This May, we’re focusing on the great outdoors and adventure. Over the past couple of years, more people have been venturing outside, eager for fresh air and new trails. Dive into our features this month to explore rock climbing among Sedona’s famous energy vortexes, discover micro-adventures to spice up your daily routine, learn about handling bathroom breaks in the wilderness, and check out the best new hiking trails of the year, among other exciting topics.
Hiking continues to be a beloved outdoor activity. According to the Outdoor Foundation’s latest trends report, about 58 million Americans aged six and older tried hiking at least once in 2020. It’s easy to see why; hiking is one of the most accessible activities you can enjoy outdoors, requiring little more than a pair of boots or sturdy shoes and a desire to get outside.
Hiking trails are found all around the world, and their numbers keep growing as new paths open and previously closed ones reopen. We’ve selected some of the treks we’re most thrilled for you to explore on your next getaway, whether it’s a vacation or a staycation.
In Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness, a newly completed 30-mile trail known as the Great Circle Trail now awaits eager hikers. Located within the Nahmakanta Public Lands area, this trail connects existing routes and includes approximately 14 miles of new paths. Finished in September 2021, it’s one of the latest backpacking adventures in the Northeastern U.S., offering multiple lakes, about 3,000 feet in total elevation gain, and eight primitive campsites. You can backpack the whole trail or choose to explore sections of it on day hikes.
Australia’s Grampians Peak Trail opened in November 2021 in Victoria’s Grampians National Park, covering 100 miles. Designed as a 13-day, 12-night thru-hike, you can also opt for day hikes and two-day hikes along this route. It starts at Mount Zero in the north and extends south to Dunkeld, the park’s southernmost exit point. With 11 hike-in campsites, the trail is free to use, though camping fees run about $47 per night for all sites. True to its name, the trail features various peaks, bluffs, passes, and gaps. It’s a challenging trek, so be sure to plan for water needs.
Canada’s Island Walk, opened in September 2021, offers a 435-mile journey around Prince Edward Island. This epic thru-hike is divided into 32 sections, combining dirt roads, trails, and paved roads as it winds through villages, towns, and Charlottetown, the island’s largest city. Choose to tackle the full walk or explore shorter segments. It’s the perfect choice for anyone searching for a North American equivalent to the Camino de Santiago.
The Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) is a developing long-distance route through Georgia and Armenia’s Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains. Though official work began in 2015, volunteers are still developing sections. Once finished, the trail will span roughly 3,000 kilometers—just under 1,900 miles. Currently, eight sections are open for adventurous explorers to try, including a complete thru-hike of Armenia, estimated to take 25 to 45 days. At present, the shortest section extends 50 miles through Armenia’s Dilijan National Park.
The Italian Alps, recognized for their breathtaking beauty, feature the 137-mile Walk of Peace trail, established in April 2020. Stretching from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, this trail isn’t just a scenic journey but also a route through historical sites from World War I. The trek covers 11 sections, each of which can be a standalone hike or broken into smaller day trips. Along the way, hikers experience a varied landscape from high alpine meadows to vineyards.
The travel industry is increasingly accommodating travelers on the autism spectrum. New York’s Letchworth State Park has recently introduced a unique outdoor adventure for autistic visitors. This mile-long loop includes nine engaging experiences such as a sensory station, a music circle, and a meadow for exploration. It concludes with a celebration station, where hikers can jot down their experiences.
Following a devastating wildfire, California’s Pfeiffer Falls Trail has reopened after 13 years, located in Big Sur. The Basin Complex Fire closed it in 2008, but by June 2021, this trail was back and better. A standout feature is the new 70-foot pedestrian bridge across Pfeiffer Redwood Creek ravine. Half of the 1.5-mile loop is newly updated, but the entirety of the trail is enchanting.
If you’ve yet to consider Northwest Arkansas as an outdoor haven, now’s the time. The Monument Trails network has grown in four Arkansas state parks. Designed primarily for mountain biking, these multi-use trails began in 2019, with a recent expansion adding 17 miles, now totaling around 75 miles across Hobbs State Park, Mount Nebo State Park, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and Devil’s Den State Park.
California is renowned for its stunning landscapes and remarkable hiking trails. The Golden State is set to enrich its offering with the forthcoming Lost Sierra Route. This network will expand approximately 600 miles as part of the Connected Communities initiative, a collaboration between the US Forest Service and Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. Expected to open in 2023, the initial 20-mile segment will link Quincy to Taylorsville in northern California’s Plumas National Forest, just northwest of Lake Tahoe, encompassing trails for multiple uses.
