100 Trails, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

by National Geographic Society

From the waterfalls of Kauai’s Napali coast to the tests of the Appalachian Trail, 100 Trails, 5,000 Ideas highlights the preeminent hiking treks across the United States and Canada, including the best scenic overlooks, camping sites, and off-trail activities.

This authoritative travel guide―the next in National Geographic’s best-selling 5,000 Ideas series―takes you from the coast of Florida to the peaks of Wyoming on a series of epic hiking and walking adventures. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore 100 trails around all 50 states and Canada.

In these informative pages, you’ll find National Geographic’s recommendations for superlative hikes, as well as tips for wildlife spotting, scenic picnic locales, routes with a view, camp sites, and off-trail activities nearby. Plus, you’ll discover alternative routes to extend your trek or tackle shorter lengths of some of the country’s most iconic journeys, like the Appalachian Trail. With each itinerary you’ll find practical planning advice for when to go and what to expect when you arrive.

Inspiring and comprehensive, this book offers something for everyone, from beginners looking for an easy day-hike (the tow path along the C&O Canal in Maryland) to advanced trekkers seeking multi-week excursions (the famed multi-state Continental Divide Trail). You’ll also
Both inspiring and practical, here is the ultimate keepsake for any hiker.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

The National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.

Reviews

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This invaluable trail guide covers 100 of the most popular trails, background information about them, locations to see, and more. It covers all experience levels, practical planning advice, and can’t-miss locations. This guide is well-laid out and organized. The information provided is incredibly useful. The photos provided are stunning. Looking at the local hikes and other hikes we've been on, we would agree with their assessment of experience levels. Readers who like to hike will want to pick this one up.

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.

[Casie Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book to use for location inspiration for stories but I ended up just enjoying the hundreds of beautiful photographs. One note: why didnt the author show a picture of the actual Flint Hills in Kansas instead of the lackluster pictures shown? That was an odd choice. Other than that, this was a well researched and beautifully photographed book.

[Meg Dunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many alluring trails, each with beautiful photos and succinct descriptions that inspire me to start planning my next hike. Wonderful reference for nearby hikes I might not otherwise be aware of and new tips for old favorites.

[Dianelys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome compilation of trails to go around USA and Canada!

[Joni Greenwell Bycroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through and marked all the short easy trails. I have my vacation plans goals outlined for the next decade or so. At 64, I hope I can make it.

[Katra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to go. I need to go now! Some maps might have been helpful, but this is a great starting point for many, many adventures.