Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. Lists of great reasons to stay inside.

Chilling Tales of the Outdoors

Outdoors

If someone is going to embark on a hike all alone, one would hope that&nbsp;they have experience, know the area well, and are carrying all necessary equipment. Even with the best planning, there can still be unexpected creepiness&nbsp;lurking along&nbsp;the trail. On Reddit, people who have taken solo hiking trips share their eeriest experiences in nature.&nbsp;

Solo Hikers Share Their Creepiest Trail Experiences

General

Amanda Ashley

Outdoor Activities

During the evening of November 24,&nbsp;2009, John Jones and a group of fellow&nbsp;cave explorers entered Nutty Putty Cave located near Salt Lake City, UT. Nutty Putty is a hydrothermal cave known for its tight twists and crawl spaces; management has&nbsp;occasionally closed this cave&nbsp;off to the public due to its dangerous conditions. Yet <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/what-is-extreme-spelunking-and-deep-cave-exploration/cynthia-griffith" target="_blank">spelunkers of all ages</a> are always keen to navigate the crevice, and Jones was no exception. Unfortunately, Nutty Putty became&nbsp;Jones&#39;s final resting place.

While exploring the cave, Jones got wedged in a small opening and was unable to free himself. Rescuers tried to save him, but&nbsp;after a long, dramatic, and ultimately unsuccessful rescue attempt, John perished, leaving a wife, a daughter, and an unborn son behind. The&nbsp;2016&nbsp;film&nbsp;The Last Descent retold Jones&#39;s story to the world at large. In the years following Jones&#39;s death, researchers have&nbsp;initiated&nbsp;efforts to better understand caving injuries and deaths to make spelunking safer.&nbsp;

No One Could Save John Jones From His Tragic Spelunking Accident - But His Death Sparked Change

Over 100 People Couldn't Save John Jones From Suffocating While Trapped In A Cave - But His Death Sparked Massive Change

Melissa Sartore

Let's face it: for a country with a fairly short history, America sure has a lot of haunted hiking trails. It turns out that the country's scariest hiking trails aren't the ones with the furthest drops or raging rivers to traverse, but the ones whose pasts can't seem to rest.&nbsp;From sea to shining sea, haunted hikes abound, and the large, sprawled out country has just about every flavor of fear to offer. From wailing women to restless soldiers to indescribable creatures (looking at you, Jersey Devil), America can be a <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/haunted-national-parks/amandasedlakhevener" target="_blank">pretty freaky place to explore</a>.Here is a collection of some of the more spooky hiking trails in America, as determined by your votes.

Scariest Hiking Trails In The U.S. That You Can Explore (If You Dare)

Colleen Conroy

Lists about hiking, climbing, camping, where to do it, what to bring, and what could happen once you get there.

The Great Outdoors

It seems like one of the most permanent fixtures of local news are stories about hikers finding mutilated bodies, or even entire skeletons while out in the woods. Even though stories of skulls found in the grass, mere feet away from a trail, are a dime a dozen, a typical hiker probably hasn't come across any human remains. Those hikers who found dead bodies, and made their way onto this list, didn’t just come across a femur; some of the bodies that they found were one fire, while others were still clinging to their last moments, trying to escape the cruel hand of death. Take a look at these stories of human remains found by hikers and remember to bring a camera with you the next time you go on a hike.Obviously it’s terrible that anyone has to die, but an oddly large amount of people seem to do it in national parks or near historical monuments. Judging from the places on this list of hikers who found body parts you’d think that hiking trails are basically an above ground cemetery. If there’s a takeaway here, it’s to always carry a well-charged cell phone if you’re going hiking, and make sure your friends know where you are.

13 Times Human Remains Were Found By Hikers

still waiting to find a dead body

13 Times Human Remains Were Found by Hikers

Jacob Shelton

Ranking the top sports apparel companies and athletic equipment manufacturers, including clothing, shoes, and gear for camping and outdoor activities.

Sportswear & Equipment Brands

poll

It's time to hit the trails! Any time is a great time to throw on your hiking shoes and get out into the wilderness. Like any good Girl Scout or Boy Scout, you'll want to be prepared, and that means checking out our list of the best hiking shoes brands.&nbsp;You'll want to match your hiking boot to the type of terrain you'll be encountering. Are you going on a week-long backpacking excursion up giant rocky mountains or just a light day-hike through on a local trail? Are you going to be treading through water? Then you might want to pick waterproof hiking shoes. Wherever you plan to roam, your shoe should be chosen accordingly.Brands like Merrell, Ahnu, and Arc'teryx offer a range of heavy-duty to lightweight hiking shoe options for men, women, and children. More familiar sports brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance have also gotten into the hiking shoe game. Regardless of the brand, you'll want to pick the best shoe for you: one that provides comfort and stability for any hike. Good hiking shoes are essential for making sure you stay safe, dry, and ready to tackle any type of obstacle. Women's hiking shoes and men's hiking shoes offer different types of support, but the brands on this list have great options for hikers of the female and male variety.&nbsp; So before you pack your bags and throw on your old sneakers, check out our list of the best hiking shoes brands. Vote up the brand that makes you feel as if you could hike forever!

The Very Best Hiking Shoe Brands

Brand

Best Hiking Shoes | List of Top Hiking Shoe Brands

Jessica Lawshe

Shoes

Do your plans to explore the great outdoors include some water-related activities? If so, then you're probably going to need some water shoes to keep your feet warm and protected. But before you buy just any brand, you'll want to check out our list of the best water shoe brands.&nbsp;Water shoes are typically&nbsp;mesh and have a hard sole that helps to prevent cuts and abrasions when you're exploring wet and rocky environments. Pick a shoe that offers a toe-guard, along with&nbsp;traction-ready outer soles that have some grip to keep you and your family from sliding on slippery ground and underwater rocks. Additionally, water shoes are fabricated to keep your feet warm when you're splashing through cold water. Warmer feet means you stay warm too!Brands like Columbia, Speedo, Jambu, and Merrell all make water shoes water shoes for men, water shoes for women, and water shoes for kids so the whole family can get their toes wet! Whether you're white-water rafting, or just exploring a creek-bed during a hike, you'll want to make sure you're rocking your water shoes.&nbsp;Before you hit the water, scroll through our list of best water shoes brands. Vote up the brand that keeps you and the family comfy while you're exploring the great wet outdoors!

O'Neill

The Best Water Shoe Brands

Best Water Shoes | List of Top Water Shoe Brands

You have your trail mapped, you've packed tons of water, and you've enlisted a great hiking companion to accompany you. You've thought about everything. But have you thought about your pants? Jeans aren't going to cut it. Sounds like it's time to check out our list of best hiking pants brands.Yoga pants are great for yoga and jeans are great if you're hiking the mall, but when exploring the great outdoors, your pants should be made with&nbsp;durable, quick-drying fabrics that offer protection against the elements. Pants made specifically for hiking are the number one way to protect your legs from poison ivy, other allergenic plants, and freezing temps as you head up those mountain peaks. Brr!!! We can't all be Bear Grylls, but we sure can wear his pants. Seriously, you can buy Bear Grylls-brand survival trousers.&nbsp;There are tons of brands to choose from. Some you've probably heard of, like Columbia, Patagonia, Black Diamond, L.L. Bean, and The North Face. All of those well known outdoor clothing brands offer hiking pants that will keep you comfy on the trail. You don't even have to sacrifice style for efficiency! Brands like Athleta, Rab, and Title Nine offer pants in awesome colors and styles! So, seriously, you can just leave those jeans at home.Before you head out to explore the great unknown, take a look at our list and vote up the hiking pants brand that makes you feel as if you could conquer Everest!&nbsp;

The Best Hiking Pants Brands

Best Hiking Pants | List of Top Hiking Pants Brands

Hiking

Special gear is required to explore the great outdoors. Hikers know this better than most – there's nothing worse than getting blisters due to the wrong footwear, or getting chilly on a high mountain trail because you forgot to pack an insulated jacket. Whether you're a seasoned trail fiend or a hiking newbie looking to take a casual walk through the woods, there's a clothing brand for you.&nbsp;Some hiking apparel is designed for mountain treks during winter weather, while other good hiking clothes are designed for keeping cool in summer months. Many of the top hiking clothing brands also make great footwear.What companies will you find on this list of the best hiking clothing brands? The North Face is a brand synonymous with winter hikes. The company's sleek designs provide hikers with ample mobility while its warm textiles keep chilling winds at bay. Marmot is another great clothing brand for hikers.One of the most important pieces of clothing for hikers are socks, and SmartWool makes some of the best. Other good companies featured on this top hiking <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/top-clothing-brands-for-men/vijaymohanp?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">clothing brands list</a> include Columbia, REI, and Mountain Hardwear.Which hiking apparel company do you think deserves the top spot on this list? Give your favorites a thumbs up to move them towards number one and add any notable brands that are missing.

The Best Hiking Apparel Brands

Hiking Apparel Brands | Top Outdoors Clothing Companies

Ranker Shopping

Gain rarely comes without pain, and higher rewards often imply higher risks. Hiking is no exception from these rules, as some of the most cherished views lie at the end of the most intimidating&nbsp;trails. Luckily for travelers who love to have their nerves tickled, the United States offers plenty of scary hikes.From unexpected floods&nbsp;to extreme temperatures, avalanches, and wild animals, Mother Nature spares no effort to make&nbsp;explorers work for her most precious gems. Unhindered by her warnings, thousands of travelers depart on some of the most strenuous hikes in America in search of adventures and adrenaline. Sadly, not all of them come back.Some 35 people a year die hiking, <a href="http://hubpages.com/sports/Whats-Killing-Americas-Hikers">according to</a> the National Park Service (NPS), and almost 1,000 get injured. While unfortunate incidents can happen almost anywhere, embarking on certain trips without proper knowledge and preparation is simply asking for trouble.These are the most dangerous US hikes, which will take your&nbsp;breath away, thanks to both&nbsp;the stunning views and the hazards hidden along the way.

The Most Treacherous Hikes in the United States

12 Beautiful but Dangerous Hikes in the United States

Olga Baker

Websites specializing in hiking gear shopping and commerce. These online clothes shopping sites provide a wide variety of options for hiking gear, ranging in styles and sizes to suit every taste. Sites specializing in trendy clothes, vintage clothes, affordable fashions and the like are plentiful, and it can be helpful to narrow down the search beyond the largest retailers and the biggest brands. The goal of this page is to provide a comprehensive list of all eCommerce sites available for hiking gear in one place, for easier comparison shopping and browsing.The top eCommerce sites include only a few clothing retailers - such as Macys.com, J.C. Penney and Victoria's Secret - which largely specialize in major brands and designers that would be found in a conventional department store or mall setting. This leaves the market wide open for smaller, up-and-coming clothes retailers, like Zappos.com, Bluefly.com and Suityourself.com, many of them specializing in harder-to-find items, less mainstream items or younger designers. Even niche segments of the clothing market - such as Big and Tall clothing stores, outerwear and activity-related clothing and trendy pop culture accessories - have their own websites and resources dedicated exclusively to them. This amount of variety and options makes shopping online more fun than ever, and a great way to track down great deals on hot new outfits.

The Top Outdoor Online Stores

Website

The Best Outdoor Online Stores

Dot Commander

The Travel Bug

Vacations

This is a ranked list of the best countries for hiking as voted on by men and women. These places include some of the most beautiful and scenic areas in the world such as Luxembourg, Switzerland, and South Africa. These are all some of the top places to go hiking in the world. This list answers the question, “what are the best countries in the world to go hiking?” Whether you are looking for beautiful mountain ranges, gorgeous bodies of water, or luscious greenery, these places offer all the lovely landscapes you could ever wish to trek upon. Many countries in Europe offer vast hiking routes while other countries just offer gorgeous open landscapes to tread upon. Each of these best countries for hiking offer distinct features as well. Those seeking the thrill of being one with the land and discovering new countries by foot might want to venture to far off lands like Bhutan. Excellent hiking can also be had in North America in the United States and Canada as well. &nbsp;Whether looking for an extreme activity or a leisurely stroll these ranked places offer great hiking in every part of the world. As a traveler looking for the world’s best hiking you might ask yourself, “Where are best spots to hike around the world?”. Well here we have compiled a list of the very best places for this activity.

England

The Best Countries for Hiking

Country

Best Countries for Hiking | Top Places to Hike in the World

Ranker Travel

Lists about all types of good boys and girls for the people who want to pet every single one of them.

Must Love Dogs

Dog Breeds

List of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-dog-breeds?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best dog breeds</a> for hiking, as ranked by hike aficionados and breed experts alike. One of the great joys in life for the adventurer seeker&nbsp;and hiking lover is trekking through the boundless wonder of nature on a nice, cool day. It can be relaxing to walk through the gorgeous, over-arching trees past a waterfall or up a sandy mountain with the smell of the wilderness caressing your senses. The only thing that can make it better is to have man&rsquo;s best friend by your side. Many dogs love the outdoors just as much as even the most enthusiastic nature lovers. They love the sights and smells, as well as the feel of the wind through their fur as they walk besides you. This list contains the best dogs for hiking on long or short trails. 
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This list answers the question, &ldquo;What are the best&nbsp;hiking dog?&rdquo; as the dogs on this list are energetic and are physically made for long adventures like hiking. These canines can walk long distances without tiring out and their personalities fit perfectly with the hiking lifestyle.

This list contains the best dog breeds for long arduous hikes, as well as short, brisk ones. Whether you are an avid hiker who goes on the toughest trails or somebody who just occasionally hikes, there&rsquo;s a dog that&rsquo;s perfect for you -- and if you&#39;re more of a runner, be sure to check out our list of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-dogs-for-running/pet-project" target="_blank">best dogs for running</a>.

Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever

The Best Dogs for Hiking

Best Hiking Dogs, Ranked By Dog Lovers

Pet Project

Lists for every local, transplant, and visitor to the Best Coast.

Welcome to Los Angeles!

Los Angeles has everything an outdoors enthusiast wants. Beach, islands, desert and mountains... all for you to explore. There are hundreds of trails up in the high desert, along the coast and in the Angeles Forest, these are just a few of them. Vote for your favorites and add the hikes you think are missing (with mileage if you can).

Solstice Canyon

The Best Hiking in Los Angeles

analise.dubner

Culture

List of top mountain hiking ranges. What are the best places to mountain hike? This list ranks the best destinations for hiking, one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities. Though most hikers usually follow a trail, there are different variations of hiking. There are day hikes that can be completed in one day or backpacking hikes that take multiple days to complete. Some hikes involve walking through dense forests. The reward of mountain hiking is being able to experience the beauty of nature along with the health benefits of altitude climbing. Sometimes hiking involves camping.&nbsp;Materials needed for a hike depends on the location, and choosing the right hike for your skill level is essential. Hiking in the Himalayas, for example, is very different than hiking the Grand Canyon. Most hikers carry a backpack, but heavier packs can make long-distance hiking difficult. Hiking boots, water, sunscreen, a compass and first aid kit are all essential items no matter the length or terrain of a hike.&nbsp;Like any recreational sport, there are dangers to hiking. Doing research on trails is the most important way to be prepared for different conditions.&nbsp;Where are the top destinations for mountain hiking? This list ranks the world's best hikes. &nbsp;

Pyrenees

The Best Mountain Ranges for Hiking

Location

Best Mountain Ranges for Hiking | List of Top Mountain Hiking Ranges

Where will you move? Visit? Shop? Start a business? Raise a kid? Buy a house? Buy a second house? Relax? Make memories? Live your life? 

City Living

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Luckily, there are so many good cities for hiking all across the United States. Some great U.S. cities for hikes feature shady parks, while other good American cities for hikers boast mountaintop&nbsp;trails and ocean view paths.What destinations will you find on this list of the top U.S. cities for hikers? Besides the pedestrian-friendly Strip, Las Vegas is a stones throw from many of the best hiking areas in the country. Trails in Echo Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and Potato Knoll are all nearby. Portland is another top city for people who love to hike. Chicago is known for being flat, but it's surrounded by scenic forest preserves and prairies perfect for a weekend adventure. Other good American cities for hiking include San Francisco, Seattle, and Salt Lake City.It's up to you to determine which U.S. city is the best for hiking. Vote your personal favorites up to the top of the list,&nbsp;and get in on the conversation in the comments section.

The Best US Cities for Hiking

City/Town

Top US Cities for Hiking | What Is the Best City for Hikers?

This is a ranked list of the best U.S. states for hiking as voted on by men and women. These states include Oregon, Utah, Tennessee, Hawaii and more. Some of the most beautiful and scenic areas in the country are included on this ranked list. This list answers the question, “what are the best US states for hiking?” Whether you are looking for beautiful mountain ranges, gorgeous bodies of water or luscious greenery, these places offer all the lovely landscapes you could ever wish to trek upon. Many states offer vast hiking routes while other countries offer more simplistic, although equally as gorgeous open landscapes to tread upon. Each of these best states for hiking offer distinct features as well. This list is for those seeking the thrill of being one with the land and discovering new states by foot might. Whether looking for an extreme activity or a leisurely stroll, these ranked places offer great hiking in every part of the U.S. As a traveler looking for the country’s best hiking you might ask yourself, “Where are best spots to hike around the U.S.?” Well, here we have compiled a list of the very best places for this activity.

Arkansas

The Best U.S. States for Hiking

US State

Best US State for Hiking | List of Top States to Hike

Hiking lists at Ranker - The ultimate source for hundreds of hiking lists and rankings