Field Scouts

Share your solitude with wolves and beavers in Wisconsin's Porcupine Lake Wilderness.

Hopping Pawnee Pass might be the secret to escaping the Indian Peaks’ crowds.

On this short overnight into a remote corner of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you’ll see a lot more than wildlife.

Uphill Lean-to is the perfect basecamp to nab a collection of Adirondack High Peaks, including Mt. Marcy, the state’s crown jewel.

Follow BP Field Scout Korey Peterson's two-day route through the Dakota Badlands.

Spend a weekend exploring an unexpected Nebraska wilderness on this route from one of our Backpacker Field Scouts.

Follow along with BACKPACKER's 2019 Editors' Choice trip in this interactive story.

A professional shares tips on how to take your snaps to the next level.

A personal perspective on camping in all 50 U.S. states

Hike up to 9,000', set up camp, and put on your best suit or dress and enjoy a chilled cocktail.

Your correspondent heads to Door County, WI for an active winter weekend with great local food. by MATT CLAPP

Follow the white blazes at the symbolic halfway point of the Appalachian Trail and soak in some history.

Test out one of the most notoriously difficult trails in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Hike, climb, and scramble your way up the final five miles of the Appalachian Trail and be rewarded with the best views in Maine.

Check out ilivenow's author page.

Crampons vs. Snowshoes vs. Microspikes vs. the Field

Our field scout explores Orange Beach, Alabama.

I leave the Pacific Crest Trail for the Donner Pass Tunnel hike.

Follow the Fletcher Canyon wash northwest through a pine forest and into a slot canyon. by Chelise Simmons

Hike Sugarloaf and Morrow Mountains in just a few hours at Morrow Mountain State Park outside Charlotte.

Hike to a beautiful waterfall and go for a swim in South Mountains State Park near Charlotte.

Bag three peaks in virtual solitude in the middle of summer on this gem atop Baxter State Park in Maine.

Find complete solitude and expansive views on one of Baxter State Parks lesser known and lesser traveled loop hikes.

Stretch your legs on a short loop hike and climb some natural rock outcrops at the King and Queen Seat

Tour bluffs surrounding Arkansas’s Buffalo National River before nabbing a view of the tallest waterfall between the Rocky and Appalachian mountains.

Our PCTfield scout and his buddies enjoy Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Our PCT field scout meets his trail family.

Our scout heads out on the PCT.

Our field scout is about to embark on a yearlong journey of a lifetime.

Trek 1.4 miles to the summit of Cathedral Rock. BY CHELISE SIMMONS

Climb to the top of the Sierra Buttes for sweeping views from an old fire lookout. BY CHELISE SIMMONS

Ascend through aspen groves and pine forests and below limestone cliffs on this high-altitude adventure to killer views on the hike from Trail Canyon to North Loop. BY CHELISE SIMMONS

At 11,918 feet, Mt. Charleston is a peakbagger's dream. This strenuous, high-altitude (nontechnical) climb brings you to the top of the most prominent peak in Nevada—and it's only a short drive from Las Vegas. BY CHELISE SIMMONS

Our correspondent endures hail and treks through Yosemite on the latest leg of her hike.

Our correspondent battles bugs as she continues her trek

Take a breather from hiking the Presidentials and take in New Hampshire's White Mountains from a whole new perspective.

Some highlights from my time on the trail in the high Sierra.

It's not all hiking in glory on the PCT.

I climb Mount Whitney off the PCT.

It's the day every PCT hiker waits for: we finally arrive at Kennedy Meadows, the gateway to the Sierras.

I am no endurance athlete, but the Pacific Crest Trail allowed me 30 sweet miles in a day.

The Pacific Crest Trail wants to test my sleeping bag's rating. Spoiler: it failed.

Finally getting trail legs on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Pacific Crest Trail drums up a wicked four-day storm.

The first 60 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail aren't what I imagined.

Our contributor makes the tough decision to step off the Appalachian Trail.

It might not be Yellowstone, but the Inland Northwest provides plenty of opportunities to view some of the continent’s most majestic wildlife.

Make a quick getaway to a lush forest 10 minutes from Uptown at RibbonWalk Nature Preserve.

Experience the best of what Maryland has to offer in less than 8 miles in Catoctin Mountain Park.

Enjoy lake views and isolated woods on this easy trail along Badin Lake in Uwharrie National Forest.

Everything needed for five and a half months on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Climb the peak with the infamous moniker "Home of the World's Weather" in winter.

Our contributor checks off the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail—69.6 miles in.

Hike past expansive beaver ponds and prime elk habitat on this loop through Yellowstone’s scenic northwest corner.

Explore well-preserved Living History Farm on this short hike near Charlotte.

Visit Little Zion in Red Rock Canyon for sandstone canyons, springs, waterfalls, and massive ponderosa pine trees.

Enjoy a short hike to 200-year-old ruins along Reedy Creek on the Robinson Rockhouse Trail in Charlotte.

When you're in need of some amazing views, and willing to drive for them, hit the Grindstone Trail on Pilot Mountain outside Charlotte.

What everyone asks about the Pacific Crest Trail, and what I want to know.

Leave the desert scenery behind as you hike beneath twisted rock spires and towering ponderosa pines en route to the Hidden Forest Cabin. This hike can be done in a day or as an overnighter.

Trace the path of the Palouse River through a basalt canyon on the 3.1-mile Colfax Trail south of Spokane.

This close-to-Charlotte hike takes you along McMullen Creek via fun, bike-friendly boardwalks.

Weave through a maze of rock formations on this 2.6-mile loop in the Dishman Hills on the outskirts of Spokane, Washington.

Stroll 4.8 miles along Lake Norman on the Lake Shore Trail about an hour from Charlotte.

Yes, you should visit Arches, but don't pass up stunning Corona Arch outside Moab. Bonus: You'll get views of the Colorado River and Bootlegger Canyon.

It's spring! The high country trails may still be covered in snow, but drop down into one of the Inland Northwest's many scenic canyons and you'll find warmer temps, blooming wildflowers, and abundant wildlife.

Our contributor compiles gear for a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Ski season is winding down—which means it’s bargain time in the ski boot world. Whether you’re a resort skier who ventures out of bounds or a backcountry skier who ventures inbounds, you’ll find a pair of ski boots here that can go both ways.

Expansive views of Latah Creek and the city of Spokane, Washington await hikers who tackle the trails of the High Drive Parkway.

Mount Rogers via Massie Gap: A state high point, the Appalachian Trail, and wild ponies all in one hike—jackpot!

Wander through an ornithologist’s dream on this 1.3-mile loop through a secluded wetland south of Spokane, Washington.

Our contributor prepares to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.

The best skiing helmets are equal parts warm, breathable, and streamlined—but you shouldn’t have to break the bank to get one. Our backcountry skiing expert rounded up the best brain buckets for an easy $100. Money in the bank!

Backpack into the heart of Sequoia National Park to the beautiful snow-melted Pear Lake in Tokopah Valley.

Have a bun in the oven and love hiking? Here are some tips to continue hiking throughout pregnancy.

Ski through a peaceful pine forest on this 3.1-mile loop east of Spokane, Washington.

Looking to escape the Las Vegas crowds? You better work! The trail up to Turtlehead Peak is strenuous—but the payoff is 360-degree views that you’ll likely have to yourself.

Discover basalt rock formations and blooming desert plants on this 3.8-mile hike in Nisqually John Canyon south of Spokane, Washington.

Get a quick dose of nature on a family-friendly hike that is surprisingly colorful.

Ooo, la la! Couples are swooning in each other’s eyes, cheap chocolates are selling like hotcakes, and single people are writing ironic posts on Facebook. Whether it’s your first date or your 50th anniversary, these hikes will make the fire burn brighter.