Trail Profile

The Ice Age Trail: 1,200 Meandering Miles of Wisconsin’s Glacial Landscape

The Ice Age Trail: 1,200 Meandering Miles of Wisconsin’s Glacial Landscape

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) traces the geological features and landscapes left behind by melting glaciers during the last ice age over 10,000 years ago. Its gentle terrain...

Nov 15, 2021 : Claire Kopetsky
The Trap Hills: 40 Miles of Pure Gold in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The Trap Hills: 40 Miles of Pure Gold in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The North Country Trail (NCT) stretches more than 500 miles across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but the 40 miles of it that cross the Trap Hills pack in more sweeping vistas...

Nov 10, 2021 : Matt Denny
The Ouachita Trail: 223 Rocky & Remote Miles Through the Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas

The Ouachita Trail: 223 Rocky & Remote Miles Through the Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas

And now for something completely different: the Ouachita Mountains. Unless you live near this seldom-visited part of the country, the lovely Ouachita Trail may have passed under your radar. True,...

Oct 28, 2021 : J. Taylor Bell
Uinta Highline Trail: 100 Miles in Utah’s Rugged Backcountry

Uinta Highline Trail: 100 Miles in Utah’s Rugged Backcountry

When I say "Utah backpacking trip," your mind likely jumps to red rocks, massive canyons, and vast desert landscapes. However, in the northeastern corner of the state, the impressive Uinta...

Oct 1, 2021 : Katie Kommer
5 Things You Should Know Before Hiking the Great Divide Trail

5 Things You Should Know Before Hiking the Great Divide Trail

Is the Great Divide Trail on your thru-hike bucket list yet? If not, it’s time to add this stunning Canadian hike.

Sep 28, 2021 : Eloise Robbins
Bay Circuit Trail: Thru-Hiking Boston’s Emerald Necklace

Bay Circuit Trail: Thru-Hiking Boston’s Emerald Necklace

I found myself in a strange headspace when I got home from my recent thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I planned a month and a half long break from thru-hiking...

Sep 14, 2021 : Lyla Harrod
The Olympic North Coast: 19 Miles of Magical Coastline in Olympic National Park

The Olympic North Coast: 19 Miles of Magical Coastline in Olympic National Park

Note: Much of this hike is on Makah tribal lands, and the Makah reservation is currently closed to outside visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check local restrictions and...

Jul 8, 2021 : Dan Purdy
Trail Profile: Backpacking PA’s Susquehannock Trail System

Trail Profile: Backpacking PA’s Susquehannock Trail System

The Susquehannock Trail System (STS) traverses some of the most remote terrain in Pennsylvania, with more wildlife than people. Although numerous trails make up the STS, the route runs as...

Mar 5, 2021 : Troy Zohner
The Black Forest Trail: 43 Miles of Pennsylvania’s Beautiful Forests

The Black Forest Trail: 43 Miles of Pennsylvania’s Beautiful Forests

Beyond the Appalachian Trail, many backpackers overlook Pennsylvania as a backpacking destination. Hikers from Pennsylvania and surrounding states, however, appreciate the plentiful backpacking

Jan 18, 2021 : Troy Zohner
5 Things You Should Know About the Lone Star Hiking Trail

5 Things You Should Know About the Lone Star Hiking Trail

Vic Hay contributed to this story. When I moved to Houston 17 years ago I had to do some research to find a trail of any decent length.  There is...

Dec 3, 2020 : Ruth Nasrullah