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President Barack Obama has signed legislation today that sets aside more than 2 million acres as protected wilderness. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, a collection of nearly 170 separate measures, protects land, lakes and shorelines for future generations. It also represents one of the largest expansions of wilderness protection in a quarter-century, protecting vast tracts of land, hundreds of miles of rivers and trails, and historic sites and heritage areas.

The Shining Rock Wilderness in North Carolina is truly a hikers paradise. The crown jewel in the wilderness is the Art Loeb Trail, which traverses the peaks, balds and ridgelines for more than 30 miles and provides access to Cold Mountain, the mountain made famous by the recent movie.

Overview of all the hiking trails in the Big Frog Wilderness and the Cohutta Wilderness along the Georgia-Tennessee border near Chattanooga.

The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, is one of the wildest, most rugged gorges in the eastern United States. It's also an outdoor paradise for hikers and backpackers.

List of several trails in the Southern Appalachians that hikers may not have heard of - each of which falls within nationally designated Wilderness Areas.

Here's something to consider for all you outdoor enthusiasts who use GPS to find your way through the wilderness: the network of satellites that your Garmin or Bushnell uses to pinpoint your exact location could begin to fail as early as next year!

Nearly the entire length of the four-mile (one-way) hike to the summit of Mt. Rogers passes through open country, offering sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness as far as the eye can see. With the rocky outcroppings and the open views, it seems more like hiking in some places out west rather than in the Appalachian Mountains.

At the top of pass you'll have your first views of Gilpin Lake. The view of the deep blue, alpine lake is stunning and dramatic - one of the best in the Rockies.

Watching a big cat in real life could be a distant dream for many! However, this dream, in India, is not that tough to be realized as the country is blessed with over 3000 tigers, 99 national parks, 40 tiger reserves, and 450 wildlife sanctuaries. India has made a global mark as it has transformed as home to 75% of the tiger population of the world.

Restoration of Jenny Lake Trails in Grand Teton National Park continues in 2015.

Beautiful Towering Peaks of Backpacking Routes Here are some stunning mountain peaks that are popular backpacking destinations: Asia Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet: The highest mountain in the world, offering breathtaking views and challenging treks. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: Africa's highest peak, with a variety of routes and stunning ecosystems. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal: A challenging trek that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Mount Fuji, Japan: A sacred mountain with a well-marked trail and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Europe Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland: The highest mountain in the Alps, offering challenging climbs and stunning scenery. Matterhorn, Switzerland: A iconic peak with a distinctive pyramidal shape, popular for climbing and hiking. Eiger, Switzerland: A challenging peak known for its north face, a popular destination for experienced climbers. Ben Nevis, Scotland: The highest mountain in the British Isles, offering a variety of routes and stunning views. North America Denali, Alaska: The highest mountain in North America, with a challenging climb and stunning wilderness. Mount Whitney, California: The highest mountain in the contiguous United States, offering a variety of routes and stunning views. Mount Rainier, Washington: A volcano with a glacier-covered summit, offering challenging climbs and stunning scenery. Teton Range, Wyoming: A range of dramatic peaks, offering a variety of hiking and climbing routes. South America Aconcagua, Argentina: The highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, offering a challenging climb and stunning views. Huascarán, Peru: The highest mountain in Peru, with a variety of routes and stunning scenery. Cerro Torre, Argentina/Chile: A challenging peak known for its steep walls and technical climbs. Chimborazo, Ecuador: The highest mountain measured from the Earth's center, offering a challenging climb and stunning views. These are just a few examples of the many beautiful to