Climbing & Hiking

The 17,371 acres Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is a must-do for any hiking or backpacking enthusiast. You'll love the varying terrain and abundant foliage this forest has to offer.

How the device works, and stories of how the technology has been used and misused in the backcountry

But you said to always hike with a small group didn't you? As solo hikers, we bear the scorn of the outdoor world. Outing clubs view us with disdain and park rangers scowl as we register as a "party of one." However responsible solo backpackers and hikers who manage their risk appropriately can have a safe and enlightening wilderness experience. This article offers encouragement, explanation, and skill sets for a safe solo hiking experience.

Information, tips, and suggested gear for section-hiking the CT based on our hike from Silverton to Durango, Colorado

Red River Gorge, in east-central Kentucky, boasts spectacular rock features; particularly arches, and can be enjoyed year-round for hiking, camping, and canoeing. We personally enjoy overnight backpacking treks and love climbing to the top of the famous "Cloud Splitter". Keep reading to learn more!

Vazhamala is a green mountaintop in Kerala where you can hike to a scenic rock and a waterfall.

Indoor rock climbing holds come in all shapes and sizes. Learning climbing hold names and types is essential to improving your climbing.

Are you looking to buy new hiking or backpacking boots? A footwear manager and backpacker guides you through the boot buying decision making process.

What is the best backpacking stove for your next wilderness adventure? This article covers the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types of camping stoves.

Even though hiking is a rewarding activity, it has its potential risks too. A slippery rock can turn a simple day hike into a complex rescue mission. Outbound Dan offers 10 tips to hikers on how to stay safe in the outdoors.

A trip report from our day trip to Cliff and Redfield Mountains in the Adirondack Park of Upstate, N.Y. In the Adirondack 46 High Peaks, Cliff is the 44th highest peak at 3,960 feet and Redfield is 15th at 4,606 feet.

A vacation you will never forget is the Muir Woods National Monument in Northern California. With giant redwood trees, luscious green ferns and babbling brooks, hiking is magical. One of the most beautiful places on earth...Muir Woods. Redwood Trees as high as 258 feet and magnificent hiking trails. The man who inspired all this - conservationist, John Muir.

Eight plants found along the Appalachian Trail which will cause contact poisoning or dermatitis.

Insider tips on where to hike for a short day trip and a longer over-nighter, Park trail vs. Forest trail comparison, details on park and pack campsites, and another reason to visit Central Ohio!

This is a complete list of things to consider packing (and some things not to pack) for your pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, as well as a few tips along The Way.

Why cotton kills ,and why you shouldn't wear it for backpacking or hiking clothing.

If you're looking for the best running shoe for a big man, this article will provide insight and reviews of a few favorites. A bigger guy can still find a shoe that's comfortable and healthy.

Bright Angel Trail, a corridor trail, is one of the most popular trails at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Despite Backpacker Magazine declaring it one of America's Most Dangerous Hikes, with water sources, some shade, rest areas, and a park ranger presence, it is the safest trail at the Grand Canyon. It is a frequent route to or from Phantom Ranch. We hiked to 3 Mile Resthouse and back to the South Rim; a 6 mile, 2110 foot adventure.

Due to the cancellation of my 30-year class reunion weekend, we made a last-minute decision to turn lemons to lemonade, fill our backpacks, and head out on our first Appalachian Trail section hike! It was an amazing 42-mile weekend!

A look inside all Antelope Canyon has to offer, from guided tours of the canyon to kayaking on Lake Powell and camping on Antelope Island.

See geology at its best in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in northern Arizona.

Recommended gear for preparedness on the trail, from a member of a Search & Rescue team, who sees a lot of people who could have avoided (or at least alleviated) problems with proper equipment

As a Search & Rescue volunteer myself since 2007, I've put together this page to give you an idea of what "SAR" is all about and how you can get involved with a team in your area.

Part 2 of a four-part series on how to navigate with a handheld GPS

On our first day in the Daniel Boone National Forest, we knew we had to see the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridges State Park.

Established in 1951, the Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge provides hikers and bird enthusiasts with a chance to explore over 330 acres of pristine floodplain land along the Connecticut River.

For nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts, the Menalon Trail is one of the best if not the best experience you will ever have in Greece. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of information online and so here is the detailed guide to give you a glimpse of what it's really like...

Begining at the Railway Coastal Museum in Downtown St. John's, NL, the Trans Canada Trail stretches more than 20,000km across Canada. From Mile Zero to Bowring Park covers the first 4km.

From south to north—or north to south—in one day, one week, or more.

If you want a clean, well-maintained, quiet place to camp with your tent or RV, Iron Ridge Campground is your place. If you want well-cleared, moderately tough trails to hike/run, the Lakeshore Trail that starts from the campground is the perfect complement to a relaxing, yet adventurous getaway.

A well made knife can be a great hiking companion. Outbound Dan reviews several knives from multi-tools to neck knives for backpacking.

A trip report from our hike on the Santanoni Range of the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate, N.Y. The range includes Santanoni, Couchsachraga, and Panther Mountains.

Shelby County, Tennessee has an abundance of walking and biking trails just waiting for you. So, why not get out, get some exercise, and enjoy nature at its best.

From Giardia and Crypto to Hepatitis A and E. coli, there are some nasty little critters lurking in your drinking water. Be prepared in an emergency too, by having the skills to purify water.

Looking for a jacket to push to the limits of outdoor adventure? Check out this review of the Victorio jacket from Mountain Hardwear. In this review, I test the durability, breathability, and waterproofness of this new Dry.Q Elite jacket.

Learn how to craft walking sticks from natural wood. When and how to cut sticks for your canes and walking sticks, and how to process them.

Whether you are looking for a short hike, long adventure, bushwhacking hike, or have no idea where to start...here are some tips to finding and planning your perfect hike.

How to climb Mount Toubkal, Morocco, without using a local guide service, including route details, required equipment, and important local specifics.

How to navigate on land without the use of instruments or anything but a map and some common sense skills.

If you have the opportunity, take a walk through your old neighborhood where you grew up. It can awaken lost feelings and bring back childhood memories.

In the search for the perfect Search and Rescue 24-hour pack, Outbound Dan finds the Terra 35 from The North Face a durable and comfortable option.

A trail report and guide to climbing the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountains.

Outbound Dan Human recounts his more than two thousand-mile backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail. Memories of the southbound thru hike are shared through a collection of pictures.

Part 1 of a four-part series on how to use a handheld GPS unit.

Take a hike to the Eternal Flame Falls and see the wonder of a waterfall passing over a natural gas flame. Follow this trail map to find this treasure at Chestnut Ridge Park in New York.

Situated near Clochan, in Kerry, Ireland, the Lough Adoon valley at Ballyhoneen contains rock art, wedge tombs, ancient settlements, & monuments from the Bronze Age to Early Christian times.

Hiking is a great way to experience nature and the outdoors. Here are some tips to stay safe and have a great day out.

The annual gathering of Appalachian trail hikers, from those who dayhike to those who hike the A.T. from end to end.

Take a virtual tour of this geological, scenic gem, along with information, safety tips, and directions for making the trip yourself to this remote location.

Tips and techniques for using hiking poles, and recommended brands and models, from a hiker who's used them for thousands of miles.

Mount Sinai Egypt, also known by some as Moses Mountain, is an awe-inspiring place, rich in history and religious significance. Read on to experience my climb up this majestic mountain.

With a wide variety of hiking opportunities, Southern California is a great place to experience the outdoors. Read on to discover the best, most challenging, and most underappreciated hikes in and around San Diego, CA.

Hike further and faster by adopting lightweight backpacking. These are my top tips for carrying a lighter pack.

It might surprise you to learn that the largest number of hiking-related fatalities are ascribed to the fittest. It might also surprise you to know why.

Want to explore a place with a mysterious past? Try taking a walking tour of Gungywamp in Groton, Connecticut.

Geocaching (GEE-oh-cash-ing) is a great outdoors recreational activity that's similar to a scavenger hunt. There is a hidden object, and you're given clues and GPS (global positioning) coordinates to help you find it. It's incredibly fun, and...

Don't be caught unprepared. Here's recommended day-hiking gear from a Search and Rescue volunteer.

Information about long-distance footpaths around the globe, grouped by continent. Have you hiked any of these trails or routes? Want to?

So you want to go night hiking? Taking a hike in the darkness is more complicated than just grabbing a flashlight and heading down the trail. Use these trail-tested techniques for a safe night hiking experience.

Winter weather brings with it slick conditions. Falls on the ice can be serious, but they can usually be avoided. If you do find yourself falling, there are ways to avoid hurting yourself seriously.

Walking trails can be difficult, but also incredibly rewarding. Use these hiking tips to get to the top of every mountain...even if you aren't in the best physical shape!

What is a trail register? It is more than a ledger tracking the comings and goings of backcountry users. It is a chronicle of adventure, detailing the impressions of time well spent in nature.

A trip report from our day hike to the Great Range in the Adirondacks. The Great Range is made up of many mountains with great views, right in the heart of the Adirondack Park. Our trip included Lower Wolfjaw, Upper Wolfjaw, Armstrong, Gothics, Pyramid, and Sawteeth.

A summary of our hike up Mount Colden in the Adirondack Mountains. This hike was our fourth high peak of the forty-six that qualify.

Gulf Hagas, the Grand Canyon of Maine, very remote and only about 4 miles long and 100 feet deep, is filled with breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, pools, and sheer rock walls.

In the southwest corner of the Beehive State, Saint George is bordered by the Red Hills Reserve and thus offers some excellent opportunities for enjoyable day hikes.

The highest peak in Wales attracts a lot of charity fund-raising schemes, and then, there’s the peculiar stuff.

Hiking boots that help foot and heel pain can set you free to explore nature without pain. Here are 5 of the best pairs of hiking boots for sensitive feet.

In this article, I review the Keen Gypsum hiking boot. This tough new waterproof hiker conquers the trails while cushioning your feet. From backpacking to rugged hiking, I field tested the Gypsum for several months before writing this review.

Some of the beauty of the walking trails around the Thousand Trails RV campground at Wauchula, Florida, on the Peace River.

A 24-hour pack for Search and Rescue personnel (and anyone else who wants to be prepared for twenty-four hours in the backcountry).

In what began as a simple solo snowshoeing trip in the Adirondack backcountry, a momentary lack of safety protocol pits a backpacker against potential death. Only a knife can change his fate.

Technical rescue training with my Search & Rescue team.

A trip report from our hike up Seymour Mountain, one of the forty-six high peaks of the Adirondacks in New York. It ranks thirty-fourth on the list with a height of 4,120 feet.

Learn to follow footprints and other types of clues in all types of terrain.

Join Outbound Dan Human on a short loop hike into the Niagara Falls Gorge from Devil's Hole State Park, down the Whirlpool Stairs and into the gorge past the iconic Giant Rock.

This tutorial demonstrates how to easily install topographical maps on a Garmin GPSmap 62 series global positioning system.

How to use and read a compass; a valuable outdoor skill for fun and survival. An introduction to the device and its basic use.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is just 30 minutes from Denver, and a good place to see fall colors. A thorough review of Beaver Trail, a 2.8-mile loop that winds through golden aspen groves.

GPS units are essential to successful Search and Rescue teams. This step-by-step guide illustrates the most common SAR GPS tasks. Directions work well for a Garmin Map 60 and other units.

Utah is a great place to visit with everything from the "greatest snow on earth" to unique and beautiful geological sites. This list is a convenient starting place for your next adventure.

Peppersauce Cave in southern Arizona is relatively well known but not a tourist attraction. It's in a wilderness area on the north side of Mt. Lemon in the Santa Catalina mountains north of Tucson.

How to navigate with a map and compass, with an overview of types of maps, compass parts, declination, intersection and resection.

Ever have a pair of boots that leaked, blew out a seam, or fell apart after only a few months of use? Read more to see if the defective boots can be replaced per their warranty service.

Hiking in Western North Carolina near Asheville offers majestic views, fun adventures and historical significance. Paint Rock is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Asheville near Hot Springs, NC.

The best thing you can do to get better at rock climbing is to climb more. A lot of newbies I've introduced to rock climbing often feel they need to build up more strength before they can start rock climbing in earnest, but this is a mistake. If...

Information, advice, and moral support for new or aspiring climbers, based on personal experience.

A trip report from the hike on Allen Mountain in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Allen is the 26th highest Adirondack peak with an elevation of 4,340 feet.

A full trip report from our hike to Haystack, Basin and Saddleback Mountains in the Adirondack Park of Upstate, N.Y. at the end of July in 2019.

Over three days, I backpacked over Sawteeth, Gothics, Saddleback, Basin, Gray, and Dix Mountains. I had a slight fall, a bad weather bivy, an unplanned ceremony, and a meeting with a bear.

Learn how to make a blackthorn walking stick: how to choose, cut and cure wood from the Prunus spinosa bush.

A pictorial guide of one of my favorite (long) dayhikes from -- and back to -- the South Rim of Grand Canyon

Backpacking off Grand Canyon's beaten paths: My favorite rim-to-river hike on the South Rim

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. How to get there and climb to the summit. Includes a Ben Nevis map and practical tips.

From local day hikes to extended backpacking trips, everyone should carry the Ten Essentials while outdoors.

A trip report from our hike to the summits of Mount Marcy, Mount Skylight and Gray Mountain on July 18, 2019. Marcy is the highest mountain in New York while Skylight is fourth and Gray stands at seventh. All three are part of the Adirondack 46 Hiking Challenge.

A summary of the hike of Mt. Arab, Coney Mountain, and Goodman Mountain in the Adirondack Mountain range of New York. The three make up the Tupper Lake Triad.

The bounce box, or drift box, provides access to gear and supplies on your backpacking trip without actually having to carry it on your back the entire time.

The 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia attracts millions of hikers each year. Additionally about 500 people each year successfully backpack the entire length of the trail. This article explores the history and culture of hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Not far away from the noisy tourist areas there are still bits of the real Spain to be found, including by walking through the mountain villages of Alpujarra.