Not long ago, showing up at a trailhead with your boots laced and a full water bottle was enough. These days, some of the country’s most iconic hikes require something else entirely before you ever set foot on the trail — a permit. And for many of those, simply wanting one isn’t enough either. You […]
Hiking America’s 250th: Challenges Worth Adding to Your 2026 Trail List
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. Across the country, state park departments are celebrating by getting people outside. A growing number of states have launched hiking challenges tied to America’s 250th anniversary, and the variety is genuinely impressive. For Stacey Slamka, whose hiking goals already span multiple states this year, several of […]
What the NPS Staffing Crisis Means for Hikers This Summer
On April 3, 2026, the Trump administration released its proposed FY2027 budget. For the National Park Service, this means another round of significant cuts. According to GearJunkie, the proposal would slash NPS funding by $736 million, roughly 20 percent, on top of a year that already pushed the agency to its limits. For tourists planning […]
No Reservations at Popular US National Parks
Mount Rainier is already on Stacey Slamka’s hiking resume. Glacier National Park is on her 2026 list. But both parks just made a major change that affects anyone planning a visit this summer. On the surface, it sounds like a win. No advance reservations, just show up whenever you want. But the reality unfolding on […]
South Korea Unveils the Dongseo Trail: A New “Camino” for 2026
South Korea is rapidly becoming a premier destination for long-distance trekkers. In early 2026, the spotlight turned toward the Dongseo Trail, the country’s first-ever continuous coast-to-coast hiking route. Spanning approximately 527 miles, this ambitious path connects the west and east coasts, offering a deep dive into the peninsula’s rugged heartland. The trail has recently gained […]