What makes a great hike great? Backpacker magazine knows the answer: different things for different hikers. So when they asked readers and website visitors to name their favorite hikes, the editors of Backpacker provided several qualities for readers who choose from. Those include scenery, wildlife, solitude, signage, camp shelter, and difficulty. The top five hikes in each category heavily favor trails in California and Colorado, but the Vermont’s Long Trail makes lists for Best Signage, Best Shelter, and most difficult. Find the winners here.