Maps

3 posts

Trekking in the U.S. (for International Hikers)

The United States is home to some of the world’s most rugged and remote long-distance hiking trails. These trails traverse a range of landscapes, attracting hikers from all over the globe.   The popular three long-distance hiking routes, referred to as the “triple crown” of trails, include the Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Pacific Crest trails. These trails will challenge your skills and reward you with beautiful scenery.  Which trail you choose ultimately depends on the type of experience you’re seeking — whether you desire trekking the heavily trafficked wet and […]

Lost using National Geographic Trail Illustrated Maps

Map Skills Primer

Knowing how to read a topographic map is an essential skill for navigating the backcountry. Make sure you understand how to follow a topographic map before your hike — especially if you plan to be in a remote area. Here we’ll cover the basics and provide some online sources for finding topographic hiking maps. We will also feature some external sites that teach map skills & orienteering in greater detail. What is a Topographic Map Topographic maps render the three-dimensional ups and downs of the terrain on a two-dimensional map. The topographic map shows a […]