Trips

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Nearly 10,000 feet of new trail has been opened along the former Hanover Branch Railroad Corridor.

The 2008 abduction and killing of Meredith Emerson still haunts investigators and lawyers.

The only thing better than Yellowstone in summer? Yellowstone in winter. Picture herds of bison and elk, low-hanging steam shrouding evergreen forests, gem-hued pools blazing amid the snow-dusted landscape—and savoring it all in solitude.

Tracy Swartout takes the reins as acting superintendent of the national park this week.

The Oakland reserve hosts clusters of the spotted bugs from November through February.

Bitter cold plus whipping winds give the New Hampshire summit a superlative "real feel" temperature.

The justices seemed to be siding with Florida over water use in the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers.

Biologists blame groundwater withdrawal and pollution for the demise of the beaverpond marstonia snail.

Three wanderers spill about what it's like calling a tricked-out van home.

Be part of one of the US's greatest migrations on the Platte River.

Subzero temps and bitter wind? Just the spot for a New Hampshire couple to get engaged.

The Tortilla Campground was shut down in December over water issues.

January brings a host of natural wonders to Marin County.

State Routes 261 and 273 shut down this week.

Tough travelers braved single-digit cold at New Hampshire's state parks.

This week's 3.9 earthquake rattled windows from Portland to Puget Sound.

The Marin County peak proved a popular January 1 ritual this year.

The acre-size exhibit features caves, tunnels, arches, and slides.

Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

Downtown LA has seen just 3 percent of its usual rainfall since Oct. 1.

A $165 million private donation made the land deal possible.

These nature getaways will help you with your 2018 #fitnessgoals.

Follow as WGN radio correspondent tackles a 40-foot wall.

The group's Environment Foundation awarded grants to the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District and the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative.

The annual Lake Lanier challenge attracted 41 swimmers.

Rabies cases in gray foxes are up statewide.

The new service offers outdoor classes and insider info on area activities.

24 city parks offer free tree drop-off this year.

Trash in the neglected Sycamore Grove area threatens area waterways.

Washington's sea star numbers are up in the aftermath of a four-year wasting syndrome epidemic.

Food waste, congestion pricing, protection from chemicals, and more top the list this year.

Negative temps don't deter these hockey players and sledders across Chicagoland.

Officials tried three times to tow a motorist out of deep snow on a remote wilderness road.

New regulations aim to curb the pollution and water abuses of illegal growing operations.

Evergreen Lake, less than an hour from Denver, boasts 8.5 groomed acres and 11 hockey rinks.

Locals fear the 6,500-strong Colockum Herd poses risks to drivers and ranchers.

Cimarron Mountain Club, opening December 2018, will host just 15 families.

The 17-acre Hollywood Hills parcel will be preserved permanently.

From record snowpack to the establishment of moose in the state, it's been an interesting year.

Bookings for some of these 8 elevated perches open up in December.

Get the scoop on new visitor center and inn operating hours, plus winter ranger programs.

Authorities report that the Ventura and Santa Barbara County blaze had two origins.

Enjoy forest sites for free on 12 special occasions next year.

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Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

The animals broke free from their winter pasture and trotted through town before police helped round them up.

Recycle it instead! Options include mulching, chipping them into hiking trail surfaces, and more.

The SnowSport Safety Foundation argues that resorts should do more to reduce risk during low-snow conditions.

The "First Saturdays" program will feature monthly activities in partnership with Northside Hospital.

South Mountain Park's busiest trailhead is undergoing a massive makeover.

Local state parks will participate in a nationwide program to inspire people to kick off the new year with a hike.

Twenty state firefighters fly to California to aid on the Thomas Fire.

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$5.1 million in grants will help the forest preserves complete missing trail segments within four years.

The 24-year-old died after falling off his sit-on-top boat.

Unknowns in the deadly Tennessee blaze from November 2016 include windspeed and the fate of the teens suspected of starting the fire.

Changing demographics and climate change are behind the decline.

On a four-day traverse through the spectacularly glaciated Coast Mountains, the BACKPACKER team learns—and embraces—the four steps of overcoming adversity.

Bolinas-Fairfax Road reopened for good last week.

Toxic pollution threatens wildlife at Sierra County's Empire Mine site.

Water treatment woes are behind the recent closure.

The current dry spell is the worst in almost 700 years.

The San Diego Mountain Biking Association supports a Congressional bill to allow bikes in wilderness areas.

Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

Natalie Sisemore, now 13, hiked all 48 peaks with her dad.

The Ventura and Santa Barbara County blaze has burned 270,000-plus acres.

"A Lasting Legacy" profiles a legendary trail volunteer.

Breeding season makes the wild canines more visible.

The funds will go to programs that get kids outdoors statewide.

The new head comes to the Boulder-based philanthropy organization from the National Park Foundation.

On Hawaii, Halape’s secret snorkeling holes, coconut trees, and white-sand beaches stir any hiker’s wanderlust. But the Puna Coast Trail’s rough volcanic terrain keeps the hordes away.

See how far Ventura County's monster blaze would stretch in LA, New York, Chicago, and more.