WATERTOWN, NY (August 27, 2024) – Locally-produced outdoor series Epic Trails, hosted by avid backpacker, knowledgeable wilderness explorer, and passionate adventurer Eric Hanson is back. From a rim-to-rim-to-rim Grand Canyon trek to volcanos in the heart of Rwanda, the third season of Epic Trails introduces viewers to the people, places and adventures that surround the world’s top backpacking trails. The new season premieres Thursdays at 7:30 pm, beginning September 5th on WPBS-TV.
This season contains nine episodes and is hosted by Eric Hanson, a journalist, photographer and filmmaker specializing in outdoor adventure and travel. Hanson also hosted the popular “Backpacking TV” YouTube channel, where he shares his adventures on the trail as well as his knowledge and passion for all things hiking and backpacking.
“Working on Epic Trails has been such an adventure; it’s allowed me to explore some of the most interesting places on earth,” said Hanson. “It’s a physical and creative challenge to hike and document these rugged places. It’s allowed for so much personal growth, as well as just incredible memories and experiences that could fill its own book.”
EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS
#301 Backpacking South Dakota (Thursday, September 5 at 7:30 pm)
Eric Hanson adventures through Badlands National Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
#302 Backpacking Lake Powell, Utah (Thursday, September 12 at 7:30 pm)
Eric Hanson treks the canyons and waters of Lake Powell, Utah, on foot and via packraft.
#303 Backpacking Victoria, Australia (Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 pm)
Eric Hanson treks the Great Ocean Walk to the world-famous Twelve Apostles in Victoria, Australia.
#304 Backpacking West Virginia (Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 pm)
Eric Hanson explores the mountains, trails and winter landscapes of West Virginia.
#305 Backpacking the Grand Canyon – Part 1 (Thursday, October 3 at 7:30 pm)
Eric Hanson and guest Dan Becker embark on a rim-to-rim-to-rim Grand Canyon trek that takes an unexpected and dangerous turn.
#306 Backpacking the Grand Canyon – Part 2 (Thursday, October 10 at 7:30 pm)
Eric Hanson’s perilous Grand Canyon adventure continues after an unexpected and dangerous turn.
#307 Backpacking Rwanda (Thursday, October 17 at 7:30 pm)
Eric Hanson travels to the heart of Rwanda to explore its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.
#308 Backpacking Helena, Montana (Air Date TBA)
Eric Hanson treks through the breathtaking landscapes of Helena, Montana.
#309 Backpacking North Dakota (Air Date TBA)
Eric Hanson seeks new adventures on the Maah Daah Hey Trail in North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Host & Filmmaker Bio
Eric Hanson is the host of Epic Trails, a TV and digital series designed to showcase the people, places and adventures that surround the world’s top backpacking trails. He is a freelance journalist, photographer and filmmaker specializing in outdoor adventure and travel. Hanson spent three years in southern Utah working as a field guide for a wilderness therapy program, working with young adults and adolescents dealing with drug and alcohol addiction as well as behavioral issues. While guiding, he began working as a gear tester for Backpacker Magazine. He has also written for Gear Junkie, Nat Geo Adventure and more. His film work has appeared on the Discovery Channel, NBC Universal and the Weather Channel. Hanson also the hosted the popular “Backpacking TV” YouTube channel, where he shares his adventures on the trail and his knowledge and passion for all things hiking and backpacking. He has traveled extensively, exploring more than 80 countries during his long-term travels, and he calls Flagstaff, Arizona, home.
About WPBS
WPBS is a PBS station serving approximately 600,000 households throughout Northern New York and Eastern Ontario via cable, satellite, Internet and over-the-air distribution. WPBS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and inspire diverse communities with exceptional and trusted content across multiple platforms. Its vision is to be the premier provider of relevant public service media that instills wonder and curiosity across generations and cultures. More information about WPBS, including a full channel listing, is available at wpbstv.org, or by following WPBS on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Download the free WPBS Mobile App to follow WPBS on the go.
