Inspiration
Just Your Typical Appalachian Trail Gear List
Everyone loves gear lists, right? Hikers are gear junkies! I didn’t think I’d become one to post about my gear, but here I am, doing exactly that. No shame, no...
5 Things I Learned Thru-Hiking as a Solo Female
Nowadays, traveling alone as a girl seems to be frowned upon. It’s seen as dangerous and unsafe. We’re told not to go out alone, especially in the wilderness. But why...
A Guide to Volcano Loop Hikes in the Pacific Northwest
Dotted with wildflower-filled meadows, stunning waterfalls, and inviting alpine lakes, these Cascade volcano loop hikes belong on every backpacker’s bucket list.
20 Amazing Pacific Crest Trail Photos to Help You Get Through the Week
When it comes to our National Scenic Trails, the PCT undeniably lives up to this bland, yet telling title. We asked you to help us prove it by submitting your...
Meet Daren Jackson: Thru-Hiker, Navy Veteran, Naked and Afraid Survivalist
Thru-hiking attracts a wide variety of individuals. We all know the stereotypes; the lanky giant with a beard to his chest, the ultralight liberal arts grad who thinks that anything...
How Pyles Camp Changes Boys’ Lives Through Wilderness Retreats
Picture the first mountain you climbed. Standing on that summit, the feelings of joy, exhaustion, and confidence can be overwhelming. Accomplishing a goal that once seemed elusive opens up a...
A New Challenge: The White Mountains Direttissima Record
Like many prospective PCT thru-hikers, I read the PCT Association’s statement on March 19th with overwhelming disappointment. Others eloquently express the anguish of the thru-hiking community over
Trek Readers’ Favorite Day Hikes Close to Home
Amid the economic and mental turmoil wrought by COVID-19, the outdoors has been a satisfying—if brief—escape for many of us. We asked Trek readers to share their favorite local hikes...
Beyond Thru-Hiking: What You Miss While Hiking the PCT (in California)
The PCT is great. Now leave it behind to discover the other great places that touch the trail. Here are four of my favorited spots to explore within sight of...
24 More Stunning Appalachian Trail Photos to Get You Through Another Week
We asked for your favorite AT photos, and we're having a blast looking through them all. This week brings the third installment of our readers' favorite pictures from the Appalachian...