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    Looking for the best backpacking in United States? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around United States. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

    Top Backpacking Spots in and near United States

    • Jackson, New Hampshire

      Hike Tuckerman's Ravine Trail on Mt. Washington

      4.9
      9 mi
      While this trail is open year round with winter hiking/skiing down the ravine walls, this entry will focus on hiking in the warmer months.Your hike starts behind the Pinkham Notch AMC Center in Jackson, NH at an elevation of approximately 2050 ft. There is plenty of parking at the visitors cente...
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    • Jackson, Wyoming

      Camp in the Gros Ventre Wilderness

      4.8
      Take highway 89 out of Jackson, headed north, and turn on to Gros Ventre Rd. This will take you right past the campground, wild rivers, and ample hiking. Keep driving for about 20 miles as views of the Tetons appear behind you, and ample backcountry camping options become available.
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    • Boise County, Idaho

      Jennie Lake Trail

      4.0
      8.38 mi / 1998 ft gain
      Perhaps one of the best beginner-esque lake hikes closest to Boise, making your way to Jennie Lake can either be packed-in overnight or and out-and-back day hike. You'll be delighted by the secluded ambiance of the lake and the cool mountain breeze rushing through the pines. Getting There: Make ...
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    • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

      Spectacle Lake via Pete Lake Trail

      5.0
      18.91 mi / 3058 ft gain
      Depending on when you arrive at the Pete Lake Trailhead, expect to be traveling with company as it is one of the more popular locations on the eastside of Snoqualmie Pass. At an elevation of 2600 feet, the beginning route is a moderate 400 feet of elevation gain. Start on your way through the va...
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    • Jefferson, Colorado

      Backpack Lost Creek

      4.0
      5 mi
      I included a trail map of where I camped. There are many sites all throughout this area. From the Lost Park Campground Parking lot follow the Lost Creek for 2.4 miles. At the 1 mile mark was the best place that we found to cross the creek (there are two logs that make a bridge across the creek). ...
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    • Truckee, California

      Backpack the Palisades Creek Trail

      4.0
      15 mi / 2200 ft gain
      After driving out to Kidd Lakes and parking at the trailhead, you take off through some easy forest hiking past Cascade Lakes and Long Lake. Pay attention to the cairns marking the trail as you traverse across a large granite section with Devils Peak to your West. The trail is easy to follow and ...
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    • Sequoia National Park, California

      Backpack the High Sierra Trail

      5.0
      71 mi
      The High Sierra Trail begins at Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park, on the West side of the Sierra Nevada range, and ends at Whitney Portal on the East, traversing the highest and most beautiful part of the Sierras. From deep river canyons to high alpine peaks, lakes, and meadows, this hike...
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    • Clarkesville, Georgia

      Panther Creek Falls

      3.7
      7.27 mi / 659 ft gain
      Park at the Panther Creek Recreation Area. The fee to park here is $4. There is extra parking alongside the road if the parking lot is full. The trail begins opposite the parking area, noted by a wooden sign. The trail gains elevation here and there with several drop-offs secured by cable cord f...
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    • North Rim, Arizona

      Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trailhead

      5.0
      17.57 mi / 4521 ft gain
      Although this hike can feasibly done in a day, it is highly recommended that you spend more than one day in this area and visit the falls as a side trip on a larger trip. The closest campsites to Ribbon Falls are Cottonwood Campground and the Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch.  Ribbon Fal...
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    • Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead, California

      Loch Leven Lakes Trail

      4.4
      7.6 mi / 1480 ft gain
      The trail is easy to follow for the first half mile until you get to some large slabs of granite. As you continue up the trail look for stacked rocks, these will give you a an easy route as you continue up the mountain. The trail then starts to switch back eventually leading to a small bridge. Af...
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    • Canton, North Carolina

      Skinny Dip Falls

      4.8
      1.03 mi / 148 ft gain
      Park at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker and a little trail to the left of the marker. Foll...
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    • Chamisal, New Mexico

      Hike to the Trampas Lakes in Carson National Forest

      4.9
      11 mi / 2400 ft gain
      This hike is worth its weight in gold. By far one of the most beautiful places in all of New Mexico. Located in the Carson National Forest, the options for camping are limitless. Did I mention this is ranked one of New Mexico's best hikes yet it rarely gets done. The potential for solitude is ver...
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    • La Honda, California

      Sam McDonald Park Loop

      5.0
      12.19 mi / 2192 ft gain
      The Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...
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    • Buchanan, Virginia

      Hike to Apple Orchard Falls

      4.0
      5.6 mi / 1000 ft gain
      There are a few different ways that you can do this hike. One way is to start at the North Creek campground (37.54244, -79.58531) and do a loop hike that's about 6 miles, which will take you to the falls up along a stream with some swimming holes and nice campsites. I did it the other way, which ...
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    • Aspen, Colorado

      Backpack Cathedral Lake

      4.7
      5.6 mi / 2000 ft gain
      Cathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plent...
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    • Nederland, Colorado

      Backpack to Caribou Lake

      4.0
      8.2 mi
      This is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in Colorado. It is a great trip for photographers, fisherman or anyone who enjoys mountain views, forests filled with wildlife and peaceful meadows. Distances: Arapaho Pass: 3.2 miles, Caribou Lake: 4.2 miles, Caribou Pass: 6.4 miles, Meado...
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