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 […]
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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 […]
Why Stacey Slamka Supports Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Each of us has a way we try to make a difference. For Stacey Slamka, that difference comes with every step—running, walking, fundraising and lending a voice to causes she believes in. At the heart of her efforts is the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission aligns deeply with Stacey’s values of service, […]
America’s Greatest Trails Left Unrepaired: The PCT and AT Under Strain
Two of America’s most beloved long-distance trails—the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT)—are facing serious challenges. Recent coverage reveals that storm damage and federal budget cuts have left major portions of these trails in disrepair, straining both hikers and the volunteer networks that maintain them. Read the full story on AP News. […]