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A lot of hiking advice quietly assumes you live near a famous national park, have endless vacation time, and already know what you’re doing. We wanted something more honest and more useful, so I sat down with Stephanie Pearson, a National Geographic Explorer and longtime Outside Magazine editor, to talk about how she built 100 Hikes of a Lifetime USA and what those trail choices say about the country. From the “big three” long trails (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail) to short, meaningful walks that highlight culture and history, her goal is clear: there’s a hike for everyone, everywhere.

We dig into how outdoor culture has changed over the last 30 years and why the post-COVID boom plus social media has raised the stakes for trip planning, Leave No Trace, and basic self-reliance. Stephanie shares why underrated routes like the Superior Hiking Trail can be just as demanding and beautiful as the headline hikes, and how spreading use across lesser-known trails can reduce impact on overcrowded hotspots. We also get into the practical realities that catch people off guard, especially in the Southwest: Guadalupe Peak’s altitude, dry heat, exposure, and the hard truth that you often have to pack your own water.

To close, we talk dream destinations like Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic, the push and pull of sharing trail information responsibly, the difference between solo hiking and group dynamics, and a simple gear choice that matters more than most people think: sun protection. If you care about hiking trails in the USA, public lands, and finding adventures that fit your real life, you’ll get a lot out of this conversation. Subscribe, share this with a hiking buddy, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

Book Link

National Geographic 100 Hikes of a Lifetime USA by Stephanie Pearson

https://amzn.to/4wpeHzt

Stephanie Contact info:

https://stephanieannpearson.com/

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