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The best backpacking trips in the US span vastly different terrains, from New England’s ridgelines to the Sierra’s granite basins. A single guidebook can’t capture every permit system, fire closure, and trail condition across all regions. That’s why the most reliable guides focus on one area—but only if that area matches where you hike.
Buyers often discover too late that a nationwide guide skips the logistical details they need, or that a regional guide’s publication date is several years old. The key is to choose a guide that provides up-to-date trip data, clear maps, and a trip range that fits your skill level. The picks below are sorted by region and scope so you can zero in on the one that fits your next adventure.
Best for Nationwide Hikers
Backpacker Hidden Gems
Rating: 4.4 ★ | Price: Mid-range | Geographic Scope: Nationwide | Trips / Difficulty: Broad selection, varied | Detail & Maps: Clear maps, concise | Portability: 7.5 x 9.2 in
This book covers a broad selection of lesser-known trails across the US, with entries chosen to represent different ecosystems and landscapes. The cartography is clean and easy to read, making route identification straightforward even without prior knowledge of the area. Trail descriptions emphasize staying on course rather than providing exhaustive detail, which suits the book’s role as a discovery tool.
The concise entries focus on essential guidance, with brevity that helps a hiker stay oriented without getting bogged down in excess information. Maps are simple yet sufficient for understanding the general route, and the geographic spread means a reader can find options from coast to coast in a single volume.
This guide is best for hikers who want to explore multiple regions and discover less-crowded trails without committing to a single area. It sacrifices the logistical depth (permit rules, shelter locations, turn-by-turn instructions) that regional guides provide, so it works best for trip discovery and broad planning rather than on-trail navigation. Travelers who prize portability and variety over granular detail will find it a useful reference.
Pros
- Broad geographic coverage of lesser-known trails across the US
- Clear, simple cartography aids navigation
- Concise trail descriptions focus on essential guidance
Cons
- Anecdotal entries interspersed throughout may distract readers focused solely on route information
For backpackers exploring multiple US regions, this guide offers a practical starting point with clear maps and concise trip ideas—just be aware that details are brief and anecdotal asides may interrupt the flow.
Best for New England Hikers
AMC’s Best Backpacking: New England
Rating: 4.7 ★ | Price: Premium | Geographic Scope: New England | Trips / Difficulty: 37 trips, easy-hard | Detail & Maps: Detailed logistics, no maps | Portability: 5.75 x 9 in
AMC’s Best Backpacking in New England provides the most exhaustive logistical detail of any regional guide, covering permit rules, shelter availability, and difficulty ratings for 37 carefully selected multiday routes. Unlike nationwide guides that offer broader geographic coverage, this book dedicates its full 320 pages to New England’s varied terrain, from the Berkshires to the North Woods. Backpackers have found this specificity invaluable for planning trips that require current information on parking, water sources, and trail conditions.
This guide is ideal for New England residents or visitors planning multiple overnight trips who want to minimize on-trail surprises. It’s less suited for budget-conscious buyers—this is the most expensive guide reviewed—or anyone hiking outside the six-state region. The second edition’s updates on shelter reservations and permit systems keep the information relevant year to year.
The 37 trips span a useful range, from beginner-friendly weekend loops to advanced multi-day traverses. Hikers report that the route descriptions help them find great hikes they might otherwise overlook, and the inclusion of both popular classics and lesser-known paths offers variety without sacrificing reliability.
Pros
- Permit rules, shelter availability, and difficulty ratings are covered in exceptional detail.
- Covers 37 multiday trips ranging from easy weekend outings to extended adventures.
- Second edition provides updated information on trail regulations and shelter reservations.
Cons
- Premium pricing makes this the costliest guide among those reviewed.
- Restricted to New England, so no use for trips in other regions.
For New England backpackers who prioritize thorough trip planning and up-to-date permit information, this guide is the definitive resource.
Best for Nct Hikers
North Country Trail Guide
Rating: 4.3 ★ | Price: Mid-range | Geographic Scope: North Country Trail | Trips / Difficulty: Overview, day/section | Detail & Maps: No topo maps, variable | Portability: 6 x 9 in
The North Country Trail guide provides rich historical and contextual content that day hikers and section planners will appreciate. This focus on the trail’s story and surroundings sets it apart from the top pick’s nationwide coverage, but the tradeoff is clear: trail descriptions vary in detail from state to state, and no topographic maps are included — navigation on unfamiliar sections requires separate materials.
Thru-hikers and day hikers seeking an overview of the NCT will find value here, especially those who enjoy understanding the history behind the trail and its surroundings. However, the inconsistency in description quality across states — Ohio, for example, has been noted as lacking detail — combined with the absence of topographic maps, means this book works best as a planning companion rather than a sole navigational tool.
Pros
- Great reference guide for the North Country Trail, especially for day hikers
- Well-written with clear, helpful descriptions
- Rich historical and contextual content adds depth to trip planning
Cons
- Trail description detail varies by state; some sections like Ohio may lack thorough coverage
- No topographic maps included — separate maps are needed for on-trail navigation
The right choice for North Country Trail enthusiasts who care more about the story of the trail than pinpoint navigation.
Best for Sierra Backpackers
Sierra South
Rating: 4.7 ★ | Price: Mid-range | Geographic Scope: Sierra Nevada | Trips / Difficulty: Extensive, off-trail | Detail & Maps: Detailed maps, natural history | Portability: 6 x 9 in
With 456 pages of trail descriptions that weave in natural history, geology, and off-trail options, Sierra South offers the most detailed coverage available for the southern Sierra Nevada. This depth is a deliberate focus: unlike the top pick’s nationwide scope, this guide commits entirely to one region, providing unmatched local knowledge.
This book is for backpackers who want to understand the landscape as they hike — identifying wildflowers, reading geological features, and venturing off the main trail. Side-trip suggestions are integrated into each route description, making it easy to extend a trip with a peak scramble or a detour to a lake.
The 9th edition updates trail conditions and reflects recent changes in permitted areas. Maps are clear, though the text-heavy format means some backpackers may prefer to copy route descriptions and carry only the relevant pages. The detailed flora and fauna notes add context that most regional guides skip entirely.
Pros
- Trail descriptions include detailed notes on flora, fauna, and geology for a richer hiking experience.
- Side-trip and off-trail route suggestions are plentiful, helping experienced hikers customize itineraries.
- Comprehensive coverage of the Southern Sierra Nevada from the southern end to Mammoth, with clear maps.
Cons
- Focuses exclusively on the Sierra Nevada — not useful for planning trips in other mountain ranges.
- Coverage is limited to the southern half of the Sierra Nevada; northern Sierra trips require a separate guide.
The definitive guide for Sierra Nevada backpackers who want natural history and off-trail options woven into every route description.
Best for Washington Hikers
Backpacking Washington
Rating: 4.8 ★ | Price: Budget | Geographic Scope: Washington | Trips / Difficulty: Many routes, varied | Detail & Maps: Detailed with maps | Portability: 5.25 x 7 in
Backpacking Washington holds the highest rating in this category and is consistently cited as the best backpacking book for the state by experienced hikers. Unlike nationwide guides that spread coverage thin, this book devotes its full attention to Washington, packing permits, elevation gain, campsite details, and extension options into a single portable volume.
This guide is best for Washington-based backpackers planning overnight or multiday trips who want a compact reference to carry on the trail. It covers only Washington state – hikers looking for routes in Oregon, Idaho, or British Columbia will need a different resource.
Pros
- Packed with all essential trip data: permits, elevation gain, campsites, and how to extend each route.
- Small enough to carry on the trail without adding noticeable weight or bulk.
- Logically organized layout makes it easy to compare routes and plan itineraries quickly.
Cons
- For hikers planning trips in Oregon, Idaho, or British Columbia, this guide offers no coverage of those regions.
If your backpacking plans are limited to Washington, this is the most complete and portable resource available at a budget-friendly price.
How to Choose
The biggest mistake is choosing a nationwide guide when you primarily hike in one region—regional guides provide the depth that makes trip planning reliable.
Geographic Scope
Nationwide guides offer a sampler of trips across the US but skip local permit systems, bear canister requirements, and seasonal road closures. Regional guides assume you’re committed to that area and include those specifics, making them far more useful for actual trip planning.
Number of Trips and Difficulty
More trips don’t always mean better—a guide with 50 day hikes labeled as backpacking trips can be misleading. Look for a clear breakdown by difficulty and duration that matches your experience level. A curated set of 30 well-vetted overnight trips often beats 100 entries that are only suitable for day use.
Detail and Maps
Maps integrated into the guide are often simplified overviews—great for route selection but insufficient for off-trail navigation. Many guides omit topographic maps altogether, forcing you to buy separate USGS quads or use a mapping app. Check whether the guide includes elevation profiles, campsite coordinates, and water sources to avoid surprises on trail.
Publication Currency
Trail conditions, permit quotas, and fire closures change annually. A guidebook published five years ago may send you to a trail that’s now closed or require a permit that’s no longer issued. Always check the publication date; regional guides from respected publishers like AMC or Mountaineers Books are updated more frequently than nationwide compilations.
Portability
A compact guide (about 5×7 inches) fits in a side pocket and adds little weight, but may use smaller font and fewer photos. Full-size guides (7×9 inches) offer more detail and better maps but take up pack space. Choose based on whether you plan to carry the book on the trail or use it for pre-trip planning at home.
FAQ
Do I need to buy additional maps for the North Country Trail guide?
Yes. The North Country Trail guide lacks detailed topographic maps; you’ll need separate USGS quads or a mapping app for navigation. The guide is best used as a reference for history and trip overviews rather than a primary navigation tool.
Is there a backpacking guidebook that covers the entire United States?
Backpacker Hidden Gems is the only nationwide guide we recommend, but it focuses on lesser-known trips with concise descriptions. For deep logistical details like permits and shelter reservations, you’ll want a regional guide that covers your specific hiking area.
Which backpacking guide is best for Washington state?
Backpacking Washington by Craig Romano (Mountaineers Books) is consistently rated the best—it’s portable, includes permits and elevation data, and covers both overnight and multiday routes. It’s the top choice for Washington-based hikers.
Are the AMC’s Best Backpacking in New England guides worth the higher price?
For New England hikers, yes. The $40 price reflects unmatched detail on permits, shelter availability, and difficulty ranges across 37 trips. If you hike in the Northeast regularly, the guide pays for itself in saved planning time and avoided permit mistakes.