It is important to train adequately before you embark on backpack camping. The following are the four best backpacking trails in the U.S.
Backpacking is a popular outdoor activity in the United States. It involves carrying gear as you hike for several days. Backpacking might entail camping outdoors. Some alpinists like making mountain huts while backpacking. It is important to train adequately before you embark on backpack camping. The following are the four best backpacking trails in the U.S.
1. Greenstone Ridge Trail (Isle Royale National Park)
Isle Royale National Park is located on Lake Superior. It is near the Ontario, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin coasts. It is a renowned national park in Michigan despite being near Canada and other American states. But, a small number of tourists visit the Isle Royale National Park each year.
The Isle Royale Island is 9-miles wide and 50-miles long. It has 45 smaller islands which don't form the Greenstone Ridge trail. The trail offers a vantage point as one traverses the highest ridge in the middle of the island. Greenstone Ridge has a few exit points that you can use to board a ferry to the mainland. They include Malone Bat, Three Mile, Rock Harbor, and Daisy Farm. The Windigo Visitor Center is the trailhead of the Greenstone Ridge trail.
2. The Wonderland Trail (Mount Rainier National Park)
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile footpath that encircles Mount Rainier. It passes through the alpine areas, valleys, and lowland forests. Many backpackers consider it strenuous due to its loss of elevation. It will take you up to 10 days to complete the trail. Mount Rainier National park has three non-wilderness camps and eighteen-wilderness camps. It is one of the best bikepacking holiday destinations in the United States.
You can hike counterclockwise or clockwise. Even so, it is important to consider your campsite destination and hiking speed. Many alpinists hike the Wonderland Trail between July and September. It is tricky to secure a Wilderness Permit in August due to the high number of hikers in Mount Rainier National Park at that time.
3. The Narrows (Zion National Park)
The Narrows has two backpacking options, the 16-mile overnight hike, and the 3.6-day trek. The 16-mile hike involves descending from the top into the Virgin River. It starts at Chamberlain's Ranch and heads to the Temple of Sinawava. Many backpackers like sleeping in the canyon. The biggest section of the hike is in the Virgin River. Its murky water makes it difficult to see the riverbed.
Experienced hikers recommend wearing appropriate footwear and carrying trekking poles to maintain balance. Flash floods are a common phenomenon in Zion National Park in September. Thus, it is advisable to check the current river flow, flash flood potential, and weather conditions.
4. Enchanted Valley (Olympic National Park)
Enchanted Valley is a moderate hike and the local community calls it the "Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls." It traverses mossy woodlands, rivers, streams, and mountain meadows. The East Fork Quinault River Trail is the trailhead of Enchanted Valley. You can hike the valley in 5 days at any time of the year. But, it is advisable to visit the Olympic National Park between June and September as some campgrounds and facilities are usually closed from October to May.
The United States has many beautiful backpacking trails. They include the Greenstone Ridge Trail, The Wonderland Trail, The Narrows, and the Enchanted Valley. Some national parks in the country allow hikers to carry their camping supplies. They have diverse landscapes that make backpacking a memorable experience.
