. Here's how to prevent sickness and ride it out when it happens.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Should I Carry a Gun on the Trail?
If you're thinking of bringing a firearm on a long trail, there are a few things you need to be aware of first.
Blue Ridge Parkway Bans Picnics, Closes Trails After Unleashed Dog Sparks Bear Attack
Check out Mary Beth “Mouse” Skylis's author page.
A New Bill Would Complete the Continental Divide Trail by 2028
Legislation introduced by Representative Joe Neguse would seek finish the CDT by its 50th birthday.
Long Trail Gear Shops Reveal How—and When—To Pack Lighter
Hint: The strategies may not be as obvious as they seem.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What’s the Best Way to Get Fuel on the Trail?
Buy, ship, or check hiker boxes and just hope for the best? Here's how to keep your stove running on your thru-hike.
Bennington, Vermont is the AT’s Newest, Coolest Trail Town
Hikers can find good food and hospitality in the newly-designated AT Community.
Why 21 People Died in a Trail Ultramarathon
What went wrong, and what we can all learn from the tragedy at the Yellow River Stone Forest 100K.
How a Plus-Size Hiker Found Her Footing on the Trail
Hiking is for everyone—but as Kara Richardson Whitely, a.k.a. Mama Kubwa, discovered, not everyone has gotten the memo.
Here’s What it Takes to Build a New Trail
That scenic path you’re hiking didn’t spring up out of nowhere. We talked to trail designers to find out what goes into creating a hike.
Shattered on the Pacific Crest Trail
When they wake up broke, broken, and far from home, how do thru-hikers find the will to go another mile?
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Is an Average Day on the Trail Like?
It can't all be sunsets and bear encounters. Thru-hikers spend most of their time doing one thing: walking.
3 Trail to Taproom Hikes to Take This Fall
These beer-and-trail pairings are refreshing from the first step to the last sip.
The Pacific Northwest Trail is Pitting Hikers Against Grizzly Bear Activists
In a remote corner of Montana, backpackers and wildlife advocates clash over the future of a bear population hanging on for dear life.
Go Ridge-Running on Kentucky's Pine Mountain Trail
The craggy spines of the west Appalachians provide some of the most spectacular views in the range.
The AT Thru-Hiker’s Decision: Get Back on Trail or Call it Quits
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, hundreds of long-distance hikers paused their trips on the Appalachian Trail and headed home. Now, as states begin the process of reopening, the wisdom of getting back on the path is up for debate.
Trail Truffles
Best snack
Pacific Crest Trail Association Asks Thru-Hikers to Cancel Their Trips Due to COVID-19
"It is clear that anyone traveling the PCT and resupplying in communities along the trail represents a serious risk to others on the trail and people in those communities."
Aspiring Thru-Hiker's Body Found on AT Approach Trail
A North Carolina man's hike was cut tragically short on the way to the Appalachian Trail's southern terminus this week.
Mountain Goats, Lightning Storms, and Trail Magic: Zelzin “Quetzal” Aketzalli’s CDT Journey
She came to the US to hike the best long trails it had to offer. Now, the first known Mexican national to finish the Triple Crown wants to bring the thru-hiking experience back home.
Find Your Perfect Long Trail Pace
Hike with efficiency, speed, and intention, and you’re sure to accomplish your thru-hiking goals. Here’s how to plan your pace and fight lollygagging tendencies to reach the terminus before winter does.
The Ultimate Continental Divide Trail Packing List
Gear up for the United States' toughest long path with these expert picks.
5 Thru-Hikers on What the Trail Taught Them
Thru-hikes are transformative experiences. Here, five long trail alums share the wisdom of those miles.
I Got Fit for the Trail Without Hiking
Can our writer get in the best hiking shape of his life—without doing a single hike over 10 miles?
Kidnapped on the Pacific Crest Trail
A would-be thru-hiker hit the trail to change her life. She knew about the natural hazards. It was the human threat she never saw coming.
The Best Local Hikes: Hikers Pick Their Favorite Trails Around the U.S.
For these 12 hikers, local trails so inspired them that they made it their mission to open the outdoors to everyone, one mile at a time. Now let them fire you up with picks so close you can’t say no.
How Jeff Garmire Slew Three Long Trail Speed Records in One Year
In just over three months, hiker Jeff Garmire took down FKTs on the Pinhoti Trail, the Arizona Trail, and the Long Trail. He breaks down one big season.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: How Should I Deal With Boredom on the Trail?
Yes, hiking is wonderful and nature is grand. But when you’re walking for months at a time, you will eventually get bored. Our thru-hiker explains how to deal with trail fatigue.
Hiking the Tuckerman Ravine Trail on Mount Washington
Experience Mount Washington from bottom to top via one of the northeast’s most iconic trails on this 7.8-mile round trip.
The Complete Guide to Hiking the Colorado Trail
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.
New Bill Would Extend National Trail into Vermont
The measure, awaiting U.S. Senate approval, calls for lengthening the North Country Trail to connect to the Long Trail.
The Best 50 Miles to Hike on America’s National Scenic Trails
The National Scenic Trails system boasts nearly 19,000 miles. Not sure where to start? We’ve scoured the whole network to bring you the best 50 miles.
Could the Great Plains Trail Become America's Next Great Long Path?
America’s next long trail should cross the Great Plains, says the path’s pioneer, Steve Myers. Will hikers share his vision?
Help Build These 10 Hiking Trails of Tomorrow
Protecting land is only the first step. Hikers need trails, and trails don’t build themselves. Grab a Pulaski and create new paths and restore lost routes on these 10 trips.
10 Threatened Hiking Trails That Need Your Help
Hit these endangered trails to vote with your feet and send a message that protection pays off.
Master Southern Trails in Cheaha State Park
People often think Alabama is flat, says Callie Thornton. A hike on the Pinhoti Trail is the quickest way to prove them wrong.
A U.S. Representative Hits the (Hiking) Trail
Can a trail-loving conservative use public land to bridge the partisan divide? M. John Fayhee joins Representative Martha McSally on the Arizona Trail to find out.
Trails Less Taken: Challenges & Rewards of Long Distance Hiking
Check out BACKPACKER Contributors and Editors's author page.
Rails to Trails to Ales
Check out BACKPACKER Contributors and Editors's author page.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Long Trails in National Parks
Can you see America's best idea on a thru-hike? You sure can—if you can figure out how to pick up your permit.
Appalachian Odyssey Book Signing—L.L. Bean Store Grand Opening, Mashpee
Check out BACKPACKER Contributors and Editors's author page.
The Best Day Hikes in America: Rim of the Gap Trail to Jones Gap
Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks, South Carolina
Hike Through American History on These 7 Trails
Follow in the footsteps of presidents, pioneers, and prospectors on these hikes. Just don’t get snowed in and eat your friends.
10 Craft Beers You Need to Drink on the Pacific Crest Trail
The PCT doesn't just have some of the country's best scenery—it has some of its best brews, too.
Franconia Notch Trail Closed for Repairs
Part of the popular New Hampshire state park's trail system will be off-limits through the end of July.
Meet Justin Bailey, Backpacker's New York City Trail Scout
Escape America's biggest city for the trail with a little help from this AMC program manager and hiking expert.
Volunteer Opportunity: Hale Reservation Trail Project
Check out BACKPACKER Contributors and Editors's author page.
Carter-Moriah Trail, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Snag Presidential glory without Presidential hordes.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: How to Start a Long Trail
Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, or another long path? Make the most of your time before you blast off.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Are The Best Long Trails I Can Do Over a Vacation?
Reality check: Not everyone can quit their jobs to hike the PCT. But if you have a week or two of vacation, you can complete one of these.
The Best Places to Eat on America's Long Trails
Sate your hiker hunger with these fan favorites.
Trail Angels Terry “Scout” Adams and Dan “Birdman” Rovnak Are Feeding the AT
In a cabin in the Maine woods, two men cook up "the best trail magic" of the entire Appalachian Trail.
Could an Alaskan Oil Pipeline Become America's Next Great Long Trail?
The Trans-Alaska Trail would be America’s wildest path—if a determined group of Alaskans can make it happen.
How Three Thru-Hikers Helped Clean Up America's Long Trails
The Packing It Out crew hauled thousands of pounds of trash off the AT and PCT over the last two years. If we all followed their lead, perhaps there’d be nothing left to pick up.
Hike a Long Trail—Even if it Takes a Lifetime
It takes most thru-hikers around five months to finish the Appalachian Trail. It's taken Casey Lyons sixteen years—and counting.
Boston, MA: Distance Dreaming (Long Trail)
Experience thru-hiking fever (and New England hardwoods) on this section of the historic Long Trail across Glastonbury Mountain. BY RYAN WICHELNS
8 Sure Ways to Lure Your Partner to the Trail
What do you do when you find yourself committed to a non-hiker? Sweeten the deal for them with these strategies.
Pacific Crest Trail: Welcome to Oregon
Our PCT correspondent finally crosses the border.
Portland, Maine: Mount Katahdin via Hunt Trail
Hike, climb, and scramble your way up the final five miles of the Appalachian Trail and be rewarded with the best views in Maine.
Is The Trans-Alaska Trail America’s Next Great Long Trail?
A group of determined Alaskans hopes to create an 800-mile trail that will trace the state’s famous pipeline from Arctic Sea to Pacific tidewater.
8 Badass Older Hikers Who Proved It’s Never Too Late to Hit the Trail
A little creak in the joints didn’t stop them. Emotional maturity, discipline, and life experience helped these eight badass older hikers thru-hike as well as—if not better than—any younger trekker.
Dominica Wants to Attract Tourists With a Brand New Long Trail
You can now discover the other Caribbean on the Waitukubuli National Trail. But should you?
Hike It: Washington, D.C. – Area Trails
Backcountry bliss is closer to the Beltway than you might expect. [Sponsored]
8 Dreamy Long Trails That Aren't the Triple Crown
You’ve heard of the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails. Now add one of these ambitious hikes to your bucket list.
10 Cool Trail Facts from the American Hiking Society
The AHS releases a "state of the trails" report.
Masterpiece Trails
Here are the stories behind 10 of North America’s most impressive trail-building feats—and how to see them yourself.