Olympic National Park: Hoh River to Third Beach
Trace the rugged coastline past dozens of sea-carved rock formations on this five-star weekend trip along the Olympic Peninsula.
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Appalachian Trail: Fontana Dam to Newfound GapMultiple peaks, steep climbs, and open meadows highlight this 40.6-mile trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. South Bend, IN: Indiana Dunes West Beach LoopThis sandy stroll climbs dunes, skirts an ancient marsh and loops 3.2 miles to end within stone-skipping distance of Lake Michigan’s coastline. Appalachian Trail: VT 9 to Stratton-Arlington RoadThe hotspot on this 21.1-miler is Glastenbury Mountain, a 3,748-foot summit that Native Americans believe is cursed and a place where several people went missing in the mid-1900s. |
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Phoenix: Piestewa Peak UltraSubmitted by:Zoom around the base of 2,608-foot Piestewa Peak and then hop up to the summit for full-on views of the Sonoran Desert on this 5.3-miler. |
Yellowstone National ParkAmerica's first national park is a playground for grizzlies, wolves, moose, and hikers (not in that order). 
Olympic National ParkExplore two ecosystems in this hinterland of moss-draped forests, ancient trees, and snowcapped peaks. |
Grand Canyon National ParkDrop into America's belly on a little-known hike that dips in and out of four different canyons, each blessed with gurgling spring water. 
Yosemite National ParkClimb classic Sierra passes, ogle granite monoliths, and camp above treeline in John Muir's second home. 
Glacier National ParkScramble up class III peaks and cross late summer snowfields on this strenuous but straightforward trip through Montana's big-mountain country. |
Canyon Confidential: Utah's Grand Gulch
To discover the best-kept secrets in Utah's Grand Gulch, you need to start at the bottom.Go Long In Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands
On this 70-miler, see rhododendrons by day and hike light by staying in shelters at night.
Top 3 Fire Tower Hikes
Once the domain of solitary smoke spotters–and, famously, authors such as Ed Abbey–many fire towers are now open to the public. There are 557 on the National Historic Lookout Register. Climb to one of these three for panoramic vistas and plenty of writerly inspiration.Quick Fix: Apostle Islands
You don't need a boat to see this spectacular national lakeshore. Here's how to explore the best of its bluffs and beaches by foot (and paddle).
Hiking the Sierra High Route
On this burly, 210-mile traverse, which crosses 33 passes and barely touches established trails, you can find Alaska-sized scenery, complete solitude, and just enough risk to keep things interesting.
MASTER YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERTISE WITH OUR TIPS
Survival Skills: Survive a Bear Attack!
Learn how to deal with a black bear or grizzly encounter with Shannon Davis and Ted the Bear.
Survival Skills: Treating Bloody Wounds
Don't panic: Severe wounds are part of the risks of backcountry travel. Learn how to treat bleeding cuts, and you just might save your hiking partner's life–or your own.
Survival Skills: Get Un-Lost with GPS
Map Editor Kris Wagner finds his way through a nasty thunderstorm using only a topo map and a GPS. Learn how you can, too.
Get Fit for Any Hike
No gyms, no weights–and, with our
easy-to-follow plan–no bonking on the trail.
Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide
Learn how to make your gear last forever with our guide to the 55 most
common repairs and maintenance musts.
Sleeping Bag Center
Our guide to sleeping bags fit for all occasions and sleep tips guaranteed
to give you a good night's rest. 
Find the Outdoor Equipment You Need
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