Embarking on a journey through a park’s remote wilderness, arranging a campsite, discovering an untainted scenery, encountering wildlife,… The unforgettable experience of backpacking for several nights in a national park awaits.
Planning ahead
If you enter the wilderness or backcountry without a plan, various things, including negative ones, can occur. Conducting research can be crucial, particularly for beginners, as it can help prevent life-threatening circumstances.
- Visit the National Park Service websites for trails and hiking, and wilderness and backcountry camping.
- Request the proper permit. Check the park’s page on nps.gov to see if the park requires one.
- Obtain detailed maps of trails you plan to hike. Locate campsites and water sources on the map and plan accordingly. Expect to cover 5 to 10 miles a day, depending on the terrain.
- Download GPS and compass apps to your phone. Don’t forget to pack a battery-operated phone charger.
- Before you leave the trailhead, make sure somebody back at home knows where you’re headed and how long you’ll be gone.
Packing your pack
Make sure to only bring what is necessary and leave behind anything unnecessary. By using a lightweight backpack, it is possible to fit all essential backpacking gear into a pack that weighs 40 pounds or less. For better balance, put the heaviest items in the middle and surround them with lightweight ones. Keep items that you will need to frequently access, such as water, food, and maps, in easily reachable spots.
Clothing is an essential item that everybody needs.
When considering packing, it is important to remember that weather can rapidly and significantly alter based on your location and the time of year. Thus, layering is crucial.
- Good hiking boots
- Synthetic hiking pants or shorts
- Long underwear
- Synthetic shirt
- Fleece or hoodie
- Light jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- At least one pair of socks for each day
- Cold weather hat/beanie and light gloves
- Light-weight sandals to wear around campsite
The text below has already been formulated in simple language, so there are not many specific steps to follow in rephrasing it. However, the emphasis can be placed on the importance of a shelter. Rephrased Text: Having a shelter is crucial.
- Sleeping bag (down or synthetic)
- Inflatable or closed-cell foam pad
- 3-season tent
Essentials are important items or elements that are necessary.
- First aid kit – Read up on how you pack a good first aid kit
- Headlamp
- Matches or lighter
- Duct tape and/or repair kit
- Pocket knife
- Environmentally-friendly toiletries
- Trowel
Eating right
The amount of food you bring depends on the duration of your trip and the number of individuals involved. If you are going on an overnight hike alone, it is likely that you can rely solely on prepared food, as long as it is high in calories and rich in protein. For a brief trip, it is advisable to bring items such as granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky, nuts, fruit, and a couple of chocolate bars. However, if you are part of a large group embarking on a weeklong trek, it is probable that some cooking will be necessary, requiring a preplanned menu. Opting for dehydrated food will effectively save space and reduce weight. Apart from the food itself, it is important to bring:
- Lightweight backpacking stove and fuel
- Compact pot set and utensils
- One cup, bowl, and spork for each person
- Sponge and soap
- Don’t forget water! Carry a minimum of 32 ounces of water with you at all times, and keep a filter or other system handy so that you can purify water from springs and streams.
National Parks for Backpacking Trips
I have compiled a list of the top multi-day hikes found in the national parks of America. These trails span across various landscapes, including the ancient forested mountains in the East, the Southwestern deserts and canyons, and the volcanoes and coasts of the Pacific Northwest. No matter where you are in the country, you can discover extraordinary long-distance trails.
Appalachian Trail – Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. These trails can take you up to granite summits or down into the park’s woodland hollows. Among these trails is the famous Appalachian Trail, which spans 105 miles within the park.
The Appalachian Trail, also known as AT, stretches for more than 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine, following the entire length of Shenandoah National Park, which is the only national park in Virginia.
Following Skyline Drive, it occasionally crosses this picturesque mountain road and proceeds on the opposite side.
The Appalachian Trail begins its journey into Shenandoah at the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station located in the southern part and concludes its passage through the park in the extreme northern section. This scenic trail traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains’ ridge, reaching the summits of numerous peaks and providing breathtaking panoramic vistas throughout its route.
Wonderland Trail – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The Wonderland Trail, which goes around Mount Rainier, is considered one of the top backpacking loops in the Pacific Northwest.
The trail in Mount Rainier National Park spans 93 miles and includes a total elevation gain of approximately 23,000 feet. Throughout the trail, hikers will encounter various life zones, including forests, valleys, slopes, and ridges.
With its variety and difficulty, this multi-day hike in America’s national parks is considered one of the finest. It is also highly regarded for its breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, known by the Native Americans as “Tacoma”.
The National Park Service allows 14 days to complete the Wonderland Trail hike, although most people finish it in 10 days.
