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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Thirteen miles in the spectacular Sangre De Cristos.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Sierra scenery at L.A.'s backdoor.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.