Long Trail

This 15.8-miler climbs more than 3,500 feet past mountain lakes and waterfalls--all deserving of a lunchtime break or a pause for photographs.

Travel through white ash and yellow poplar, skid down steep ridges, and sing Hallelujah at the scenic outposts on this 12.3-mile leg in Shenandoah National Park.

Frequent overlooks, lush landscapes, and three Blue Ridge summits highlight this 14.3-mile section in Shenandoah National Park.

This 18.8-miler traverses High Knob’s southern slopes, passes three shelters and ends with an optional side trip into Sky Meadows State Park.

Go up, down, and around several geological obstacles and into shady stream hollows on this 6.8-mile dayhike.

Pass the 1,000-mile-marker on the AT (for northbound hikers) on this 13.4-mile trip to Raven Rocks promising breathtaking views of Shenandoah Valley. Don't miss the bench swing at David Lesser Shelter.

Perfect for a day hike or longer out-and-back, this 6.1-miler rolls through mid-Atlantic woodlands then descends into Harpers Ferry, the merging point of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.

On this 11.8-mile stretch, you’ll climb a seven-foot stile (arguably the AT’s tallest), cruise cow-filled fields, pass a centuries-old cemetery, and briefly trace the North Fork Holston River.

Go from flat lowlands to high ridgetops--you'll gain more than 2,000 feet--on this 17.1-miler that traverses wildflower-laced Chestnut Ridge and the rocky backbone of Garden Mountain.

Link meadows to hilltops across Westborough’s open spaces.

Bag four summits on a weekend Northwoods traverse.

This leg runs through wild pig country, up Tray Mountain, and past the site of an old cheese factory.

This 4.3-mile hike starts at Three Ridges Overlook, then contours wooded Blue Ridge slopes to Dripping Rock—a prime spot to watch the sun drop over pastoral landscapes.

This relocated section avoids frequent stream crossings along Little Wolf Creek. Instead, you’ll cruise an old road and railroad grade, then contour the slopes of Brushy Mountain (covered in seasonal mountain laurel blooms).

A fantastic four-season trek, this 5.5-mile hike near the Appalachian Trail roams around Hogback Mountain in Shenandoah National Park.

On this burly, 200-plus-mile traverse, which crosses 33 passes and barely touches established trails, you can find Alaska-size scenery, complete solitude, and just enough risk to keep things interesting.

Travel across lush forest, grassy meadows, and exposed alpine slopes to the rocky crown of Grays Peak on this 67-mile section of the Continental Divide Trail.

Catch the Jefferson National Forest in peak wildflower bloom on this 27-miler in the Virginia mountains.

On the 24-mile shuttle hike up to the Moxie Bald summit, the Maine wilderness unfolds a dizzying array of flora and fauna, and panoramic lake, valley, and peak views.

String together two 10,000-foot peaks on this 19.4-mile loop with a mix of trail and off-trail pursuits. Enjoy fine campsites and views of Southern California too.

Ascend to the second highest point east of the Mississippi on this 8-mile point-to-point that begins at Newfound Gap and winds through misty coniferous forest.

Follow the Pacific Crest Trail across wooded creeks and steep rock gardens to a broad summit overlooking the Columbia River Gorge on this strenuous 15-mile out-and-back.

This 7.9-mile out-and-back in North Cascades National Park links massive old-growth cedars, a photogenic gorge, and waterfall overlooks.

Pick a sport: fish, bird watch, or hike. Next: tour parts or all of this 5.8-mile loop for a quick getaway from the noisy Capitol City.

Traverse steep ridges and swampland north of the Big Apple.

No time for Pacific Crest thru-hiking? This 12-miler samples a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, passing mile-high peaks and desert vistas.

Follow this cascading stream to scenic Shenandoah vistas along this 12.1-mile loop.

The AT continues its rollercoaster ride across the Blue Ridge on this 7-mile ridge-to-hollow route that passes Bears Den Rocks overlook where classic views of Shenandoah Valley are revealed.

Pass Dartmouth College, hike over Smarts Mountain, and explore thick woodlands on this multi-day, 36-mile trip. Peakbaggers: Several side trails lead to nearby summits.

Take a ridgeline walk to views of the Boston skyline.

From coniferous forests to intimate alpine lakes to views of the Continental Divide, this 12-miler offers classic Rocky Mountain scenery.

Tour Rainbow Lakes' subalpine waters before climbing through pine forests, past hidden lakes, and over 13ers en route to the Continental Divide.

This 10.6-mile out-and-back in the Cascade Range negotiates a variety of climbing routes to a crumbling volcanic summit (and a dizzying view).

Trek deep into the Smokies on this 24.3-mile weekend trip that traces the North Carolina-Tennessee state line, passing two trail shelters and forests of mossy hardwoods.

Bag the highest Bay State mountain east of the Berkshires, a famous New England ski resort.

After hiking past boulder fields, this 4.7-mile loop climbs up the spine of Hawk Mountain and stops at overlooks perfect for scoping hawk migrations.

Explore Wompatuck State Park on a labyrinthine trail system that showcases classic New England-style singletrack right outside Boston.

Bag one of the Smokies' most thrilling peaks on this 12.6-mile shuttle hike that takes in ridgetop views before tackling a rocky, high exposure descent.

Hop on the Appalachian Trail at its halfway point and navigate creek crossings and a steep boulder scramble to above-the-trees vistas of Michaux State Forest.

Trek to the border of New Jersey along PA's finest section of the Appalachian Trail.

Bag three peaks above 4,000 feet on this classic 8.2-mile Franconia Ridge Loop in the White Mountains.

The reward on this famous, 7.5-mile hike is a sweeping ridgeline view of the Catawba Valley framed by a striking rock ledge.

This 14.7-mile section hike of the Oregon Coast Trail starts at the mouth of the Columbia River and explores sandy beaches and the remains of a 100-year-old shipwreck.

Ditch the crowds on this lesser-traveled, 8.7-miler in the Columbia River Gorge that features shady old-growth forest, striking rock pinnacles, and a breathtaking waterfall.

This rocky climb up Cove Mountain ends with a heart-pounding scramble to the top of the Dragon's Tooth, a 35-foot quartzite and sandstone tower.

Tackle two 4,000-foot White Mountain peaks (and 4,000 feet of climbing) on this 10.1-mile out-and-back to a tree-covered ridgeline with panoramic views.

A two-day peak-bagging trek in the White Mountains, this 15.4-mile shuttle traces the spines of the Carter and Wildcat Ranges, cresting five 4,000-foot peaks.

A peakbagger's dream, this 31-mile Smokies backpack loops across forested ridgelines, offering the opportunity to tag eight 6,000-foot summits along the way.

On this 6-mile loop in Blue Hills Reservation, you'll see dense hardwoods, meadows, ponds, glacial leftovers, rocky hills, and sweeping views of Boston.

On this 12.7-mile section of the Oregon Coast Trail, you'll tour two coastal towns, travel to a lighthouse lookout, and skim the edge of craggy headlands.

The first 16-mile chunk of the Long Trail starts in Massachusetts, kicking off with a steep climb to the Vermont state line (the Trail's official start) and a rugged trek north.

This 20-mile stretch of Vermont's Long Trail tops out at a fire tower overlook on Glastenbury Mountain and offers thru-hikers four shelter options along the way.

A pair of 1,300-foot ascents bookend this 25-mile stretch of Vermont's Long Trail. In addition to Stratton and Bromley Mountains, this route also samples numerous forested brooks and Green Mountain vistas.

Even as this 19.2-mile stretch of the Vermont Long Trail loses more elevation than it gains. Plus: thru-hikers are treated to pond-side shelters, Green Mountain overlooks, and more challenging terrain.

Nearly 7,000-feet of climbing are spread over this 22-mile point-to-point on Vermont's Long Trail; the highlight is a 2,400-foot ascent to 360-degree views atop Killington Peak.

Tracking northwest along the western edge of the Green Mountains, this 19-mile section of the Long Trail skirts several peaks on an increasingly rugged path.

Heading north through the Breadloaf Wilderness, this 19-mile Long Trail section tackles rugged climbs on a route that traces ridgelines and wanders through a Vermont ski area.

A true ridgeline trek in the Green Mountains, this 15-mile point-to-point section of the Long Trail skirts classic Vermont ski areas, offering far-off vistas and several overlooks.

Ranging 23-miles through northern Vermont, this Long Trail section continues through rugged terrain and rewards thru-hikers with sweeping views of the Green Mountain range.

This 21-mile homestretch of Vermont's Long Trail conquers one more mammoth Green Mountain summit (Jay Peak) before trekking north to the Canadian border and Journey's End.

One of the toughest stretches on the Long Trail, this 23-miler tackles an exposed, boulder-scrambling climb to Camels Hump while enjoying views of the Greens, Whites, and Adirondacks.

A 25.7-mile point-to-point across some of the toughest terrain in the Green Mountains, this Long Trail section scrambles up Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak.

This well-trodden route passes fishermen, cyclists, and AT thru-hikers before ascending the quiet, sun-dappled slopes of southwest Virginia's Iron Mountain.

This *3.3-mile loop behind Big Meadows Lodge drops past rocks and ridgelines to Shenandoah's 4th highest falls.

Explore an 1890's mountain farm on this 4.3-mile lasso loop that tackles a 700-foot climb to craggy boulders for expansive parkway views.

Ogle fiery color in the Green Mountains.

Bag four scenic peaks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hike high on this above-treeline route through the Weminuche Wilderness.

Sample a 15-mile stretch of the Long Trail on this challenging leg between Appalachian Gap and Duxbury Road. Expect steep scrambles, big elevation gains, and sweet views.

Have no time to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail? No worries. Tackle this 40.5-mile section hike through Maryland over the course of a long weekend.

This 9.5-mile section of the Oregon Coast Trail winds south on sandy beaches punctuated with craggy headlands and 235-foot Haystack Rock.

Click off two 2,500-plus foot peaks, sample from entry-level scrambling on granite slabs on this 3.8 mile loop.

Hike 24.8 miles around the source of the Nantahala River on the Appalachian Trail and camp atop Albert Mountain for night-sky views. On night two, pitch your tent on 5,498-foot Standing Indian, a treeless bald with front-row sunset vistas.

Score some of the John Muir Trail's most classic views on this 31-mile section hike in Yosemite National Park that starts less than two hours from Bishop.

This 10-mile loop in the heart of Washington's Indian Heaven Wilderness is overflowing with wildflower meadows, summer huckleberries, and sparkling lakes. Do it as a dayhike, or backpack it with several side trip options.

Meander through Civil War history on this 10.5-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Multiple peaks, steep climbs, and open meadows highlight this weeklong trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Appalachian Trail.

Hike cross-country through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to a pocket of dreamy lakeside camps on the John Muir Trail.

Slip past tides along cliffy coasts on an easy-to-plan long weekend.

This 18.5-mile point-to-point in the eastern fringes of the park follows the Pacific Crest Trail across Cascade ridgelines to picture-perfect views of Rainier.