ing 800 miles of maintained trails, the park boasts un- spoiled forests similar to those encountered by early settlers. Like many other well-visited trails, guided tours are a com- mon way to learn about the surrounding natural habitat.
• Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton Na-
tional Park offers a landscape rich with mountains, lakes and extraordinary wildlife. This granddaddy of a system maintains 200 miles of trails through its picturesque valleys and mountains, tranquil lakes, streams and canyons.
• The Pacific Crest Trail boasts the greatest elevation changes of any of
America’s national scenic trails. It passes through six of North America’s seven ecological zones, including high and low deserts, old-growth forest and arctic-alpine country. Adventurers can
National park maps, trail guidebooks 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.
start in the desert valleys of South- ern California and end in the Pacific Northwest rain forest. Erik Plakanis is among the na- tion’s caring corps of tour guides who stand ready to assist visitors in making the most of their outdoor experience. For 10 years, he and his wife, Vesna, have operated A Walk in the Woods in
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “We will help you use all of your senses to experience nature in a new way,” he explains. “All of our trail pro- grams are interpretive.” This particular pair of avid natu- ralists share their expertise in the medicinal and edible uses of plants. They enjoy provid- ing programs suitable for all ages and skill levels, from nature and birding tours to classes, seminars and over- night adventures.
“Hiking’s a wonderful experience, whether you’re in it for fitness, exploration, nature appre- ciation or all three,” observes Sankey. “It’s a great boost, whatever your level of exertion.”
For more information visit NPS. gov,
AmericanHiking.org, AWalkIn
TheWoods.com and
Trails.com.
natural awakenings
July 2013
35
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