Profiles
The Unsolved 1996 Murders Still Haunting Women and Queer Communities
Kathryn Miles’s new book, ‘Trailed,’ investigates the killings of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans in Shenandoah National Park 25 years ago—and asks difficult questions about safety in nature
Latest in Profiles
Preview: Was the First Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker a Fraud?
The hiking community has long praised Earl Shaffer for being the first person to complete the iconic trail in a single push. But one man wants us to take a closer look at Shaffer’s claims.
Was the First Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker a Fraud?
The hiking community has long praised Earl Shaffer for being the first person to complete the iconic trail in a single push. But one man wants us to take a closer look at Shaffer’s claims.
Jenny Jurek Comes Full Circle On The Appalachian Trail
In 2015, while crewing for her husband, Scott’s, successful Appalachian Trail speed record, Jenny Jurek began healing from the grief of two traumatic miscarriages. In 2021, she returned to the trail with their two young children in tow.
Meet 11 Heroes Who Are Saving Hiking’s Future
Without a healthy world, there's no backpacking. These 11 backpackers and advocates are fighting for a better Earth.
This Hiker Hero Cleaned Up Literally All of the Trash on One of LA’s Most Popular Trails
When Edgar McGregor decided to clean up Eaton Canyon, he started a quest that spanned 2 years and thousands of pounds of trash.
8 Diverse Backpackers You Need to Follow on Instagram
Hiking is for everyone, not just the kind of people you're used to seeing in magazines. See the trail from a different perspective with these 8 fantastic Instagram creators.
Meet the Appalachian Trail Hiker with Half a Heart
Check out Patricia Koller Sisson's author page.
The First-Ever Female Eagle Scouts Are Hikers, Mentors, and So Much More
Nearly 1,000 young women make up the groundbreaking new class from the BSA.
Meet the Colorado Hiker Battling PTSD With Therapy Goats
A program called Goat Walkabouts pairs hikers with “healing herds”of retired yoga goats to help treat trauma in the Rockies.
Thru-Hiker Emily Ford on Finishing the Ice Age Trail in Winter and Being a “First”
For this 28-year-old Minnesotan, life on a long path is a series of snowy 20-mile days with a borrowed husky. What will life after it look like?
George Atiyeh Was the Hero the Forest Needed
The 72-year-old activist, who passed away last month, used mining claims, scenic flights, hiking trails, and occasionally outright confrontation to protect the Opal Creek Wilderness.
Ron Griswell Has a Message for Black College Students: The Outdoors Are For You Too
The founder of HBCUs Outside is using gear libraries and hiking meetups to tear down barriers in the outdoor industry.
A New Startup Wants to Teach the Outdoor Industry That ‘Black Folks Camp Too’
After a cross-country road trip, Earl Hunter Jr. made it his business to break down racial lines in the outdoors.
Featured Member: Yvonne Edgett
This Appalachian Trail thru-hiker (2010) balances luxe and light on her long-distance jaunts around the East.
Featured Member: Liz Claflin
This Californian ultralighter knows her way around her home state—and is no stranger to big-name trips across the country.
Thru-Hiker Heroes: Will "Akuna" Robinson
Akuna's path to the Triple Crown led through battles with PTSD, a failed attempt on the PCT—and a few life-changing friendships.
Thru-Hiker Heroes: Andrew “Reptar” Forestell
Whether it's a relationship or a round-the-world trip, sometimes plans fall apart. If you're Reptar, you just pack your bags and roll with it.
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.