Whether it's a curly Chanterelle or a bulbous Morel, wild mushrooms are an exciting find for anyone on a hike. They appear across the US in thousands of varieties - but many are poisonous and unfit for human consumption, so it's important to be cautious before you ingest this tasty fungus.
Mushrooms also play a fascinating part in forest ecosystems, gaining nutrients from decaying plants. Do your homework before going on a hike so you know what to pick and what to avoid.
Further Reading
Foraging and Preparation - Where to get started, where to find wild mushrooms and how to spot the edible types.