This is your hiking headquarters! Whether you're a seasoned backpacker, or simply want to get started with one day excursions, you've come to the right place. There is plenty of easy to find, easy to read information, right at your fingertips, all to make your outdoor getaways the best they can be.

The navigation menu to the left is easy to follow at a glance. Hiking Topics and Safety has articles of interest to both the novice, and the advanced backpacker. If you're just starting, there's a page for beginners. Wilderness First Aid is important for everyone on the trail. If you're in bear country, you need to know about bear safety tips. Click on the button to the left to see all the great articles, full of great tips, for you!

What about gear? Do you know how to select boots, backpacks, tents, other gear? Learn what to look for before you buy. Need a sleeping bag? Read about the different kinds of sleeping bags and how to decide which features are important to you.

Choosing hiking gear has a lot to do with where you live and where you hike. What's the climate? Do you go out in any weather, any season? Are you do day trips, or are you a long distance backpacker? How much are you going to spend? Do you have deep pockets, or are you on a shoestring budget? When you're ready to shop, click on the links to the top-notch affiliates and buy just the right gear for you.

The goal here is to make the best gear, the best information, and the best guides and reference books available to you ... and most of all, to first understand what is best for you. Sound like a lot of double talk? It's not. What's best for me, may not be what's best for you. Learn the right factors to choose the right gear and the right hiking destinations.

Hiking destinations? You bet. There are tips for selecting the right trail in some great destinations in southeastern United States, and across the entire country for that matter.

Whether you live in the U.S. or you're visiting, America's National Parks are a must see. There is loads of information about each park and it's features. Every park has it's own personality and colored history. Of course, there's an emphasis on trails for the backpacker and the day hiker.

If you're in ... or going to ... southeastern United States, you're in luck. Check out the different states. You may be surprised at the variety of trails available to you. From the rugged mountains of North Carolina to the coastal parks of Florida, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Did you know you can traverse the mountainous Appalachian Trail, or stroll through a Spanish moss draped forest on a sandy coastal trail, all in the state of Georgia? The entire region is laced with National Forests and State Parks. Naturally, where there are forests and parks, there are trails and other outdoor activities.

Then there's the Blue Ridge Parkway of North Carolina and Virginia. Definitely a must see. 469 miles (755 km) of relaxation. Words don't do justice to this engineering marvel. How do you build a road through pristine mountains and not ruin them? They did it! Pick out some great trails along the parkway, then enjoy the scenic vistas as you peacefully drive to your next destination.

For those that cannot withstand the rigors of a journey along a trail, there's no need to stay at home. There are a number of destinations that have breathtaking features that are easily accessible at roadside. There is also a variety of pictures of natural landscapes on this website for you to enjoy.

Plan to spend some time in the great outdoors this year. Why wait. Take an outdoor adventure with family, friends, and professional peers. The exercise is fantastic. Most of all, it's a great retreat from your day-to-day routine.

Hikers Live And Feel The Beauty Of Nature