Backpacker's Top 10 Hiking Journeys of 2025

My role as the Trips Editor at Backpacker ensures my list of desired excursions is constantly expanding. I dedicate my time to uncovering exceptional trails, stunning national parks, and secluded wilderness regions that our audience would be keen to explore. Frequently, I draw ideas for my personal expeditions from Backpacker's extensive archives.

This year, the engagement from Backpacker readers has clearly indicated the types of travel stories that resonate most with you. We analyzed our data to identify your favorite published articles. You showed a preference for comprehensive guides to day hikes across the country, insightful commentary on extended trails, and various other topics. Presented here are the ten most-read travel articles we featured in 2025. Let them ignite your passion for new adventures in 2026.

Exploring the Most Popular Hiking Destinations

For those passionate about exploring the great outdoors, a curated selection of hiking destinations offers endless inspiration. Backpacker's top-read articles from 2025 highlight a variety of trails, from scenic day hikes to challenging long-distance routes, catering to diverse preferences. These pieces not only guide enthusiasts to breathtaking locales but also delve into personal experiences, such as the introspective journey of solo backpacking or the historical intrigue of forgotten mining trails. Whether seeking the solitude of the wilderness or the vibrant community of a thru-hike, these popular narratives serve as a valuable resource for planning future escapades and discovering the perfect path for every adventurer. They demonstrate a clear reader interest in both practical guides and deeply personal accounts of trail experiences.

The most engaging hiking content from the past year showcases a wide range of experiences, emphasizing both practical guidance and inspiring narratives. Readers were particularly drawn to articles providing comprehensive lists of top hiking destinations for each month, ensuring year-round adventure opportunities. Features on national parks, detailing the best trails for various activities—from short day hikes to multi-week thru-hikes—also proved highly popular, offering invaluable insights into diverse landscapes and experiences. Additionally, personal accounts, such as one writer's challenging solo Himalayan trek, resonated deeply, as did discussions on iconic routes like the Appalachian Trail, where thru-hikers shared their favorite sections. These stories, combined with guides to lesser-known gems like Washington's Goat Lake Trail and innovative concepts like 'Minor League' Triple Crowns, reflect a strong desire among the hiking community for detailed information, compelling narratives, and fresh perspectives on exploring the natural world. This collection serves as an essential compass for planning memorable journeys and discovering new horizons in the coming year.

Diverse Trails and Personal Journeys

The year's most celebrated hiking narratives reflect a broad spectrum of adventures, from meticulously planned itineraries to deeply personal explorations of self. These stories underscore that the appeal of hiking extends beyond physical exertion, touching upon themes of discovery, challenge, and connection with nature. They highlight the availability of trails for all seasons and skill levels, emphasizing the importance of detailed planning for successful and enjoyable trips. Whether it's through the comprehensive guides to national parks or intimate reflections on solitary treks, the consistent thread is a passion for the outdoors and a desire to share experiences that educate, motivate, and resonate with a wide community of adventurers, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and onto new paths.

Among the standout pieces, articles that offered a month-by-month guide to prime hiking locations in 2025 were particularly well-received, demonstrating a strong interest in seasonal planning for outdoor activities. Comprehensive lists identifying the best national parks for hikers, categorized by their unique offerings such as variety, crowd avoidance, or alpine experiences, also garnered significant attention. A particularly popular feature compiled a list of 50 top day hikes, backpacking trips, and thru-hikes within national parks, curated by an individual who had explored every U.S. national park, showcasing both popular and hidden gems. Furthermore, deeply personal narratives, such as a writer's questioning of solo backpacking during a challenging Himalayan trek, offered unique insights into the mental fortitude required for such journeys. Discussions surrounding the Appalachian Trail, where experienced thru-hikers selected their 100 favorite miles, and the introduction of 'Minor League' Triple Crowns for aspiring thru-hikers, provided engaging content for those interested in long-distance trekking. Practical advice for off-season hiking on sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and a senior editor's reflections on unexpected challenges encountered on the West Coast Trail further enriched the collection, offering both inspiration and critical preparation tips for the diverse challenges of the trail.