fitbody
TRAILS Hiking and biking offer economical
HAPPY
ways to reconnect with the
great outdoors by Beth Davis
Trails are found in every state, in national forests and parks, Bureau of Land
Management designated areas, state and community parks and regional trail systems, as well as the National Trails System. Many resources exist to help us find the right one for an expedition; many are free.
H
ome to more than 200,000 miles of trails, America offers abundant opportunities for
citizens to get out into nature, breathe fresh air, escape daily stress and sup- port overall health. According to a recent study by the Outdoor Industry Association, 76.7 million of us take to these trails on foot, while 85.8 mil- lion others travel suitable routes atop two wheels.
Bobbi Sankey, communications manager for the American Hiking Society, a national nonprofit organiza- tion dedicated to protecting trails and the whole hiking experience, credits the pastime’s popularity to its flexibility. “The wonderful thing about hiking is that you can choose your challenge,” notes Sankey. “Beginners can easily find trails with mild elevation gain and lengths with which they’re comfort- able; you need not be a long-distance backpacker to be considered a hiker.” In a fast-paced society, getting out on the trail is a good way for anyone
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to reconnect with the natural environ- ment, relax, slow down and appreci- ate nature. “It’s a good family activity, a great way to introduce kids to nature and a fun outing with friends or a partner,” says Sankey. Trails are found in every state, in
national forests and parks, Bureau of Land Management designated areas, state and community parks and region- al trail systems, as well as the National Trails System. Many resources exist to help us find the right one for any given expedition; many are free.
National park maps, trail guide-
books and Web sites dedicated to American trails typically describe routes in our own backyards and beyond, including where to call for details or advice and indicating which trails are best for hiking, trail running and bicycling, as well as which areas permit trail bikes. Enthusiasts will find maps of more than 43,000 trails at
Trails.com, including where to go for mountain biking. Information includes
route details and custom maps, plus helpful hints for planning an adventure. For anyone just getting started, Sankey recommends consulting a local trail guide as the best introduction. Hiking and bicycling both offer an inexpensive way to enjoy a refreshing break from routine.
Whether we’re up for a weekend getaway or more serious trek, the fol- lowing highlights open our eyes to the endless possibilities:
• The American Discovery Trail stretches across 6,800 miles and 15
states, from Delaware to California. It is the only coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreational trail in the country. Linking communities, cities, parks and wilder- ness, it allows hikers and bikers to partake of anything from a sunny after- noon to a full cross-country adventure.
• The Great Smoky Mountains Na- tional Park, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
is the most visited national park in the country. A hiker’s paradise, offer-
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