BACKPACKER Halloween Special

Heading out into the woods this weekend? Stock up on scary ghost stories and frightening trail tales in our special Halloween section.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

America’s Scariest Trails: What are You Afraid of?

Haunted mountains? Vanished campers? Bloodthirsty creatures? An evil wind that lures hikers over a waterfall? We dare you to hike America’s scariest trails.

Big Bend’s Deadly Past

Mt. Washington’s Phantom Crowds

Yosemite’s Supernatural Wind

Grand Canyon

Supernatural Sights

Vanished

Bloodthirsty Creatures

Really, I Saw it Myself

Scary Hikes and Trails: The Reading List


The Lost Boy of the Ozarks

After three decades of silence, a reporter reveals the story he was afraid to write.

Terror in the Trees

Ghost stories always seem scarier beside a flickering campfire. So, dim your headlamp and scoot up closer: our writer-at-large explores the ghoulish beginnings of these age-old tales and shares a few of his all-time favorite blood-curdlers. We dare you to read on.

Tell a Great Ghost Story: How to Scare People and Win Friends

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could turn your friends into mewling, terrified–I mean, wouldn’t it be cool to be able to tell a great ghost story on your next camping trip? Here’s how.

The 10 Most Dangerous Hikes in America

Like your life and limbs intact? Then you’d better get skilled before visiting these trails.

Conquer Your Fears!

From the latest scientific research to on-trail tips and coping strategies, here’s everything you need to know to conquer your terrors.

Snakes

Heights

Lightning

Bears