ROUTES & TRAILS

Where have you been, where are you going, what have you heard? Let’s talk about the things we’ve seen and the places we daydream about, and share intel for trip planning.

THE TIMELESS QUESTION: AT, PCT, CDT?
Maybe you've wondered this yourself, maybe you've successfully thru hiked one or all of them and you have a few thoughts, or maybe you can't decide which one to do first or next, and a little feedback would help you choose. Let's hear it–which of the three most iconic long trails is the best? Make sure you're signed in to…
Has anyone backpacked the mineral king loop near Sequoia National Park?
How many days do you recommend? Clockwise or counterclockwise? Any advice/recommendations help!
Inquiry: Ice Age Trail
10/23 Anyone hike all or parts of the Wisconsin Ice Age Trail. Please be very specific: Best Areas, Best time of year; best clothing, Which airports, best ground transportation(s); everything you did. Please be very specific. Include your age range and gender; pounds in pack.
Fast, Light and Free on the JMT: My 260 Mile Adventure in the High Sierra
If you've stumbled upon this post here on The Trailhead, chances are you’ve at least heard about the John Muir Trail. In the event you haven’t; the John Muir Trail is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, USA, spanning roughly 210 miles from Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite Valley to the…
Painting a route for comfort
This is my face after finally finding a summit route I was comfortable with. Sometimes when I look at a map I can be briefly overwhelmed with anxiety by all the things I’m not: comfortable with exposure, a technical climber, young, and fast… I'm sure I could think of more, but that seems like a good place to stop the list.…
Top Hikes for Fall Foliage in the White Mountain National Forest
The nights are getting colder and the leaves are starting to take on that light yellow hew that can only mean one thing: fall is here. The Kangamangus Highway, North Conway, and Lincoln, NH will be bumper to bumper in the coming weeks, but if you’re looking for breathtaking color and less crowds, I’ve got the inside scoop.…
METHOW RIVER TO THE "C"
Words and Photos from Jessica Kelley The Methow River starts deep in the North Cascades, a tiny rivulet near Methow Pass. As it trickles down past jagged peaks and through clouds of mosquitoes, it is labeled on maps as the "West Fork Methow," although an East Fork does not appear to exist. When it reaches the valley floor,…
THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL ON THE WASHINGTON POST
Great article - check it out if you can! What are your thoughts on the constantly evolving length and route changes to this iconic and beloved trail? Try to keep it the same for years to come? Change is the only constant, so just deal? Jump in the discussion!
TRAILHEAD POLL: PERMITS
Should permits be required for heavily trafficked destination trails to manage overcrowding and protection of the environments they pass through? Make sure you're signed in, and let your community know what you think!
Humbled, Scared, and Exhilarated on the Beckey-Davis Route
Where was the first moment you realized you were in over your head? What was the route, how were conditions, who was your partner? After having my first such moment, I'm genuinely curious how many other people have found themselves overcommitted, forced to dig deep to top out, genuinely rattled by the experience. (Before…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023 DEAL OF THE DAY: 15% OFF ALL PACK ACCESSORIES!
Words and photos from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets WELCOME to the final DEAL OF THE DAY from Damascus, Virginia for Appalachian Trail Days 2023! We’ve had a most excellent time with all the AT thru hikers past and present that came through to celebrate one of the best trails in the world! We’re stoked to share…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023 DEAL OF THE DAY: 15% OFF ALL STUFF SACKS AND PODS!
Words and photos from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets Hey, everyone! As promised, we’re back with a new DEAL OF THE DAY from Damascus, Virginia, for Appalachian Trail Days 2023! We’re stoked to share some of the specials those in attendance have access to! For the next two days, we’ve got DEALS OF THE DAY on deck…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023 DEAL OF THE DAY: 15% OFF ALL TENTS AND SHELTERS!
Words and photos from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets AAAANNNDDD, we’re back with a new DEAL OF THE DAY, comin’ atcha from Damascus, Virginia, for Appalachian Trail Days 2023! We’re stoked to share some of the specials those in attendance have access to! For the next three days, we’ve got DEALS OF THE DAY on deck…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023, YOU SAY?! JOSH SHEETS HAS THE DEETS! (AND SPECIALS!!)
Words from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets, Photos from HMG Starting on Friday, May 19th, and running through the weekend, Damascus, Virginia, will once again host one of the most legendary thru hiker gatherings of each and every year – APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS! Our pal and past AT thru hiker Josh Sheets will be there…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023 DEAL OF THE DAY: 15% OFF ALL PACKS!
Words from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets, Photos from Tommy Corey & HMG Howdy, all! Let's get the big info you've all been waiting for out of the way right outta the gate! We’re in Damascus, Virginia, for Appalachian Trail Days 2023, reveling in the joy, honoring the commitment, and goin’ gonzo for gear with AT…
WHY DOES AUSTRALIA HATE SWITCHBACKS SO MUCH?! A Friendly Introduction to Backpacking Down Under
So you’re finally balling out on that big antipodean holiday to come visit me. It’s an honor! Feel free to crash on this lovely couch for as long as you want, it’s got your name all over it. And what’s that? You’re thinking of hitting some trails while you’re here? Hell yeah, glad to hear it. There’s so much wild nature to…
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR LOCATION: INTRODUCING NATIVE LANDS, NATIONAL TRAILS
We recently received this press release from the Partnership for the National Trails System about a new free resource called Native Lands, National Trails. Read on below to learn more about the project, and visit the map linked at the bottom to see the historical native regions that some of the most iconic trails in the…
A LOVELY TRIBUTE TO A VISIONARY: JOSH SHEETS HIKES THE BENTON MACKAYE TRAIL
Words and Photos by Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets Benton MacKaye Trail – Thru Hike, April 2023 - 300 miles of pristine Southern Appalachia wilderness Imagine a trail that starts on Springer Mountain and winds its way through the Southern Appalachians. It is marked with white [diamond] blazes and traverses the…
A MULTIMODAL MASTERPIECE: SKIRAFTING UTAH WITH MIKE CURIAK
Words, Photos, and Video from Mike Curiak @mikesee What do you call a guy that devises some of the most creative omniterrain traverse ideas going? And that willingly and silently carries more than his share of group gear? Who breaks trail all day, and when you finally drag your ass into camp he's already melting snow for…
Far and Wide
The next couple of years are shaping up to be wild ones! First off, I will absolutely never complain when life feels difficult to plan, because I believe monotony is the fastest way to forget large portions of your life. To help me find some structure, and potentially to learn about some great opportunities I'd otherwise…
PASSAGE GRANTED: HIKING PRECIPITOUS BLUFF IN TASMANIA WITH SHAUN MITTWOLLEN
Words and Photos by Shaun Mittwollen A tangled mess of Scorparia stifles forward progress at all costs pushing back with springy woody branches. Outside the spring flowering season, the plant is as unappealing as it sounds, with stiff leaves that penetrate bare skin like tiny hypodermic needles. Underfoot viscous mud bakes…
A FRENCH ALPS DISPATCH: SKIING WITH CROISSANTS, ESPRESSO, AND THE POPE
Words and Photos by Jessica Normandeau @jessnormandeau Between the conception of an idea and its actualization, a lot happens. In the case of skiing, it’s often a lot of walking, and in the case of French skiing, it’s often a lot of walking in ski boots. I’ve never seen a culture so happy going about their lives in ski…
AN APPALACHIAN TRAIL EXPERIENCE IN FOUR PARTS: MAX KIEL GETS INTO THE BEST SECTION HIKES
Words and Photos by Max Kiel If you're a backpacker or a regular reader of this blog, you have probably heard of the Appalachian Trail before. You may have even hiked on the trail at some point. If so, then what comes to mind when you think of the Appalachian Trail? Is it the rugged, mountainous landscape of the White…
FINDING DIFFERENT GEMS IN THE GRAND CANYON: THE HERMIT-BOUCHER LOOP WITH PETER BUGG
Words and Photos from Peter Bugg @bugglife Over the past few years, I’ve been making an active effort to accept when plans have to change. Sometimes, you don’t get to do what you wanted to, but if you can let go of your frustration, you’re likely to have an equally good time doing something else. This was precisely the…
LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE IN THE DEAD OF WINTER: A HIKE UP MOUNT MARCY
Words by Max Kiel @Max_Kiel_Trail , Photos by Dan Oliver @danofosho and Max Kiel Many outdoor enthusiasts might view winter as an off-season of sorts. Several feet of snow cover our favorite trails, sub-freezing temps make it hard to find motivation to leave the couch, and limited daylight hours make adventures more…
TOE-TO-TOE WITH THE DEVIL: A DUEL WITH THE MOST DIFFICULT TRAIL ON THE EAST COAST
Words and Photos from Max Kiel @Max_Kiel_Trail Located in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, the Devil's Path has gained a reputation of being a particularly challenging and dangerous traverse. Even the name in itself is intimidating. Not many people have heard of the Catskill Mountains before, as they often get…
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN AVOCADO TOAST AND PIZZA: NEVADA’S TOIYABE AND TOQUIMA MOUNTAIN RANGES
Words and Photos by Scott Nechemias @snechemias In an early June, I found myself putting an ice ax on my pack in 87-degree heat. It actually got hot to the touch just in the time I took my pack out of my car and made my final few minutes of preparation before starting my hike. An interesting week was about to commence. "If…
HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR PEOPLE? JOIN A GROUP ON THE TRAILHEAD!
Introducing Groups! Want to get even more in the weeds or woods about the things you love to do outside? Find like-minded members that want to go there, too! We’ve created a few to get things rolling, but if there’s something specific you’d like to start that you don’t see here, making a group of your own is easy! Start by…
The O-Circuit in Torres del Paine
This past February, my partner and I backpacked the O-Circuit in Torres del Paine, Patagonia. I asked a few questions in the trailhead leading up to it and got amazing answers from some of you. For anyone interested in doing this trek, I wrote a detailed blog post about the trip with everything you need to know. Here is…
Unbounding into Spring
Two years ago I hiked a 135 mile route crossing the Columbia Plateau along the John Day River. This April three hikers will be thru hiking the route. When they finish and I have the benefit of their feedback I'll publish the full route and guide here! I went out with Chris "Foggy Mountain" Pechous for a weekender so he…
IT’S SPRING! WHAT’S THE WORD ON THE TRAILS NEAR YOU?
Photo: @michaeldeyoung Sure, it might just be a date on the calendar, but dang, if it doesn’t provide a little mental boost! With the official change of the season declared, noted, stamped, what-have-you, pulling out the Rubbermaid tubs of gear becomes less wistful and more hopeful–it won’t be long now, or not as long-ish,…
HUT TWO, THREE, FOUR: A MASSIVE WINTER TRAVERSE IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
Words & Photos by William Peterson @will_peterson Shortly after completing the White Mountains Direttissima, a friend came to me proposing a single day White Mountains Hut Traverse. Connecting the eight AMC High-Huts is a 54-mile endeavor with around 18,000 feet of vertical gain, and it covers some of the most rugged…
WHO'S THRU HIKING THIS YEAR? WHAT'S THE PLAN?
It's that time of year here in the US when mileage-hungry backpackers are getting ready to put long hours of research, testing and retesting setups, and hard-earned savings to work for the next five to six months. It's the beginning of thru hiking season! Daydreams will become realities, muscles will learn new tricks, and…
THE WELCOME WEIGHT OF WATER
Words & Photos by Michael Jones @TenDigitGrid Where do you go when almost the entire state of California is on fire, and you have been cooped up inside your tiny one-bedroom apartment avoiding the coronavirus? You visit the beautiful pristine Channel Islands National Park! I am a Jersey boy who fell in love with the Sierra…
A PICTURE'S WORTH A THOUSAND MILES: THE NOBLE TRAVELS OF FEDE CABRERA
Words and photos from Fede Cabrera Hola, I'm Federico Cabrera (but you can call me Fede). I'm a photographer based in Buenos Aires, and I'm usually exploring remote places in South America. "Their Only Portrait" is a small personal project that involves cycling, paddling, and hiking through beautiful but impoverished…
"Appalachian Trail officials eye permanently closing once-popular Overmountain Shelter barn"
Read the full article from the Asheville Citizen Times here! Photos included are from the article. This was the very first shelter I slept in on the Appalachian Trail back when I was 14, 11 miles from Roan Mountain, and I have mixed feelings over the likelihood of seeing it close after 23 years. But my nostalgia can't…
1-3 Days On Skis On Trail
Four hours in and you see your line in the distance. You've wandered through frozen forests, the edges of slowly evolving glaciers, and gradually up the side of the looming giant you soon hope to ski down. It's exhilarating to watch as your work turns into an increasingly long, hard earned ski run. - All I can say is I'm…
NEW YEAR'S TRAILSOLUTIONS! WHAT ARE WE GONNA SEE IN '23?
NEW YEAR, NEW ADVENTURES! What's on the to-do lists of Trailheaders this year? What trails are you GOING to do? What trails do you WANT to do? Share your plans and daydreams here, and if you've already explored a route that another member wants to do for the first time, spread your best intel around! FORWARD AS WE GO!
What was your favorite trip of 2022?
The year is almost over and I'm sure this community went on some pretty epic trips! I want to hear what your favorite trip of 2022 was. Give me ideas on what I should add to my list for 2023. I'll go first: My favorite trip was Sedona, AZ for canyoning! My partner and I headed there in the spring and checked off multiple…
The Backpacking Trip You Need to Add to Your Bucketlist: The Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway
As the northeast settles into the deepest depths of winter I can’t help but feel a little bit nostalgic for the first backpacking trip I ever went on, the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail. It was 2019, late April, and the snow had finally abated, only to be replaced by a myriad of mud, but I was determined to make the most…
Has Anyone Hiked the NET (New England Trail?)
Specifically, in winter? It's a shorter one (200-ish miles) and I'm hoping to head up there later this month. Anyone have experience on this particular trail?
East Coast Trail (ECT) Newfoundland, Canada
Back in august of this year, two buddies and I flew up to Newfoundland, Canada to fastpack the ECT (East Coast Trail). This linear trail consists of 25 consecutive trails linked by community walks along the shores of the Avalon Penninisula, covering a total of 336km. The trail itself covers 270km of single track trail and…
Patagonia Trekking
I am heading to Patagonia this February and already have permits for the O Trek, but planning to stay down in that area for a few weeks. Does anyone have any hike or trekking suggestions in the Chile side of Patagonia? We will be backpacking so looking for anything from scenic day hikes to multi night trips. We are doing…
Travel to Central Asia
Lately I've been a bit caught in the clouds. I can't say when it happened, but I caught the travel bug again, and I'm spending a large chunk of every day visualizing where the next trail should be. I have trips planned in the US, so the focus here is on somewhere further. Moreover, the focus is on learning about any…
I Didn't Know I Could Make a Banner?! - 10th Mountain Division Hut to Hut, Colorado
10th Mountain Division Hut to Hut 8/10 - 8/21/22 36 huts 322.8 mi 65,970’ elevation gain 11 days, 11 hours, 2 min 26.9 avg MPD 5497.5' avg gain/day After learning about Mats Roing’s thru-hike of the New Hampshire 48 Direttissima in Steve Smith’s The 4000-Footers of the White Mountains, I came up with what I thought would…
MOUNT YALE VIA DENNY CREEK
Start/End- Denny Creek Trailhead Miles: 9.34 Gain/Loss: ↑4537’ Closest Towns: Buena Vista Shuttles/Public Transit: Bustang, Rocky Mountain Taxi I started hiking just below 10,000’ at 9:47 am and it was super mellow to Browns Pass Trail, 1.3 mi in. The switchbacks up to treeline at about 12,000’ made the next section nice…
Best Larch Hikes in WA
I know it's already snowing in most places, but fall in the PNW is my favorite and I'm still thinking about my favorite hikes for amazing golden larches. So here's a few suggestions for the best larch hikes in WA (in my opinion). The Enchantments - I did a one day through hike in 2021 and it was a great way to see all of…
HOUSTON, I’M RUNNING AWAY FROM MY PROBLEMS - A LOOK AT UNCOOL BACKPACKING
(OR, HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE TEXAS TRAILS) Words and Photos by Taylor “Haiku” Bell To those of you that have always lived someplace "cool" - as in, an iconic magnet for outdoor activities - you've likely never felt that sort of reluctant forced friendship with the environment you call home. But, as Texan…
Ptarmigan Traverse, July 19-24, 2022 (Washington Cascades)
Here are some photos taken by my partner, Jason Griffith, from our journey this past July on the Ptarmigan Traverse (north to south). My 4400 Southwest pack was the perfect choice even though I started with 41 pounds. Get after it, John Sharp, Bellevue, WA…
North West
After spending my entire life in Oregon, I'm finally making the MAJOR jump up to Seattle! I've driven up north nearly every free weekend for the last several years, and it's now time to cut out the first three hours of that drive, and live close to the mountains I desperately want to get to know better. That leaves me with…
NEW TRAIL, NEW BETA! THE APPALACHIAN HIGH ROUTE, SECTION BY SECTION
Words and Photos from Katie Houston (@oatshikes) The Appalachian High Route is a 330-mile loop that offers a whirligig tour of 6,000-footers and iconic gems of the southern Appalachians. The route was established by Jennifer Pharr Davis earlier this year and utilizes existing trails and roads to form a loop through the…
Florida Trail, Part Two: Central and Northern Florida (Ocala, Suwannee, Appalachicola, Panhandle)
Words and Photos from Tina “Cash Money” Currin @tina So we’ve tackled the gear list, Big Cypress, and Southern Florida. But there’s, like, 800 more miles of trail, right? Yep, and they’re primarily a mixture of roads, rail trails, and longleaf pine forests punctuated by crystal-clear springs, old ranches, and something…
Katahdin Backcountry Loop
Earlier this month I went Baxter State Park to see some foliage and visit some lesser traveled trails on Katahdin. The first day I left the Roaring Brook Campground and headed up the Russell Pond Trail. This trail is super mellow with only a minor amount of elevation gain. Soon before making it to Russell Pond the trail…
Where To Next?
Over the last month, I've started to obsess over what the next year may hold. Snow is on the horizon, the gear collection is growing, and ambition is through the roof. I am a fairly big believer in always pushing past preconceived boundaries while planning trips. This last year, I was proud to spontaneously hike around a…
FINDING THE BETA ON YOUR NEXT OBJECTIVE
As someone who loves to plan and go places with fewer people I try to really dig to get some beta on a future route. What do you folks do to plan your trips? What programs/sites/apps/forums do you look at? For example, I recently have been excited about the Bears Ears area and have found limited information. I prepared by…
How do y'all stay motivated when a thru-hike doesn't pan out like you expected?
Whether you're on the PCT facing reroutes due to snow or wildfire, you're off trail due to an injury, or you've only got a few weeks to tackle a trail but things don't go according to plan... this question is for you. This question is sparked by my two most recent thru-hike plans falling through. I was originally going to…
TINA CURRIN'S FLORIDA TRAIL 2022 GEAR LIST - BASE WEIGHT ~7.5 LBS
Words and Photos from Tina “Cash Money” Currin - @tina Despite many thousands of trail miles under my (hip)belt, the 1,150-mile Florida National Scenic Trail (FT) required the trickiest kit I’ve assembled yet. I spent my early childhood in Florida, so I wasn’t completely out of my depth; however, there was something oddly…
Climbing in The Bugaboos
In July my partner and I spent four days in The Bugaboos climbing. This is such an amazing climbing destination, but also a very beautiful backpacking trip. We each had about 15lbs of climbing gear and a ton of food on top of our sleep system and cloths, so we decided to make two trips in and carried all our food and tent…
Florida Trail, Part One: Southern Florida (Big Cypress, Seminole, Lake Okeechobee)
Words and Photos from Tina “Cash Money” Currin @tina The 1,150-mile Florida Trail gets a bad rap. Sure, hikers have to slosh through swamps, endure rubble-strewn road walks, and constantly scan the path for alligators and venomous snakes. But as you skip through shiny new shopping malls to boggy wetlands, wide-open bike…
Gates of the Arctic
Hello All! I've been dreaming of Alaska more than normal these days...Which is certainly to say that I'm always dreaming of Alaska. My last trip was largely touristy. We stayed in some cabins, took a flight, visited some glaciers, etc... I'm scheming a trip to Gates of the Arctic national park now, as it seems like…
BLOWING STORMS AND BLOWING MINDS ON ASPEN'S MAROON BELLS FOUR PASS LOOP
Words and Photos by Max Kiel I think it's safe to say that most hikers have their own "dream hike." That one on the bucket list we find ourselves daydreaming about while at the office. The one route that makes us pour over trip reports and constantly watch YouTube videos. The adventure that we swear that we'll go on…
Peruvian Treks
A couple months ago my partner and I had an incredible experience hiking around Ausangate, a fairly remote peak near Cusco. It wasn't until the very last second (the night before we had to board a bus wherever we were going) that we decided Ausangate was the right objective. Despite some wild weather (we hiked in the rainy…
WHO'S GOING TO WIN BIG AT PCT DAYS? SEE YOU THERE!
Three members of our marketing team - Christina, Marina, and Sara - are headed to Cascade Locks, Oregon this weekend for Pacific Crest Trail Days! Who's gonna be there? Besides the opportunity to make their awesome acquaintances, we'll also be hosting one of our legendary raffles! This one is gonna be PHENOMENAL! Check it…
White Cloud Wilderness - Idaho
Hello! First post! I will be leading a group of friends into the Boulder Chain Lakes in the White Cloud Wilderness in Idaho in mid-July. I think our goal is to camp at any one of: Lodgepole, Sliderock, Shelf, or Hatchet Lake. Any recommendations? Thank you in advance! AGT
The Bugaboos
This picture is of course not from the Bugaboos. In this moment, though, I was planning all kinds of future trips... I'm slowly focusing more on the climber I want to be, and part of that process involves the necessity of objectives. What type of climbing is relevant, what gear is needed, where can my efficiencies improve…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL '22 NEWS
It's that time of year to load up and march forth and north. What's the chatter around the water filter about this upcoming year on the AT?
Trailhead Member Presentation in Portland, OR - Scott Nechemias at The Mountain Shop on the 28th!
Longtime friend of Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Scott Nechemias @snechemias, will be presenting an evening of stories about Oregon's John Day River country and his trip across the Columbia Plateau. We couldn't be more stoked to have Scott represent us and for the @mtshoppdx to host! Learn a little history and some tips on how…
Glen Canyon Packrafting and Backpacking
I've been itching to get into Glen Canyon and its many side canyons now that Powell has dropped significantly. I've been closely watching the Glen Canyon Institutes fieldwork down there and a lot of side canyons and once drowned landmarks are coming back. I just did a mini-trip that linked a slot into the colorado river…
Guide to Grays and Torreys
Start/End - Chimney Lot G&T Trailhead Miles: 8.6 Gain/Loss: 3629' Closest Towns: Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Dillon Shuttles/Public Transit: N/A Drive to the Bakerville I-70 exit. If you don’t have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle or the upper lot is full, park at the lower Chimney Lot and hike 3.0 mi (1460' gain) from the lot…
EUROPEAN SPENDS A SUMMER IN US & CANADA: WHAT'S YOUR RECOMMENDED HIKES?
Hello everyone, I've just registered. Glad to be here and thank you HMG for creating this community! My name is Vincent, I'm an adventure photographer originally based in Germany. 2 years ago my wife and I embarked on a trip around the world in our converted van. We've been down in South America most of the time and have…
A MAJOR OBJECTIVE: REBECCA SPERRY AND THE WHITE MOUNTAINS: TAKE THREE
Words and Photos from Rebecca Sperry In 2019, when I started on this journey, I never imagined that I would still be working on it. I also never imagined that I would be diagnosed with cancer, but here we are, it’s 2022, and I am once again going to attempt to hike all of the trails in the White Mountains of New Hampshire…
Fall Thru-Hikes
Hello! I’m headed to the Black Hills of South Dakota this summer for work, and then I hope to hit another trail once I’m through. My season runs through Oct. 1. Does anyone have experience hiking the AZT at this time? How about the PNT? Will it be too cold? Are there other trails around that distance (500-1,000 miles) that…
Would anyone be willing to share some beta on the Blue Mountains Trail / Eagle Cap Wilderness?
Howdy folks, just wondering if any of you intrepid hikers have made it over to the mountains of NE Oregon before, and if so if you'd have any recommendations on where to start? I'll be working all summer near Walla Walla in SE Washington, and was hoping to explore this underreported on part of the PNW a bit more while I'm…
SEEKING EVEN MORE SOLITUDE?
Given the rise in popularity of backpacking and hiking in recent years, there's an increasing sentiment from a portion of the community that feels that some trails are too crowded to truly "get away from it all." Are you considering more remote backcountry travel in your trip planning?
A PATH WELL TRAVELLED (WITH SECRETS). MOUNT MONADNOCK IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Words and Images by Rebecca Sperry "Well-travelled" or "very popular," shouldn't be a cause to dismiss a visit to a place, as Rebecca Sperry (@sockedinhikes) shares here about Mount Monadnock in The White Mountains of New Hampshire. With a little (or a lot of) leg work, she discovered all sorts of hidden gems in the park.…
A SPRING GETAWAY ARKANSAS STYLE: JEFF GARMIRE EXPLORES THE OZARK HIGHLANDS TRAIL
Words and Photos by Jeff Garmire Arkansas might not be the first place to come to mind for some premium and challenging thru hiking, but the Ozark Highlands Trail has been coming up more frequently in conversation lately as a great and rewarding route, and an alternative to some of the more highly travelled destinations.…
SIXTY-SEVEN POINTS TO POINT TO: THE GEAR LIST FOR THE NEW ENGLAND DIRETTISSIMA
Words and Photos by Will Peterson As you saw in a previous post, Will Peterson is setting out to thru hike all 67 4,000' peaks in New England on May 1st. So, what do you bring when you’re heading out for a month to cover approximately 730 miles with about 180,000 feet of elevation gain maintaining about 24 miles per day?…
SIXTY-SEVEN POINTS TO POINT TO: WILL PETERSON'S NEW ENGLAND DIRETTISSIMA STARTS MAY 1ST!
Our friend Will Peterson likes to do hard things in harder ways when possible. His upcoming New England Direttissima attempt will illustrate this trait of his beautifully. What's a New England Direttissima? Read on, friends. We love Will's big, bold plans, and we're always stoked when he shares them. Jump into the comments…
THE TASTE OF 2,100+ MILES IN FOUR BITES? MAX KIEL COOKED UP A RECIPE
AT Thru Hiker Max Kiel recently shared a POST on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear blog about what he considers to be four exceptional slices of the trail, with the promise of delivering some delicious experiences. Check it out if you haven't, and, if you've completed the whole route, jump in with some of your favorite sections,…
TRY ONE ON FOR SIZE: JEFF GARMIRE’S ODE TO THE SHORTER TRAILS
Words and Photos by Jeff Garmire Thirty thousand miles and always counting, give or take a few yards or inches, all done on foot. Jeff Garmire (@thefreeoutside) is still heading out whenever he can to "make up for 2020." Some of these miles were racked up diesel engine-style, nice and steady, all day long. Some were…

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