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The Trailmaster Blog
- “Take a hike!” A Positive or Negative Suggestion?
GOP Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney thinks "Take a Hike" is a negative expression. The Trailmaster disagrees. Perhaps politicians should reach out to Hiker-Americans, a huge bloc of voters.
- Cretins Graffiti Canyon Trailheads
Not content with leaving their spray-painted messes on Santa Barbara’s urban landscape, vandals recently hit the trail
- “Take a hike!” A Positive or Negative Suggestion?
Featured Posts
- John McKinney's Talks, Programs and Seminars
Trailmaster John McKinney teaches, inspires and entertains with keynote talks and programs that include "The Hiker's Way," "Getting Kids Back on the Nature Trail" and The Trailmaster's Hike Leader Training Seminar.
- John McKinney’s Books
John McKinney, a.k.a. The Trailmaster, is the author of more than 20 books about hiking including The Hiker's Way: Hike Smart, Live Well, Go Green.
- John McKinney's Talks, Programs and Seminars
Trails
HIKE Andrew Molera State Park
More than 20 miles of hiking trails weave through Andrew Molera State Park, largest state park along the Big Sur coast. Hike highlights include mountains, meadows and the mouth of Big Sur River. For a great introduction to the park, … read more
Posted in California State Parks
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Los Angeles County, A Day Hiker’s Guide
by John McKinney Nobody walks in L.A.—because everybody hikes! Longtime LA Times hiking columnist reveals little-known trails along the urban edge and well into the natural world. Wildflowers, waterfalls and wonderful vistas—closer than you think! Los Angeles County, A Day … read more
Posted in Books, Los Angeles
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Holy Land Hiking: On the Trail with Jesus
When I heard of the Jesus Trail a couple of years ago, I wanted to hike it. Imagine a 40-mile hiking trail in Galilee where pilgrims can follow in the footsteps of Jesus. read more
Posted in The Trailmaster Blog, Trails
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Fall Colors and Hikes in California State Parks
Many California state parks offer fine displays of autumn foliage and great hiking. The Trailmaster shares a half-dozen of his fall classics. read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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Take Flight to Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is just a 25-minute flight away from Camarillo Airport. California’s second largest island offers some great hiking. read more
The Traveling Hiker: Boston
Boston is bold enough to call itself “America’s Walking City.” Happily for The Traveling Hiker this is not hype. The home of the Red Sox has gone green in a big way. read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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John McKinney’s Guided Walks and Hikes
John McKinney is better known for writing hiking guides not being a hiking guide, but The Trailmaster enjoys leading walks and has done so for many years. read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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Best Hiking Trips in Northern California
I consulted with Frommer’s about a new line of guidebooks oriented to the traveling hiker and wrote “Best Hiking Trips in Northern California.” read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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Pleasant Cruise to Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island, California’s largest isle and part of Channel Islands National Park, is a great place to take a hike. A one-hour boat ride from the mainland and a world apart! read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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Santa Cruz Island Hiking
Take a hike on Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park. The Trailmaster’s favorite hiking trails include Cavern Point, Potato Harbor and Scorpion Canyon. read more
Posted in Southern California
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Molokai: “The Friendly Isle” for Hikers
Molokai, known for its infamous leper colony, has always been a bit off the tourist track. But “The Friendly Isle” has a lot to offer—particularly for the Traveling Hiker. read more
Oregon Coast Trail
Hike the state’s diverse coast on the Oregon Coast Trail, which visits headlands, bays, estuaries, old-growth fir forests, and empty beaches. Explore wonderful small towns, sample the local cuisine and hospitality. read more
Posted in National Trails
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Pacific Crest Trail
Many hikers claim the Pacific Trail passes through the finest stretch of scenery in the U.S. PCT extends some 2,500 miles from the Mexican border near San Diego, California to the Canadian border in Washington state. read more
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Roam Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which links the continent’s best and most scenic examples of glaciation in a series of parks, preserves and forests. read more
Posted in National Trails
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Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
Natchez Trace, the trail, (occasionally) shadows Natchez Trace Parkway, which extends some 450 miles from Natchez, Misssisippi to Nashville, Tennessee. History buffs will enjoy the trail far more than purist hikers. read more
Posted in National Trails
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Cult of the Thru-Hiker
The gutty few who hike a long distance trail in its entirety at one time are known as thru-hikers or end-to-enders. These individuals comprise a unique hiker culture, one that has done much to celebrate the wisdom of creating America’s … read more
Posted in All about Trails
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Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Length: 700 miles Completion: about 40 percent. Highlights: Canal towpath, Mt. Vernon Trail, many historic towns and sites. For more information: Potomac Heritage Trail Association, 118 Park Street S.S., Vienna Virginia, 22180, (517)437-7801 www.potomactrail.org The … read more
Posted in National Trails
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Wonderland Trail
Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile long route around Mt. Rainier, visits alpine meadows, thick forests, glaciers. Many experienced backpackers call it the Pacific Northwest’s greatest hike. read more
Posted in National Park Trails
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Florida National Scenic Trail
The Sunshine State hosts the little-known 1,400-mile long Florida National Scenic Trail that extends from the Everglades to Big Cypress National Preserve, and north to the Panhandle.
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Posted in National Trails
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Ozark Highlands Trail
Ozark Highlands Trail, the Pride of Arkansas. The Ozarks are largely undiscovered by tourists, and the trail is virtually unknown to hikers. Explores hardwood forests, bayous, misty lakes, countless creeks, read more
Posted in National Trails
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