As any thru hiker will tell you, prepare to have your heart broken. It’s a grueling test of both mental and physical strength that pushes even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to their limits. For thru hiker Billy Bowling (@babowling12 on Twitter,) the parts of the trail that give him the most joy are the [...]

Considering hiking the Appalachian Trail? There’s lots of ways to get it right, with a few pitfalls along the way. Here’s what not to do.

Nikki Bettis and 13 of her 15 children have officially completed thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. What’s next for this remarkable family?

This weekend, Nikki Bettis and 13 of her children completed 1300 miles of the Appalachian Trail, making it to New Jersey on August 4.

Joan Young (75) has hiked the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail—twice. Here is her firsthand account.

Most everyone with even a slight interest in the outdoors has heard of the Appalachian Trail, but for many, it’s a “far away” thing.  Far fewer know about the National Trail System or realize there are opportunities to explore trails in the same class as the AT in every part of the country. The Ice [...]