Trips

Loop 5.7 miles into shaded hollows and up the highest dunes on Lake Michigan's southern shore in Indiana Dunes State Park.

Hike into a vast, volcano-crafted moonscape in the (much-reduced) shadows of Mount St. Helens on this 10-mile out-and-back.

A bit of rain will only enhance your 6.1-mile out-and-back trek to foggy forests, misty waterfalls, and a nearly 6,000-foot peak in Mt. Rainier National Park.

You can thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ big dam idea for the views on this scenic 7.6-miler above the shores of 3,500-acre Detroit Lake.

Test your legs and lungs on this 5.4-mile out-and-back through alpine meadows to a 5,000-foot peak with glorious views in Gifford National Forest.

Waterfalls, lush forests, and magnificent creekside views make this 5-mile out-and-back through Cliff Falls Wilderness a superb dayhike in northern Georgia.

Stroll through a tableau of pine-studded foothills past a secluded lake, then climb to a steep saddle on this 7.5-mile loop in Oak Mountain State Park.

This 4.8-mile loop ranks as one of the best dayhikes on the Cumberland Plateau, thanks to whitewater cascades, giant twin arches, and a rustic lodge.

Climb miles up to viewpoints over the cool waters of the Housatonic River and Lake Zoar on this 3.8-mile loop through Kettletown State Park.

This 14.4-mile loop starts in a lush canyon framed by a secluded waterfall, then ascends to a mellow ridgeline in the Santa Ana foothills.

Venture into mosaic of woodlands, prairies, and glacial moraines on this 4-mile trek through a local forest preserve.

Escape Yosemite Valley crowds on this 21.2-mile, multiday trek to glacial cirques and turquoise lakes deep in the wilds of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Hike a section of America's first National Scenic Trail on this 23.2-mile, 3-day loop around Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

This easy 4-mile loop plunges you into a deep canyon to view high waterfalls, then skirts up the canyon rim, passing impressive overlooks in Cloudland Canyon State Park.

This strenuous 54.8-mile, 6-day loop follows a historic abandoned trail across the true crown of the continent.

Knock off two thrilling 14ers on this strenuous 11.2-mile, out-and-back adventure in Colorado's rugged Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Also makes a great overnight.

Climb knobby ridges to the white quartz cap of Shining Rock, then follow a pristine stream back to your car on this arduous 7.8-mile loop.

This lovely 5.4-mile loop shaded by oaks, pines, and birches leads to the rushing headwaters of Flat Creek in Chattahoochee National Forest.

Stand on top of the Peach State on this 13-mile out-and-back under mixed second-growth forest to the bare high point of Brasstown Bald.

This 5.7-mile loop visits SoCal's last wild river in Santa Margarita Canyon, a refuge hosting numerous species of endangered birds and plants.

Wander through a remote paradise of high-altitude lakes in the lightly visited Trinity Alps on this 27.2-mile, long-weekend trip in Klamath National Forest.

Venture into cowboy country on a faded cattle trail that visits desolate buttes, colorful meadows, and quiet vistas in 6 rolling miles (each way).

Don't let the 2,000-foot gain on this 5-mile out-and-back in the Soda Range stop you the long, crowd-free summit views are well worth the effort.

Trek 14.4 miles on less-traveled trails to a 10,000-foot summit over the Valles Caldera, a giant volcanic bowl in the shadow of the Jemez Mountains.

Watch the Little Miami River transform from calm to violent in a deep limestone chasm on this 5.2-mile dayhike in John Bryan State Park.

This is literally one for the birds. Take a hike along a waterfowl-rich marsh on this 8-miler through Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.

This 10-mile loop explores Jesse James's old hideout then links gurgling streams and quiet ponds in the rugged folds of the San Bois Mountains.

Seeking solitude? Test your compass skills as you venture 9.4 miles into a canyon of recovering burn zones and trickling springs in the San Mateo Mountains.

This 10.3-miler outside Vail is a leg- and lung-buster, but at the end of the day you'll touch the sky on the summit of one of Colorado's fabled Fourteeners.

Take a walk on the wildlife side on this moderate 4.5-mile half-day hike in the Santa Rita Mountains to springs, shady campsites, and pleasant views.

Witness delicate blooms in a peaceful prairieland on this 5.6-mile loop in Milford State Park, which also features wooded ravines and secluded coves.

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.

March 4.2 miles back in time to July 21, 1861, where General Stonewall Jackson led an epic battle on this ground at Manassas National Battlefield Park.

This hike explores a network of canyon forks anchored by scenic and isolated camping and reliable water sources in central Ticaboo Creek.

This 5.1-mile route leads to a majestic set of granite domes, crags, pinnacles, and chimneys shaped by constant winds from the Medicine Bow Range.

Hike 6.1 miles into a redrock paradise full of wind-and-water sculptures that seem to defy gravity. You'll see seven amazing arches on this route.

In just a weekend, you can travel from wooded ridges to gentle peaks to quiet hollows on this 16.5-mile lasso in George Washington National Forest.

Discover the river gullies, wildlife, and floral delights of Cooper Lake State Park on this winding 4.7-mile lollipop loop through a towering hardwood forest.

Go from lush mountains to high desert via a red rock canyon on this 16.3-mile, mostly off-trail trek into Grand Staircase-Escalante. Go in spring or fall; pack extra water.

This 4.4-miler mixes prairie with rolling wooded hills, scenic bluffs, and sandstone hoodoos in Kanopolis State Park, the first state park in Kansas.

Hike or bike 11.6 out-and-back miles on an old mule path to views of the Potomac and historical relics. A flat profile makes this trip suitable for young hikers.

Connect a string of sparkling alpine lakes on this 25.2-mile long weekend under the ragged 12,000-foot spires and peaks of the Wind River Range.

Run, bike, or hike 10.4 miles out and back along a 14,000-year-old lake shoreline to fresh air and broad vistas in Provo Canyon.

Hike into the core of Indian Peaks Wilderness on this 13.6-mile overnight, which leads past waterfalls to a sunbleached valley and a sweet lakeside campsite.

Hike through shady sweet-gum forest and rolling grasslands on this 6.5-miler along the premier canopy road of the Red Hills region.

No time to hike the whole PCT? This 7.4-mile section in Mt. Hood National Forest offers some of the best done-in-a-day views in the long path's northern half.

On this 7.8-mile hike-and-scramble in Camden Hills State Park, you'll bag two peaks and earn million-dollar views of Penobscot Bay's craggy coastline.

Don't be fooled by the name: You'll climb 3,000 feet in 2 miles to a summit with spectacular views of rivers, mountains, and ocean.

This 5.8-miler loops in-and-around secluded islands of rare trees, diverse bird sanctuaries, and tranquil butterfly gardens in Hammonasset Beach State Park.

This 13.2-mile PCT out-and-back is resplendent with mountain scenery, including big panoramas, heaps of wildlife, and a blissfully blue alpine lake.

Visit Georgia's Little Grand Canyon on this 6.7-mile loop to backcountry shelters and geologic wonders in Providence Canyon State Park.

On this easy 5.4-mile out-and-back, you'll follow the mighty Lewis River through a mossy old-growth canyon that harbors three photogenic waterfalls.

Enjoy a soundtrack of whistling winds on this rolling 7-mile hike through virgin forestland to a large alpine lake in William O. Douglas Wilderness.

This 5.6-mile lasso loop departs the popular Big Devils Stairs hike, scramble upstream to waterfalls and connecting with a forgotten trail free of crowds.

This moderate 6.5-mile loop climbs through an open oak forest, reaches nearly 3,000 feet, and pays off with expansive views of distant ridgelines.

This lightly traveled 9.5-mile trail strings together sawgrass marshlands, sandhill flats, and thick forests on its way to sweeping views overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

This 9.6-mile hike into a narrow wooded valley passes through old settler farmlands, impressive waterfalls, and mountain overlooks to a quiet creekside lunch spot.

Flee summer's heat spells on this relaxing 2-mile loop around a breezy lake in Pocahontas State Park, which is just a few minutes by car from downtown.

This leisurely 8.2-mile out-and-back meanders through the low-country forests and cypress swamps of Francis Marion National Forest.

Stay found on this scantily marked 7.7-miler into hardwood forests and bird-filled swamps. This one-way trek ends at Poplar Lake in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.

This 7-mile circuit offers a Texas treasure: a chance to hike and camp under an isolated stand of loblolly pines where countless birds nest and sing. Bring a bird ID book.

This 8.2-mile Sylvania Wilderness overnight loops around a glacial lake with sandy beaches and huge virgin-growth trees. It's one of the best hiking spots in the upper Midwest.

This 11.7-mile loop is loaded with backcountry treats: an old mining town, Indian ceremonial grounds, abandoned roads, stellar ridgeline views, and several designated campsites.

Explore seasonal waterfalls, mellow woods, and a large quarry on this moderate 4.5-mile loop along the relatively steep flanks of Monte Sano Mountain.

This mellow 4-mile hike tours the rolling hills and lush, wildlife-filled wetlands that make up scenic Canaan Valley State Park.

Nestled in a quiet corner of the Cohutta Wilderness, this 10.2-mile out-and-back features giant hardwood stands, waterfalls, and a remote mountain campsite.

This moderate 5.5-mile loop on the eastern boundary of the Smokies combines stellar woodland hiking with superb waterfall exploration.

This 3.6-mile out-and-back follows a stunning, sinewy ridge to campsites with clifftop views of the Red River Gorge- a local favorite for backcountry camping.

On this 16.6-mile overnight in the Paddy Creek Wilderness, see tranquil emerald-green creeks and timeless vistas of the rock-strewn Ozark Highlands.

Spend a laid-back afternoon in a unique geologic area chock full of swamps and sinkholes on a fascinating 4.4-mile loop in Apalachicola National Forest.

Solitude is easy to find in the Ozarks, and this 6.6-mile loop is no exception. Tackle this hike, which features forest, river, and bluff views in one day or camp out for the weekend.

This 6.6-mile dayhike in Orange Country features scenic ridgelines and lush wooded canyons.

This 5-mile loop meanders along coastal bluffs and into wetlands in the heart of one of the finest birding spots in the United States.

This 7.3-mile loop leads to photo-worthy views of the colorful Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, then enters a highland meadow to a tranquil pond.

A scattering of rocky outcrops, with their big sky views, offers a surprisingly wild haven within the city limits on this 6.7-mile, figure-8 loop in Topanga State Park.

Cross a rolling ridgeline with great views of Orange County before descending down into the beautiful sycamore-, manzanita-, maple-, and wild zucchini-filled Telegraph Canyon.

Escape gridlock on this quick and easy 5.6-mile getaway along a peaceful reservoir with eucalyptus groves and views over Orange County.

This out-and-back beach hike climbs over Point Dume to a coastline littered with tidepools. Tip: Bring snorkel gear and plenty of drinking water.

Meander through big oaks, sycamores, and pines on this 7-mile, out-and-back hike along a tranquil creek and up Trabuco Canyon for vistas overlooking Cleveland National Forest.

Trace the muddy flats and coastal bluffs of Upper Newport Bay and observe a long list of birds on this easygoing 5.9-mile stroll.