Most of us have witnessed the awe-inspiring beauty of lightning shows: entire clouds illuminated by sudden discharges of electric current, with thunder echoing across the landscape. But while it can be beautiful, lightning is among the deadliest natural phenomena on our planet – and summer, the most popular time for hiking, is the most active

Sunny days are perfect for lacing up your boots and heading out in search of an alpine lake, a mountain summit or a dramatic slot canyon. But, along with the sun can come intense heat, and if you don’t manage the combination of the two properly, your fun day can turn into a painful and

If you’re a hiker and a dog owner, then you and your furry sidekick are likely destined to be great trail buddies. But, especially at first, this is a hiking companion who’s going to need a lot of care and feeding. Remind yourself that this is what you signed up for, then consider this advice

Bugs, typically millions of them, are an integral part of an ecosystem. So it’s not surprising that bites, and occasionally stings, are a rite of passage for those who live an outdoor life. That means that “bug first aid” will always come in handy, even if it’s only to deal with itching and pain.

Viewing wildlife is one reason many people head outside. Seeing a large bird soaring overhead or a herd of bison grazing in a distant meadow can turn a simple outing into an adventure you’ll never forget. But, up-close encounters, while certainly memorable, can be bothersome (think small mouse stealing food from your pack) or even

Here’s one weather prediction you can count on: Some day when you’re deep in the backcountry, the weather will change unexpectedly. Unpredictable weather is an inherent risk in wilderness travel. Always come prepared.

You might be asking yourself, “Don’t you just train for hiking by going on a few hikes?” That’s definitely something you should do, but if you’re just getting into hiking or you aspire to do longer hikes to loftier places, then doing some preseason training can be a big help.

Hiking requires minimal gear and costs almost nothing. In some areas, hiking trails are just outside your front door. But for those who haven’t prepared themselves for a hike—or are taking a stab at it for the first time—there can be an intimidation barrier. For starters, you might not know what to wear.

Heading out for a day hike is a delightful way to explore nature with friends and family, or even by yourself. Whether you want to go deep into the mountains or stay closer to home, the places to go are numerous; many state and national parks offer broad networks for trails, as does national forest

Be Respectful of the Land and Other Hikers. Almost every group of people have some unwritten rules to help govern their activity and make things more pleasant for all those participating.

Leave what you find, take only photos and memories.

Before you grumble about a gray forecast, it’s worth remembering that giant redwoods, colorful wildflowers, and grandiose canyons were all made possible by the relentless pitter-patter of a billion raindrops. If you adopt the proper attitude, you can learn to love hiking in the rain. Proper prep helps, too.

Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Transported by your own two feet and carrying only what you need for the day on your back, you can discover the beauty of nature at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. And, with a little planning and preparation, it’s an activity that almost anyone