Trips by State
Trips by State
Got the itch to go hiking? Whether it’s prepping for the trip of a lifetime or finding local hikes, these picks from the editors of Backpacker will help you get out more. Find day hikes, multi-day trips, and more.
Got the itch to go hiking? Whether it’s prepping for the trip of a lifetime or finding local hikes, these picks from the editors of Backpacker will help you get out more. Find day hikes, multi-day trips, and more.
Charlotte, NC: Living History Farm, Kings Mountain
Explore well-preserved Living History Farm on this short hike near Charlotte.
Las Vegas, NV: Little Zion
Visit Little Zion in Red Rock Canyon for sandstone canyons, springs, waterfalls, and massive ponderosa pine trees.
Charlotte, NC: Robinson Rockhouse Ruins, Reedy Creek
Enjoy a short hike to 200-year-old ruins along Reedy Creek on the Robinson Rockhouse Trail in Charlotte.
Charlotte, NC: Pilot Mountain Grindstone Trail
When you're in need of some amazing views, and willing to drive for them, hit the Grindstone Trail on Pilot Mountain outside Charlotte.
Las Vegas, NV: Hidden Forest Cabin
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.
Spokane, WA: Colfax Trail
Trace the path of the Palouse River through a basalt canyon on the 3.1-mile Colfax Trail south of Spokane.
Charlotte, NC: McMullen Creek Greenway
This close-to-Charlotte hike takes you along McMullen Creek via fun, bike-friendly boardwalks.
Spokane, WA: Enchanted Ravine Loop
Weave through a maze of rock formations on this 2.6-mile loop in the Dishman Hills on the outskirts of Spokane, Washington.
Charlotte, NC: Lake Shore Trail, Lake Norman
Stroll 4.8 miles along Lake Norman on the Lake Shore Trail about an hour from Charlotte.
Moab, UT: Corona Arch
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.
Spring Canyon Hikes in the Inland Northwest
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.
Spokane, WA: Trails and Ales with the WTA
Trails and Ales provides a fun, informal opportunity to meet other hikers and learn about opportunities for outdoor volunteering in Spokane.
Grand Gulch, UT
Take in breathtaking views, stunning rock formations, and historical ruins on this 5-night itinerary.
Spokane, WA: High Drive Parkway
Expansive views of Latah Creek and the city of Spokane, Washington await hikers who tackle the trails of the High Drive Parkway.
Asheville, NC: Mount Rogers via Massie Gap
Mount Rogers via Massie Gap: A state high point, the Appalachian Trail, and wild ponies all in one hike—jackpot!
Spokane, WA: Pine Lake Loop
Wander through an ornithologist’s dream on this 1.3-mile loop through a secluded wetland south of Spokane, Washington.
Spokane, WA: Fairview Ski Loop
Ski through a peaceful pine forest on this 3.1-mile loop east of Spokane, Washington.
Las Vegas, NV: Turtlehead Peak
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.
Spokane, WA: Nisqually John Canyon
Discover basalt rock formations and blooming desert plants on this 3.8-mile hike in Nisqually John Canyon south of Spokane, Washington.
Baltimore, MD: Sugarloaf Mountain Summit Loop
Get a quick dose of nature on a family-friendly hike that is surprisingly colorful.
Valentine's Day Hikes in the Inland Northwest
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.
Las Vegas, NV: Fire Wave
People come from all over the world to see Fire Wave, an unusual wave shaped rock that rises out from the sandstone.
Charlotte, NC: Shady Trail, Latta Plantation
Be a "birder" for a day on the easy Shady Trail in Latta Plantation.
Alice-Toxaway Lakes Loop, Idaho
Alpine meets Caribbean on this Idaho gem.
Eagle Rock Loop, Arkansas
Test yourself in the Ouachita Mountains.
Thousand Island Lake Loop, California
Hike to the best views in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Fish and Owl Canyons Loop, Utah
Explore redrock canyons and ancient ruins.
Collegiate Peaks Loop, Colorado
Circle the Rockies on this high-alpine route.
Devils Dome Loop, Washington
Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight.
Charlotte, NC: Seven Oaks Preserve Trail
Let you mind go free while you wander along a pretty lake on the uncomplicated Seven Oaks Preserve Trail.
Charlotte, NC: Browns Mountain, Kings Mountain National Military Park
Climb Browns Mountain, hike a narrated battlefield trail, watch a reenacted revolutionary war encampment, see war muskets—Kings Mountain has it all!
Done In a Day: Bridge the Gap
Earth is the first and best architect. See Ma Nature’s oeuvre of natural arches on these dayhikes.
Spokane, WA: Inland Northwest Snow Report
Winter 2015 in the Inland Northwest has been disappointing for many ski and snowshoe enthusiasts.
Las Vegas, NV: Arizona Hot Springs
Perfect in the winter, this desert hike snakes through ancient and colorful canyons to the hidden Arizona Hot Springs.
Spokane, WA: Rose Creek Preserve Loop
Take a stroll through wide-open Palouse prairie on this loop in Rose Creek Nature Preserve south of Spokane, Washington.
Las Vegas, NV: Corn Creek
Visit Corn Creek, one of Nevada's best birding sites and a desert oasis.
Weekends: Juniper Dunes Wilderness, Washington
Choose your own adventure in this trailless, dune-covered wilderness.
Weekends: Bell Mountain Loop, Bell Mountain Wilderness, Missouri
Wander through three-season wildflowers on this overnight.
Weekends: Florida Trail, Blackwater River State Forest, Florida
Follow Panther Creek through nature's zoo on General Andrew Jackson's Red Ground Trail and the Florida Trail.
Weekends: Rapid River Loop, Idaho
Low elevation and an arid climate guarantee year-round access to this secluded riverine gem in the Nez Perce.
Weekends: Kisatchie Hills, Louisiana
Explore wild Louisiana on this Ozark-like overnight tour.
Weekends: Archer's Fork Loop, Ohio
Avoid winter a little longer on this fall hike through an Appalachian region.
Denver, CO: Backcountry Skiing to the Nokhu Hut
Find easy-access powder stashes on this beginner-friendly backcountry ski trip to the Nokhu Hut.
Las Vegas, NV: Calico Tanks, Red Rock Canyon
Check out the Calico Tanks Trail in Red Rock Canyon and you'll be face-to-face with interesting geology, cultural history, and diverse life.
Pittsburgh, PA: Shorb's Summit via 1,000 Steps Trail
Start on the 1,000 Steps Trail and then continue up Jacks Mountain to Shorb's Summit for a grand vista.
Spokane, WA: North Fork Asotin Creek
Look for bighorn sheep browsing in the cliffs above the North Fork Asotin Creek Trail south of Spokane, Washington.
Charlotte, NC: Crowders Mountain
Charge up the most famous peak outside Charlotte for views of the surrounding forests via the Crowders Trail.
Charlotte, NC: Reedy Creek Preserve Loop
Wander through a secluded forest on this east loop in the Reedy Creek Preserve outside Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bag a Fourteener
Colorado's Mt. of the Holy Cross gets our nod as the best 14,000-foot peak.
Hike to 3 Top Backcountry Ruins
Three backcountry ruins cool enough to make Indiana Jones reach for his boots. But remember: Look, don’t touch.
Canoeing Your Way Through Cajun Country
Pack your paddle for a watery tour through the wild heart of cajun country
Pharaoh Lake Loop Hike in New York
This two day hiking adventure around Pharaoh Lake will awaken your senses and revive your spirit.
Hiking in Tiltill Valley, California
This hiking and camping trip is filled with water falls that gush over into a valley 200 feet below and a 2,000 foot sentinal panoramic view.
Hike the Four C Trail in Texas
Hiking in Texas? It's true! Go see for yourself as the sun dances through the 100-foot-tall pines in the woods of the Davy Crockett National Forest.
Wildlife Hot Spots in America
It’s a zoo out there. Snag close-ups of bears, birds, and elk on these late-summer dayhikes.
White Pinnacle Peak, Nevada
This hike will tempt you to pack a parachute as sandstone peaks reach 1,500 feet above Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area's valley floor.
Flagstaff: Agassiz Peak
The forbidden fruit of Arizona, Coconino's Agassiz will mesmerize and tempt you.
Baldpate Mountain, Maine
The Appalachian Trail in Maine will take your breath away, both as you climb 3,662 feet to the summit and then your 360-degree view.
Cabeza Prieta Pass, Arizona
This desert gem is an explorer’s heaven.
Blacktail Buttes, Idaho
Visit Craters of the Moon to see this lava-tubed wonder under an azure sky.
Iron Mountain, California
Hiking this 8,007-foot peak will bring you peace and solitude, as well as breathtaking views.
Millinocket, ME: Debsconeag Loop
Cross the northeast’s wildest moose country beneath fall’s fiery canopy.
John Muir Trail Section 3: Devil's Postpile to Edison Lake
Climb through a rejuvenating burn zone and a cinder cone-strewn hillside at the front end of this 32-mile stretch on the JMT
Weekends: Jerry Lake, Wisconsin
See this Ice Age highlight reel and camp above kettle lakes.
Weekends: Ice Falls, Oregon
Venture to this impressive cascade surrounded by jagged granite peaks.
Done In a Day: Views & Brews
Mountain adventures and cold beer go together like fresh-caught trout and lemon. Find a dayhike/pint pairing near you—cheers!
Weekends: Mt. Pleasant, Virginia
Tour the best of the Appalachians on this easy two-nighter.
Masterpiece Trails: Boardwalk Empire
Get the story behind the Plover River Segment, Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin—and how to see it yourself.
Masterpiece Trails: CCC Showcase
Get the story behind the High Peaks–Balconies Caves Loop, Pinnacles National Park, California—and how to see it yourself.
Masterpiece Trails: Bike to Hike
Get the story behind Boone Fork Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina—and how to see it yourself.
Masterpiece Trails: Vertical Limits
Get the story behind the Krogerata, Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado—and how to see it yourself.
Masterpiece Trails: Back from the Burn
Get the story behind Mt. Islip Loop, Angeles National Forest, California—and how to see it yourself.
Masterpiece Trails: Making The Grade
Get the story behind the Edmands Tour, Presidential Range, White Mountains, New Hampshire—and how to see it yourself.
Insider's Guide: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Tips from our expert on exploring New England’s biggest alpine zone.
Must-Do Rocky Mountain Trail Runs
After running 150 miles of the high-alpine Colorado Trail while filming his recent documentary film, Running the Edge, ultrarunner, filmmaker, and photographer Matt Trappe told us his favorite Colorado trail runs. Check out these high-altitude trails.
Reclaiming Glen Canyon
As the water level in this reservoir dropped by as much as 150 feet over a period of 5 years, the legendary canyons of Glen Canyon began to emerge for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Fourteeners of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains
The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast wilderness areas. Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp
Solo-Hiking Alaska's Brooks Range
An interview with thru-hiking phenom Kristin Gates
Into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Located in northeaster Alaska, ANWR is the largest wildlife refuge in North America with over 19 million acres. Photographer Chuck Graham explored the beauty of the refuge during a two-week, 160-mile excursion<b>. </b>Here, he shares his photos of the landscape, rivers, and wildlife.