Yea, Jeff, I’ve done some backpacking in the Southeast and a LOT in the Northeast, but the West really is the best.

Let’s face it; having grown up in the southeast, there just isn’t any backcountry camps there that really compare with what is on this list.

Hi Jerad,

Thanks, I’m glad you like this story. Good on you for wanting to expand your adventure horizons. There are certainly numerous backpacking trips suitable for you, from classic parks like Yosemite, Glacier, and Grand Canyon to other national parks and many wilderness areas (which usually don’t require a permit reservation made months in advance).

The All Trips List in my main menu provides a comprehensive listing of the stories about trips that you’ll find at my blog.

I can also help you more directly figure out the perfect trip for you give you a personalized trip plan for the Teton Crest Trail. See my Custom Trip Planning page to learn how I can help you plan your trip.

I hope you sign up for my free email newsletter and decide to Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. And check out my e-guides.

That should help get you started. Good luck and thanks for the question. Get in touch anytime.

Thanks for those suggestions, Cassie, I’ve added them to my list!

Hi Alex, thanks for the compliment and the question. Yes, I think I could help you out. Check out my Custom Trip Planning page for details on that service that I provide (and see comments on it from other readers whom I’ve helped plan trips).

Hi April, thanks for the nice words about my blog, I hope you subscribe. With light packs, anyone comfortable with steep scrambling and moderate exposure on rocky ledges–I never felt like the school-age boys were in any danger of falling–would reach the first lake in that high basin, Lake 8522, within a few hours. Strong hikers would make it there in two hours. You’d get back to your car in a bit less time hiking out, of course.

I’d say it’s worth the effort if you plan to arrive and start hiking early enough to reach the lake by late afternoon, to give yourself a bit of time to enjoy the spot and see the nice evening light there. It’s a beautiful lake. You can then have a little time in the morning there and get back to your car in time to have lunch in Stanley or Ketchum, depending on which way you’re driving. No parking or other permit required, there’s just a self-registration box for a free permit at the trailhead. Have fun.

Hi Dominykas, I live in the U.S., so most of my trips take place here. But see this page: https://thebigoutsideblog.com/international-trips/

Michael

Yes, I’d say there’s much to recommend Idaho’s backcountry.

I’ve hiked and backpacked a couple of times in the Great Smokies and other mountains in N.C., but I haven’t spent a lot of time in the Southeast. I have hiked all over the Northeast, but my favorite campsites are mostly in the U.S. West because I’ve spent so much time backpacking out here, and it’s so spectacular.

Great suggestion, Kaylyn. I had a permit reserved to backpack The Narrows in Zion last October, but had to cancel when the national parks closed. Very disappointing!

Steve, I’d love to see some pix from that trip. Sounds fabulous.

The Buffalo River is one of America’s greatest undiscovered gems. I like the Upper portion of the river by far the best. Usually best in Spring. In summer the waterfalls aren’t much(normally).
Hemmed In Hollow Falls Diamond Falls is right nearby
Glory Hole Falls
The Lost Valley and Eden Falls
Hawksbill Crag aka Whitaker Point
Pedestal Rocks

Elk are often present in Boxley Valley.

Kayak or Canoe day or multi day trip on the Buffalo

Hi Kate, my gosh, so many trips I’d recommend in the Northeast! I’m from New England and did my first hiking there. I also authored the guidebook “New England Hiking” for many years. I’d be happy to offer suggestions, but give me some idea of what you’re looking for in terms of length, difficulty, and other qualities.

Is there a particular campsite you’re suggesting on the Buffalo River? I can’t say I’ve been there, to be honest.

Thanks for sharing those thoughts, Armando. On our mid-February trip, we didn’t have bad bugs. I agree, Picnic Key is gorgeous, but also more popular. We had Tiger Key to ourselves, and it was fun paddling around it, seeing a dolphin and several roseate spoonbills perched together in one tree.

I love spending a few hours at Tiger but I prefer to camp on the island immediately next to it: Picnic Key. Picnic has a much nicer beach, you can find firewood and there are several nooks and cranies in the treeline that make for amazingly private, shady campsites, there’s also no bugs in the winter.

Great spot, Peter, I completely agree. I hiked through there years ago, but didn’t camp there.

Thanks knapjo. I hope you’re enjoying some of them, too.

Very true, Tricia. You can get away from the crowds easily enough.