The Top Five Backpacking Destinations in the US

Backpacking is an alternative to more traditional vacations, and is popular among active travelers all across the world. An affordable means of travel, backpacking will take you into more remote areas and grant you access to some of the most amazing sights on Earth. It helps build confidence and physical fitness all the while providing an exciting yet challenging vacation.

There are many different places in the US ideal for backpacking, from the Appalachian Mountains to Yellowstone National Park. Today we're going to look at five of the most popular locations for backpacking in the United States.

Located in central California, Yosemite National Park is a hot-spot for people from all around the world. It's awe-inspiring views, challenging terrain, and high granite cliffs have been enthralling travelers for nearly 200 years. With over 800 miles of hiking trails and hundreds of beautiful lakes, it's easy to see why backpacking in Yosemite is so popular. The park is also well known for climbing, presenting some of the most fierce and exciting climbs in North America. Visiting Yosemite is a trip full of excitement and one you'll never forget.

The Appalachian Trail is hugely popular among naturalists, backpackers, and tourists from all over America. This expansive trail covers over 2000 miles spanning from Northern Georgia to Maine. It is home to over 2000 unique species of plants and animals most notably the American Black Bear. Because the trail was specifically designed for hiking, it is perfect for backpackers looking for an adventure off the beaten path.

The trail is clearly marked with signs designating lodging, scenic views, and parking making it one of the safest long distant hikes in the United States. Taking anywhere from 4 to 7 months, completing the entire trail is a challenging and rewarding experience. Visit the Restless Adventurer for more information on backpacking the Appalachian Trail.

Over 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year to see it's massive and rugged beauty. However, the majority of these tourists fail to see everything the canyon has to offer. The most spectacular and unique sights of the Grand Canyon can only be seen from its interior. Because of it's challenging terrain and incredible sights, backpacking is extremely popular here.

There are nearly 20 different trails through and around the canyon, each offering it's own exciting adventure. A trip to the Grand Canyon is unmatched anywhere in the world and backpacking here can provide the vacation of a lifetime. Check out The Canyon for more information.

Alaska is the largest of all the states, and it's expansive wilderness has enthralled travelers for thousands of years. Many people visit the state simply to escape the pressures of modern life and go back to a time before cellphones and Starbucks. Beautiful green forests, smoking volcanoes, massive glaciers, and huge mountains are what awaits backpackers in this land of wonder. There's no doubt that backpacking in Alaska is a unique and exciting adventure.

For more information about backpacking in Alaska, visit Alaska Alpine Treks.

Located primarily in the state of Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park has a reputation for it's unique and varied ecosystem. Within the nearly 3500 square miles of the park lie some of the most visually appealing and unique sights on Earth. Famous for its strangely colored hot springs and turbulent geysers, Yellowstone is one of the most popular destinations in the US. Experiencing this awe-inspiring environment and challenging terrain first-hand is the main draw for backpacking here. People flock here from all over the globe, and it's easy to see why.

Visit REI Adventures for more information about backpacking in Yellowstone.

All of these locations are ideal for backpacking and taking a trip to any one of them will provide a unique and exciting adventure. Deciding which one you'd like to visit most is the most challenging part, and it really all comes down to personal preference and your budget. That's the great thing about backpacking though, it's affordable, fun, and anyone can enjoy the experience.

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