User Contributed Dictionary
Alternative forms
Noun
- A remote region; the boondocks.
See also
Extensive Definition
A backcountry area in general terms is a
geographical region that is:
- isolated
- remote
- undeveloped
- difficult to access
The term may apply to various regions that are
reasonably close to urban areas but are:
- not immediately accessible by road
- at relatively high altitude
- not frequented by human visitors
- limited to human-powered visitors
While the term "backcountry" is roughly
comparable to the term "wilderness", they are not
necessarily equivalent. "Wilderness" implies more the condition
whereas "backcountry" implies more the position. Backcountry is
similar to hinterland. There is some
debate about the accessibility of people by means other than human
power. While wilderness is a state of mind that implies pristine
and untouched landscapes, backcountry serves as areas of land
explored exclusively by human power. Wilderness exists in many
places, including the backcountry.