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.
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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.
Masterpiece Trails: Kings of Rock
Get the story behind the Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain State Park, New York—and how to see it yourself.
Masterpiece Trails: Making The Grade
Get the story behind the Edmands Tour, Presidential Range, White Mountains, New Hampshire—and how to see it yourself.
Great Outdoor Books for the Trail
Whether read before the trek, during the adventure, or after it's over, these books remind us why we love the wild.
Rip and Go: Illinois – Shawnee National Forest, River to River Trail
See across the Prairie State from 320-million-year-old sandstone outcrops.
Atlanta: Yellow Mountain Trail
Discover solitude again on this quiet, mostly forested 6.4-mile trek up a wrinkled Appalachian mountain to a delightful babbling brook. Bring tree ID book.
Atlanta: Dockery Lake Trail
Walk 6.8 miles out and back on a rocky singletrack path into an intimate ravine streaming with cold, blue mountain waters. The hike ends at a quiet Appalachian high point.
Shenandoah National Park: Riprap Trail
Gurgling mountain streams and peaceful vistas line this 9-mile loop in southern Shenandoah National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Snake Den Ridge Trail
Rising 2,500-plus feet over 4.6 miles, this strenuous trail zigzags through hemlock and rhododendron to a pair of exposed ridges with long Appalachian views.
Atlanta: Arkaquah Trail
First, check out the petroglyphs; then climb 2,500 feet to the state high point on this popular 11.6-mile out-and-back in Chattahoochee National Forest.
Atlanta: James E. Edmonds Trail
Head to the dark hills of Black Rock Mountain State Park for a 6.3-mile loop along soothing mountain streams to lookouts with classic Appalachian views.
White Mountain National Forest: Mount Moriah via Stony Brook Trail
This 9.4-mile summit climb hooks around wooded slopes, past a cascading brook to a summit with fine views of the White Mountains.
Bartow, WV: East Fork Trail
Drink in the Appalachian scenery along a cascading mountain river in the Monongahela National Forest.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Balsam Mountain Trail
Trek deep into the Smokies on this 24.3-mile weekend trip that traces the North Carolina-Tennessee state line, passing two trail shelters and forests of mossy hardwoods.
Benton MacKaye Trail: GA 60 to Skeenah Gap, Section 3
Sharing the same tread as the Duncan Ridge Trail to Rhodes Mountain, this 6.1-mile section of the Benton MacKaye Trail passes intermittent overlooks on a short-but-challenging ridgeline trek.
Long Trail (Section 01): Pine Cobble Road to VT 9
The first 16-mile chunk of the Long Trail starts in Massachusetts, kicking off with a steep climb to the Vermont state line (the Trail's official start) and a rugged trek north.
Long Trail (Section 03): Stratton-Arlington Road to Mad Tom Notch
A pair of 1,300-foot ascents bookend this 25-mile stretch of Vermont's Long Trail. In addition to Stratton and Bromley Mountains, this route also samples numerous forested brooks and Green Mountain vistas.
Long Trail (Section 04): Mad Tom Notch to VT 140
Even as this 19.2-mile stretch of the Vermont Long Trail loses more elevation than it gains. Plus: thru-hikers are treated to pond-side shelters, Green Mountain overlooks, and more challenging terrain.
Long Trail (Section 05): VT 140 to US 4
Nearly 7,000-feet of climbing are spread over this 22-mile point-to-point on Vermont's Long Trail; the highlight is a 2,400-foot ascent to 360-degree views atop Killington Peak.
Long Trail (Section 06): US 4 to Brandon Gap
Tracking northwest along the western edge of the Green Mountains, this 19-mile section of the Long Trail skirts several peaks on an increasingly rugged path.
Long Trail (Section 08): Cooley Glen to Birch Glen
A true ridgeline trek in the Green Mountains, this 15-mile point-to-point section of the Long Trail skirts classic Vermont ski areas, offering far-off vistas and several overlooks.
State Highpoint: Mount Greylock via Bellows Pipe Trail
Take the 5.5-mile trek up Bellows Pipe Trail to the summit, while your there enjoy a local cocktail a cup of chowder at Bascom Lodge.
Long Trail Compilation
This is a compilation of all 12 sections of the Long Trail hike.
Long Trail: Monroe Skyline
Sample a 15-mile stretch of the Long Trail on this challenging leg between Appalachian Gap and Duxbury Road. Expect steep scrambles, big elevation gains, and sweet views.
Rochester, NY: Finger Lakes Trail, Letchworth State Park
Tour sycamore forests to over-gorge views above the Genesee River on this branch trail off the Finger Lakes Trail.
Jasper National Park: Skyline Trail
Go to hiker heaven on Canada’s finest high-country path.
Athens, OH: Zaleski Backpack Trail (South & Middle Loops)
Escape into tranquil, rolling woods in the foothills of the Appalachians.
Backpacker’s Top 3 Quad-Burning Trails
You're in mid-season shape; reap the rewards on some of the country's steepest hikes.
Trail Days Tragedy
Dozens were injured when a car plowed into a hiker parade at Virginia's trail festival over the weekend. Backpacker Get Out More Tour ambassadors witnessed the accident.
Trail Mix: Great November Hikes in the East
Your region's go-now guide: Explore New York City, hike four states in 24 hours, and perfect days in NC, GA, and NH.
High Sierra Sport Company 59601 Long Trail 90
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Trail Mix: East
Your region's go-now guide.
Rip & Go: Zaleski Backpack Trail, Zaleski State Forest, OH
Escape into tranquil, rolling woods in the foothills of the Appalachians.
Trail Master: Q & A with record-breaking thru-hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis
Having just broken the speed record for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Jennifer Pharr Davis sits down to discuss gear, preparation, and the joy of a stellar hike.
Rip & Go: New England National Scenic Trail – Mt. Grace State Forest, MA
Walk deliberately into woods filled with waterfalls and stone walls.
Hiking Utah’s Highline Trail and Four Other Ridgeline Hikes
Watch your step on Utah' Highline Trail. The nonstop views and rampant wildlife are distractingly spectacular. Plus: Gaze away on 9 more elevated hikes.
Trail Teachers: On Tour with BACKPACKER's Get Out More Team
BACKPACKER's camping experts are coming soon to an outdoor shop near you. Learn what you can expect from this dynamic couple and their Get Out More clinics.
Prof. Hike: Prevent Civil War on the Trail
Don't let different hiking speeds tear your group apart.
Rip & Go: Approach Trail Loop, Chattahoochee National Forest, GA
Relax in a hiker-friendly lodge at the Appalachian Trail's southern tip.
Trip Finder: Appalachians
Your favorite Appalachians hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Best Hikes Ever: Falls Hollow Trail, VA
Hike through waterfall spray to a rarely summited grassy bald.
50-Mile Thru-Hikes: Foothills Trail, SC
See bears, gorges, and waterfalls on this 77-mile South Carolina hike.
High Sierra Sport Company 59601 Long Trail 90
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tahoe Rim Trail: Above it All
On a thru-hike of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, two brothers get some perspective - on America's largest alpine lake, and each other.
The Trail to Neverland: Hut Keepers of the White Mountains
No one stays young forever, of course. Just don't tell the hut keepers in New Hampshire's White Mountains.
Hike America's Long Trails
We know. You've always wanted to hike a long trail. Lucky for you, we've got the comprehensive guides to make your dreams a reality. Check out the best sections and dayhikes along the AT, PCT and CDT. PLUS: See how four hikers beat the recession...by hiking through it.
Readers' Choice Midwest Hikes: Ice Age Trail, WI
Thru-hike one of the country's least-known National Scenic Trails.
America’s Worst Trail: A Love Story
Is the reward always equal to the effort? Uh...maybe, says this bloodied, bruised, and bandaged reader.
Park Service Gives $900K For Trails
To celebrate 40 years of national trails, the National Park Service awards nearly $900,000 in grants to the National Trails System.
High Sierra Sport Company 59601 Long Trail 90
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
America's Scariest Trails: Mt. Washington's Phantom Crowds
Never let your guard down on this deadly peak, where the weather–and spirits–are unpredictable.
Undiscovered Hikes: 19 New Trails
Hike these paths before the masses find them.
Vote: America's Best Trail
We're asking you to help us pick the best trail in the U.S. for our 2010 Readers' Choice issue.
Master the Steeps: High-Angle Hiking Trails
First, check out our tips for healthy hiking on steep terrain in the May 2009 issue then, put them to the test on one of our favorite high-angle trails from California to North Carolina.
Thoreau Slept Here: The Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail
Maine's newly minted Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail tracks the famous naturalist's 1800s expeditions. Good news: It's still wild.
Lowe Alpine TFX Appalachian ND55+10
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Lowe Alpine TFX Appalachian 65+15
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Lowe Alpine TFX Appalachian 75+15
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
The Long Trail to Jail
Is he a pilgrim, a victim, or a thief? The Appalachian Trail provides a path and refuge to all sorts of seekers. Few are as baffling as the man they called Saved.
Top 3 Trail-Building Trips
Want to boost your backcountry karma? Here are three places to hike–and give back.
Trail Food: 3 Edible Nuts
You're lost, hungry, and starting to shiver: Time to play squirrel.
Backpacker Interview: The Trail Bandit
Rangers despise him. The law is after him. Yet in chopping down trees in an overgrown national park, Bob Garrison has become a hero to some hikers.
Homeland Insecurity: Vermont's Long Trail
The Long Trail offers steep climbs and solitude-and a whiff of border intrigue.