Stories

Head south to find the quiet side of the King.

There's elbow room to spare in this lofty hiker's haven.

If the beauty of the Colorado Sangres doesn't leave you breathless, the altitude will.

A high country stunner that defines Colorado wilderness.

Great lake views in Minnesota's land of moose and wolves.

Plus 24 other round-the-campfire brain stumpers every nature buff should know.

Hiking Wisconsin's glacier-carved trail will set you back 12,000 years.

Washington's rocky, log-strewn shore is no place for beach bums.

The best wildlife stronghold in California.

A small taste of Washington's mighty mountain.

All the park is a stage for nature's steamy performance in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Wondrous lava formations in the Sierra's granite kingdom.

Look on the south sides of mountains to catch animals coming out in spring.

A 42-mile loop through America's version of the Black Forest.

The East Cactus Plain Wilderness brims with life and solitude. Just don't forget the water.

On its way from the Ohio to the Mississippi, Illinois' new River to River Trail takes you through a surprisingly wild side of the Corn Belt.

Smooth and easy hiking deep in the heart of Texas.

Harriman/Bear Mountain State Park is only an hour from Manhattan, but you'll feel like you're worlds away.

The ancient Uwharries have baffled geologists, but hikers know a good thing when they see it.

If the redwoods don't wow you, there's always the world-class California coastline.

Thirteen miles in the spectacular Sangre De Cristos.

Wilderness doesn't get much better, or higher, than Holy Cross.

Thrills and views by the minute on the Kinsman Ridge Trail.

South Carolina: A wealth of waterfalls and world-class swimming.

A well-intentioned handout today could mean disaster for panhandling wildlife tomorrow.

In a land with few trails, Alaska's Resurrection Pass stands above them all.

Quirky geology leads to even quirkier residents at Missouri's Hercules Glades.

Explore Washington's storied old-growth forests plus an authentic ghost town.

While the desert sizzles, Arizona's Kachina Peaks are cool and comfortable.

Exploring the wilder, uncrowded reaches of our highest national park.

A mysterious ravine, old-growth forest, and big climbs -- only at Mt. Greylock Reservation.

Sierra scenery at L.A.'s backdoor.

A trek through the blast zone of a restless volcano raises questions about a father's legacy and a child's future.

Fifteen trails that'll take you from flaming maples to towering redwoods, with plenty of shimmering aspen in between.

Tackling the High Uintas Wilderness from the east offers big paybacks.

Challenge and a hint of risk are part and parcel in Ramseys Draft Wilderness.

What makes those golf-ball-size lumps on trees? A tiny wasp with a lot of nerve.

Go out at night for a whole new look into wilderness.

Even though they eat boots and pack straps, there's newfound appreciation for porcupines.

The mountain lion is the only North American predator that occasionally stalks humans. Do you have anything to fear?

On their own and with help from the government, wolves are reclaiming their former range. Should you worry?

Big South Fork provides Utah-quality arches in Tennessee.

Hiking in grizzly territory requires preparation, respect, and a clear head. A little luck doesn't hurt, either.

In this classic story from a 1977 issue of Backpacker, Abbey describes days of solitude in Mexico.