Eric J. Wallace

Latest Stories

Stories

To Pass Ninth Grade, Every Student at this School Must Backpack 50 Miles on the AT

At St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, NJ, backpacking is a graduation requirement.

August 7, 2026

Interviews

A Double Murder Stunned Appalachian Trail Hikers. This New Memoir Explores the Aftermath.

Earl Swift discusses his latest book, "Up on Cove Mountain: Adventure, Tragedy, and a Quest for Meaning on the Appalachian Trail."

July 15, 2026

Events

Inside the Appalachian Trail's Wildest Weekend

"Trail Town, USA" has fewer than 800 permanent residents. But for a weekend every year, it's the center of the backpacking universe.

May 22, 2026

Appalachian Trail

The 6 Best Appalachian Trail Towns to Eat, Drink, and Relax Post-Hike

Long-distance hiking is tough. These mountain towns reward your efforts with splurge-worthy food and amenities.

April 17, 20261

People

Larry Riddle Spent 3 Years Running From the Law on the Appalachian Trail. Now, He's Giving Back.

In 2000, he starting hiking as a runaway parolee. Today, he's a beloved trail angel.

March 2, 20261

Stories

Why Trail Angels and Local Businesses Are Clashing on the Appalachian Trail

Fifty years of investment has brought massive transformation along the Appalachian Trail—and fueled tensions between some businesses and volunteers. Can they learn to coexist?

December 22, 20251

Stories

Nearly a Century Ago, American Chestnut Trees Died Off. Now, Hikers Can Walk Among Them Again.

Efforts to restore the American chestnut comprise "one of the most epic conservation stories ever told.”

April 15, 2026

Local Hikes

So You Want to Move to a Trail Town? Here's How to Make It Work.

Falling in love with one of America's outdoor hubs is easy. Making a life there? Less so. Learn how to make the move to a trail town from hikers who did it.

September 4, 2025

People

These Retirees Turned Their Tennessee Town Into a Hiking Paradise

A trail club of seniors has built dozens of miles of trails across their county, transforming how their community gets outside.

August 28, 20251

Skills

'Can You Bring Trekking Poles on a Plane?' and Answers to Other Common Air Travel Questions

Here's everything backpackers need to know about air travel with hiking gear.

August 18, 20251

Thru Hikers

Want to Thru-Hike in Retirement? 3 Senior Trekkers Share Their Wisdom.

These three hikers achieved their long-trail dreams later in life. Here's how you can, too.

June 18, 20251

People

Meet the Educator Bringing Backpacking to Rural Virginia Students

Lisa Benish found her calling introducing kids in Virginia’s rural coal country to the joys of backpacking and nature.

May 20, 2025

Long Trails

This Is What Trail Town Residents Want Thru-Hikers to Know

How can a backpacker make the most of a night in town? Residents share their best tips.

April 23, 2025

Kids: How-To Guides

Dream of Thru-Hiking With Your Kids? These Rad Parents Will Show You How

Two thru-hiking moms share their top tips for backpacking with little ones.

March 17, 2025

Long Trails

The 8 Best Trails to Train for a Thru-Hike

Four legendary thru-hikers share their favorite spots to train for long trails.

February 5, 2025

People

This Mom Thru-Hiked 2,000 Miles With Her 13 Children. It Wasn't Easy.

When Nikki Bettis and 13 of her kids set out on the AT, they had no idea how transformative the experience would be.

October 17, 2024

People

Tim Kaine Hiked, Paddled, and Biked Across Virginia—All During Senate Recesses

The new book Walk, Ride, Paddle documents Senator Tim Kaine's years-long triathlon through his home state.

August 15, 2024

Trail News

A New Hiking Trail is Open in Korea’s DMZ

South Korea, UN hope that paths will eventually span the border.

July 7, 2025

News and Events

Paul Evans Never Hiked the Appalachian Trail. But His Boots Did.

They say you can learn something by walking in another man’s boots. On the Appalachian Trail last summer, hikers learned what happens when you carry them.

July 10, 2025

Your Privacy Choices

Eric J. Wallace

Latest Stories

To Pass Ninth Grade, Every Student at this School Must Backpack 50 Miles on the AT

A Double Murder Stunned Appalachian Trail Hikers. This New Memoir Explores the Aftermath.

Inside the Appalachian Trail's Wildest Weekend

The 6 Best Appalachian Trail Towns to Eat, Drink, and Relax Post-Hike

Larry Riddle Spent 3 Years Running From the Law on the Appalachian Trail. Now, He's Giving Back.

Why Trail Angels and Local Businesses Are Clashing on the Appalachian Trail

Nearly a Century Ago, American Chestnut Trees Died Off. Now, Hikers Can Walk Among Them Again.

So You Want to Move to a Trail Town? Here's How to Make It Work.

These Retirees Turned Their Tennessee Town Into a Hiking Paradise

'Can You Bring Trekking Poles on a Plane?' and Answers to Other Common Air Travel Questions

Want to Thru-Hike in Retirement? 3 Senior Trekkers Share Their Wisdom.

Meet the Educator Bringing Backpacking to Rural Virginia Students

This Is What Trail Town Residents Want Thru-Hikers to Know

Dream of Thru-Hiking With Your Kids? These Rad Parents Will Show You How

The 8 Best Trails to Train for a Thru-Hike

This Mom Thru-Hiked 2,000 Miles With Her 13 Children. It Wasn't Easy.

Tim Kaine Hiked, Paddled, and Biked Across Virginia—All During Senate Recesses

A New Hiking Trail is Open in Korea’s DMZ

Paul Evans Never Hiked the Appalachian Trail. But His Boots Did.

Outside+