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The Trailmaster Blog
- Should We Pay to Hike on Public Land?
In this classic essay from 2000, Trailmaster John McKinney muses about the wisdom of forest fees while hiking with second-graders.
- Hikers Help Axe Forest Adventure Pass
Three cheers to four hikers who went to court when they were fined for not paying fees while visiting Coronado National Forest near Tucson, Arizona in 2008.
- Should We Pay to Hike on Public Land?
Featured Posts
- New Video: John McKinney, Hiking Expert
The Trailmaster on TV! Check out the new John McKinney, Hiking Expert Video on You Tube, a lively collection of The Trailmaster's TV appearances taped on the trail and in the studio.
- 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.
- New Video: John McKinney, Hiking Expert
Trails
Vermont’s Long Trail
Vermont’s Green Mountains are the impressive setting for the famous Long Trail, the nation’s oldest long-distance trail. The 270-mile path visits the highest mountains and wildest scenery in the state. read more
Posted in National Trails
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North Country National Scenic Trail
Hikers like the diversity of landscapes along North Country National Scenic Trail, including the great north woods, bogs, lakes, sand dunes and tall-grass prairies. NCT also offers an array of historical and cultural experiences including Revolutionary War forts, 19th century rail lines and canals. read more
Posted in National Trails
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Continental Divide Trail
Along with the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail is the third member of the hiker’s “Triple Crown”. Considered the most rugged of America’s National Scenic Trails, the 3,100-mile footpath traverses the crest of the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada. read more
Posted in National Trails
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Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail Length: 2,172 miles. Completion: 100 percent. Terrain: Forests, mountains. Highlights: Best of the eastern U.S. For more information: Appalachian Trail Conference, 799 Washington Street P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807 Phone: (304) 535-6331, www.appalachiantrail.org Even the name … read more
Posted in National Trails
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Bermuda Railway Trail
Bermuda is a great winter getaway for the traveling hiker. Walk across the whole island on the Bermuda Railway Trail. Meet the islanders and visit lovely parks and beaches. read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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America’s Eleven Great National Scenic Trails
America’s National Scenic Trails include the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Ice Age Trail, Florida Trail, North Country Trail, Potomac Heritage Trail, Natchez Trace Trail. read more
Posted in National Trails
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National Park Trails
In my judgment, the state of the nation’s national park trail system is quite good. Trailhead parking, interpretive panels and displays, as well as signage are generally excellent. Backcountry junctions are usually signed and trail conditions generally range from good … read more
Posted in Trails
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Rails to Trails
An abandoned rail line has big-time trail potential: an already existing right-of-way, a usually very well engineered route, a de-facto conservation corridor. Add the advantages of cultural and historical preservation and the contribution to physical fitness a rail converted to … read more
Posted in All about Trails
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Tips for The Traveling Hiker
1. Get in shape.* If you lead a busy, reasonably active life, walk, hike or jog regularly, you’re likely in sufficient shape to embark on a hiking vacation. 2. Satisfy your curiosity. Read up on a region before you go: … read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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Kinds of Hiking Trails
Kind of Hiking Trails, A Dictionary of Trails for Hikers, access trail, backcountry trail, connecting trail, destination trail, hiker-biker trail, fire road, front-country trail, long distance trail, loop trail read more
Posted in All about Trails
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John McKinney, The Traveling Hiker
As John McKinney puts it: “I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to take a hike and write about it in many great places in North America, Europe, and elsewhere around the world.” John McKinney, The Traveling Hiker, knows … read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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Spanish Hiker Vocabulary
arroyo – stream, creek agua potable – drinking water barranco – ravine camino – footpath, trail cascada – waterfall costa – coast cuesta – hillside garganta – gorge guia – guide lago – lake mapa – map parque nacional – … read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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French Hiker Vocabulary
allee (f) – path balise (f) – way-marker belvedere (m) – viewpoint cascade (f) waterfall chemin (m) – path col (m) – path cote (f) – coast eau potable (f) – drinking water emplacement (m) – tent site fleuve (m) … read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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Italian Hiker Vocabulary
alta via – high level hiking route becco – mountain peak bosco – woodland canalone – large rocky alpine gorge cascata – waterfall cresta – mountain ridge discesa – descent, downhill hike escursione – walk, hike inseriemento –connector trail montagna … read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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British English for Hikers
American English and English English are not always the same language. Here is some English English that might just baffle Americans enjoying the pleasure of hiking in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. aye – yes (Scotland, northern England) beck – … read more
Posted in The Traveling Hiker
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Trail Sign Language
A trail sign is a board or a post of wood, metal or some kind of synthetic material that displays written, pictorial or symbolic information about the trail and/or the surrounding area. A good trail sign boosts a hiker’s safety … read more
Posted in All about Trails
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