This land was made for boots, and every state contains its beauty-stretch hike, one that speaks to its own unique brand of wildness. Whether your tastes run to the craggy alpine terrain of the Sierra Nevada, the layer-cake geology of the Grand Canyon, or the dripping hemlocks of the northern forest, break out your topos and cinch up your laces--here's a 50-state guide to the walkabout nation.

For USGA topo maps, call 800-435-7627. Maps are $4 each, with a two to four-week delivery. To get maps in two to three days, call Map Express at 800-627-0039. Each map is $6.75.