Calling all wildflower wanderers, leaf peepers, and winter hiking warriors: 2025 is here. And you know what that means? Another year of hiking—in every season. Some backpackers and dayhikers find that planning out their next adventure spot is almost as much fun as going on the adventure itself. No matter if you have your sights set on a long backpacking trail or a dayhike tour there’s a perfect trail (and perfect time of year) to explore.

It’s a time to dream big, manifest memories, and refine your New Year hiking resolutions. To inspire your travels, we’ve rounded up our favorite wilderness areas, tried-and-true national park hikes, and lesser-traveled trails you might not have heard of before. Here are a dozen Backpacker-approved destinations to hike in 2025.

January: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Swap your winter woes for summer backpacking on the in New Zealand’s iconic . The route is the country’s 11th , a collection of treks that show off the best of the best of New Zealand’s epic scenery, diverse landscapes, and cultural history. Hikers will navigate the 38-mile, three-day loop through podocarp- and fern-filled forests, all while overlooking the Southern Ocean and Stewart Island. Instead of camping, accommodations take shape in the form of two luxe lodges—the Okaka Lodge, which sits atop the highest point on the track, and the coastal Port Crag Lodge. December is prime time for viewing lupins that bloom in a variety of vibrant purples, pinks, and blues. Plus, you’ll likely have the trail to yourself as it’s yet to catch the attention of the masses. Make note: You need to in advance to hike the Hump Ridge Track.

February: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Most hikers flock to Bryce Canyon National Park for warm-weather hiking in spring, summer, and fall. And there’s good reason why—prickly pear cactuses sprout fuchsia blooms in spring, warm desert nights radiate in summer, and you can soak in the sight of changing foliage sans shivering in fall. Despite its in-season perks, Bryce Canyon also boasts advantages in the off-season like snow-blanketed canyons, cascading frozen waterfalls, and much lighter foot traffic. Piece together several days of winter hiking at popular spots like the short yet stunning Mossy Cave Trail (0.8 miles) to view the frozen falls, or the Fairyland Loop (8 miles), which is as magical as it sounds. Looking for a slightly longer route? Try the Peekaboo Loop (5 miles) that shows off hundreds of the park’s signature hoodoos—thin, towering spires that rise from the desert floor. Be sure to check conditions and pack crampons for hiking the slippery canyons in winter.

March: Point Washington State Forest, Florida

Fend off chilly weather in a hidden gem of northwest Florida. Point Washington State Forest is home to an extensive network of interconnected trails like the Longleaf Pine Trail (8 miles) and Eastern Lake Trail (11 miles) that wind through serene pine flatwoods with rare biodiversity like carnivorous pitcher plants and coastal dune lakes. Fun fact: This state forest is the one of the few places in the world where you can find coastal dune lakes. Keep an eye out for rare species like the American kestrel, gopher tortoise, and the flatwoods salamander. Point Washington State Forest is also one of 500 wildlife viewing areas that make up the 2,000-mile , a point-to-point collection of trails and scenic stops across the Sunshine State.

April: Kii Peninsula, Japan

If Kyoto and Osaka are on your bucket list destinations, you’ll also want to trek around the Kii Peninsula while you visit Japan. Take a bullet train south to the foothills of the Kii Mountains to hike the thousand-year-old spiritual (80 miles). The region’s main connector trail links some of Japan’s most sacred shrines, including the notable three Kumano Grand Shrines—Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. April is prime time to see apple blossoms burst from their winter dormancy. Delicate blooms of white and light pink light up the Kii Peninsula region by mid-April. Don’t miss out on hike up Mount Yoshino via the Mount Yoshino Tour (3 miles) where more than 30,000 blooming apple blossom trees engulf the mountainsides in early April.

May: Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico

Trade mud season—that yucky, transitional time between winter and spring when snow, rain, and melt create wet (and muddy) conditions—for drier trails in New Mexico this spring. By mid-May, high-desert flora such as red-flowered hedgehog cactus, white-flowered yucca, and yellow-flowered crimson columbine reach their peak. You’ll spot blooms on Tesuque Creek Trail (3.5 miles), Nambe Lake Trail (6.5 miles), and Aspen Vista Trail (8.2 miles). Keep an eye out for the native boreal owl and the transplant population of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep that call the Pecos Wilderness home. If it’s a particularly snowy winter, head further south to the . Its southern location yields less snow than its northern counterpart. Top trails here include Argentina Canyon Trail (2.5 miles), the longer Big Bonito Trail (4.6 miles), and the even longer Rim Trail (31 miles), which is a popular point-to-point backpacking route.

June: Arc Dome Wilderness Area, Nevada

Head to the heart of Nevada’s Arc Dome Wilderness Area, a 65-mile rugged and remote spine of mountains in the southern Toiyabe Range. Take a multiday journey on the lesser-known, 60-mile  The best time to explore the Toiyabe Tail is between May and October, where you’re less likely to encounter snow. Despite its desert trail status, you’ll find plenty of natural springs to refill at along the way. Locals recommend hiking north to south to get the steepest of the trail’s inclines (the brutal 3,000-foot vertical climb from Groves Lake) out of the way. On this climb and many other spots along the route, you’re rewarded with sweeping, 100-mile-long views of the southwest’s illustrious basin and range country.

July: Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana

Tired of dodging and weaving crowded trails in the middle of summer? Try the instead—a lesser-hiked and spectacularly remote backpacking spot in northwest Montana. By July, the snow will have melted in the Bob and Montana’s temperate climate and long, sunlight-steeped days make for ideal summer backpacking. This wilderness area is the third-largest in the lower 48 with more than 1.5 million acres of land for hikers to explore. The 72-mile Chinese Wall Trail features some of the most striking rock formations you’ll find beyond Glacier National Park. Simply put: The 1,000-foot-high and 22-mile-long limestone escarpment is unlike any rockwall you’ve ever seen. Backpackers can trek the out-and-back trail in three days or link up with the Continental Divide Trail to extend their trip further north.

August: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

The buttes, bluffs, and pinnacles of the North Dakota badlands make for desirable backpacking come summer. Give hiking the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail through Theodore Roosevelt National Park a go in mid-to-late August—especially if you want to cherish the canyon landscape with more manageable daytime temperatures and before overnights get too chilly. Compared to the desolate, almost alien landscape of South Dakota, the North Dakota badlands are flush with vibrant vegetation: Rocky Mountain juniper woodlands, cottonwoods that thrive in the Little Missouri River basin, and sunflowers, asters, and rabbitbrush that bloom in the late summer months. As for wildlife, watch for wild horses and bison that roam free in the Theodore Roosevelt prairie lands.

September: Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

In 2024 caused sweeping devastation in and around Asheville—including in Pisgah National Forest. But hiking in this gem of Appalachia and surround wilderness areas are back in full swing. Pisgah is a dayhiker’s paradise full of short (and long) trails to explore during every season. But September shines as a quieter time to travel here. You’ll have missed the NOBO Appalachian Trail thru-hiker traffic and snuck in before early-season foliage draws crowds. An over 60-mile-long segment of the Appalachian Trail—Spivey Gap to Hotsprings—makes a perfect bite-sized portion of the longer thru-hike that runs through the heart of Pisgah. Or you can opt for a shorter, 30-mile segment—Max Patch to Hotsprings—if you’re newer to backpacking or want time to visit Asheville as a bookend to your travels.

October: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Try leaf-peeping on lesser-traveled trails this fall season. Nestled in a region of Ohio that looks more like than the middle of the Midwest, transforms into autumnal paradise by mid-October. Thick forests of sugar, red, and silver maples shift to shades of yellow, red, and orange. It’s also an ideal time of year to avoid ticks and mosquitoes known to plague this region between April and September. Popular trails like Ledges Trail (2.2 miles), Blue Hen Falls Trail (3 miles), and a stunning segment of the 1,447-mile Buckeye Trail (6.7 miles) show off the glacial-carved gorges, roaring waterfalls, and striated sandstone cliffs that make up the best of Ohio’s natural world.

November: Rouge National Urban Park, Toronto

Want to get in some in 2025? Head to the on the eastern edge of Toronto. This 19,500-acre urban wilderness area hardly resembles a city park. Yet it’s one of the largest urban parks in North America. Get lost on longer dayhikes on the Northeast Trail (6.6 miles) and Central Trail (6.5 miles), or opt for the Orchard Trail (1.2 mile), a rugged apple treelined path through a remnant orchard. For the best aerial vantage point of the fall foliage, hike the Vista Trail (1 mile) and the Mast Trail (1.5 miles). These are characterized by temperate deciduous forest species such as tulip trees, oaks, and hickories.

December: Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

While wet and gloomy weather looms over Ireland in winter, you’ll savor the solitude at some of the country’s most popular spots—including —in the off-season. Located on the seacoast of Northern Ireland, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of seven natural wonders of the United Kingdom is otherworldly. Hexagonal basalt columns shaped by cooling lava that erupted over 60 million years ago shape the dramatic coastline.

You can walk on the rocky basalt shoreline that resembles natural staircases on the sea’s edge or stand at the base of some columns that rise 330 feet up towering cliff walls. Choose your own journey along five-plus miles of well-marked trails that range from scenic clifftop walks to accessible shoreline strolls. Backpackers can opt for the longer Causeway Coast Way that connects 32 miles of coastline between Ballycastle and Portstewart, which passes Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Bushmills Distillery.

The post The Best Hiking Destinations for Every Month in 2025 appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Backpackers are no strangers to barking dogs. And, no, we don’t mean actual . We’re talking about sore and tired feet after a long day on the trail. Putting in the miles while backpacking, especially during months-long thru-hikes, can take a toll on your feet. All hikers run the risk of foot issues, from hot spots and heel pain to aching Achilles and bacteria buildup. When it comes to hiker foot health, there are many to feeling good again. We’re here to dig into camp shoes and footwear, specifically.

The idea of bringing camp shoes on a backpacking trip is a somewhat contentious topic. Some backpackers and thru-hikers think they’re a waste of weight. Others won’t hit the trail without them. I, myself, am a proud member of the pro camp shoe camp. In my experience, nothing beats the feeling of swapping or trail shoes for a pair of comfy camp shoes after a high-mileage day. I always look forward to slipping my feet into a lightweight, cushioned, and supportive pair of sandals or slip-ons to let my feet breathe, air out, and relax while at camp. My personal favorites include for trails with water crossings, for shorter backpacking trips, and sandals for longer treks where weight is top of mind. Like tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags, every camp shoe serves its unique purpose.

But do camp shoes actually help with foot health and recovery? And are they really worth the extra weight?

We talked with a certified sports medicine podiatrist to settle this debate once and for all.

What Are Camp Shoes?

Camp shoes—most commonly sandals, slip-ons, or a true thru-hiker favorite, Crocs—are lightweight and comfortable footwear commonly worn around the campsite after a day of hiking. Camp shoes are loved for the ventilation and cushion they provide compared to bulkier, more restrictive hiking boots and trail shoes. They give hikers a comfortable alternative to wearing boots and shoes at camp and allow their feet to breathe after a long day on the trail. The ideal camp shoes are lightweight and easy to pack—and are a popular choice for backpackers who want the convenience and comfort of an extra pair of shoes without too much added weight.

Benefit or Bust: The Camp-Shoe Conundrum

We won’t beat around the bush. Sports medicine podiatrist and former president of the American Association of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), , says camp shoes aren’t a luxury item. There are key benefits to wearing them.

“I think many people will find the benefit of [camp shoes], especially after a long day of hiking,” says Dr. Conenello. “When you’re in the same shoes all day, it feels good to be able to use less energy to move and have the comfort of a recovery or camp shoe underfoot.”

Dr. Conenello’s podiatry practice, , is located a stone’s throw from the New York segment of the Appalachian Trail. He often advises his hiker patients to prioritize foot health when hiking, including examining feet post-hike, moisturizing frequently, and wearing camp shoes.

Dr. Conenello says camp shoes help the feet and toes splay naturally outside of a boot or restrictive shoe. Instead of being crammed into a hiking boot all day, camp shoes give your feet room to expand and air out, all while letting muscles relax. They also help limit bacteria buildup by giving your feet a break from being stuck inside a damp, sweaty boot.

Although he’s partial for their recovery benefits, Dr. Conenello says anything from cheap flip flops to more elaborate types of shoes like a recovery sandal or a secure slip-on with a back strap will work too. “Just make sure that if you’re planning to walk someplace that’s a little slippery or where there’s uneven terrain, bring a camp shoe that can dig in a little bit and hold grip on slick surfaces,” he says.

Another benefit of them is that they can also double as water shoes on trail. That way, hikers won’t have to get their boots or trail shoes wet during water crossings. Slipping on a pair of quick-drying camp shoes like Crocs, Hydro Mocs, or Xero Z-Trek sandals makes it more comfortable to wade through a creek or river.

“Of course, if you’re going to make a water crossing, or are walking around water, make sure the camp shoes you wear are waterproof or are vented in some way so that moisture can escape as they dry out,” says Dr. Conenello.

In terms of other basic foot health best practices, Dr. Conenello says it’s important to use moisturizer or lubricant, like Aquaphor or Vaseline, when hiking—especially in common areas for abrasion and stress points such as in between the toes and the heel. He says keeping the skin hydrated decreases the risk of developing hot spots that can lead to blisters, corns, and callouses. Despite popular belief, callouses aren’t a sign of tough feet built for the trail (unless you’re a barefoot hiker). In reality, Dr. Conenello says they’re a build up of excessive keratin that can lead to medical issues like plantar hyperkeratosis, which can cause pain and difficulty walking.

He also advises every patient to inspect their feet at the end of each day on the trail. “They should look at the bottom of their feet, look between their toes, and see if there are any kind of wounds or sores starting to form—and address them before they become a bigger problem.”

To Camp-Shoe or Not to Camp-Shoe?

Bringing camp shoes could add a pound or two to your backpacking kit. But do the benefits they provide outweigh that extra weight? We’d say, yes.

The post Camp Shoes Are Essential, According to Podiatrists. Here’s Why. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

The crack of a beer might not be the first sound you expect on a backcountry stay. But, after a day of adventure, we’ve found that it’s well worth the effort to pack a craft beer to complement your dinner—whether that dinner is freeze-dried out of a bag or carefully cooked over an open flame.

Here, we’ve rounded up some Cicerone-approved beer and food pairings to enjoy around the campfire.

Pilsner and Spicy Peanut Pad Thai

The mix of light lemon and herbal flavors in a German-style pilsner pairs perfectly with the spicy tang of Pad Thai peanut noodles. If you’re looking for light and simple, makes a mean, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř editor-approved freeze-dried dish that’s made with real peanut butter and dry roasted peanuts. You can’t go wrong with a no-frills and affordable —or swing by a brewery near the trailhead and pick up a six-pack of local pilsner. Get extra fancy and pack a fresh lemon to top off your beer and noodles.

Porter and Homemade Veggie Chili

This beer’s hints of cocoa nib, dark stone fruit, and lightly toasted malt complement the rich acidity of tomato-based veggie chili, whether you bring yours from home or get it out of a can. Porters make great cold-weather beers because of their heavy body and dark roasted malt flavors; we personally love , but you can’t go wrong with a locally-brewed pumpkin porter around the fall. They’re best enjoyed at a warmer temperature (around 45 to 50°F), so no need for a clunky cooler full of ice.

Gose and Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

While more complex to prep and cook than a dehydrated meal, this dinner is a crowd pleaser when car camping or setting up basecamp at a shorter-distance walk-in site. Gose beers are known for their sourness and saltiness, and, when paired with a , their tartness will cut through the dish’s savory meat flavor and complement its herbal cilantro notes. We love , which the company calls the “love child of a Mexican Lager and a German Gose.” Just don’t forget to top your beer and tacos off with a fresh lime wedge before you dig in.

Pale Ale and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Fend off flavorless camp meals with this mouthwatering combo: The tangy, acidic, and nutty flavors of a (or store-bought, we’re not here to judge) sun-dried tomato pesto pasta pair well with a classic pale ale that packs a punch with its citrus, dank, and pine-forward flavors. Pale ales also won’t knock you out after a can or two like IPAs, which are much hoppier and have a higher alcohol by volume. is a fan favorite, but we’re also partial to sipping on .

The post The Best Camping Food and Beer Pairings appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.