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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:18 am    Post subject: Trail Philosophy Reply with quote

For those of us that have only hiked within one or two geographic areas, it may seem strange to think that there are as many philosophies concerning trails as there are geographic regions.

There are few trails in Alaska, especially within National Park lands. Their philosophy is to minimize impact by limiting easy access. There may be dozens of hikers that have traveled the same area, but may not have ever crossed paths. The impact is spread out over a very wide area. Only the most rugged and prepared backpackers will travel safely and easily within the Alaskan wilderness. Now imagine the same philosophy here in the northeast.

Many regions do not construct shelters or huts along trails. This is a strong tradition primarily in the northeast and in Europe. There are some trail organizations within other states that disdain the building of shelters and huts and consider this contrary to LNT ethics.

Some regions ban all types of open fires, while others allow fires within certain areas or any area by the hiker's choice.

Some places, especially those with trails managed by one particular special interest group have created trails for foot walking only. Other areas allow mountain biking, horseback riding, and even ATV and off-roading. Many trails open to more access are within areas of large tracts of land, but when specific users have been completely excluded, such as ATV and dirtbikers here in CT, they have a way of utilizing any trail nomatter how sensitive because there are no places that are truly legal. Exclusion creates ample opportunities for abuse, that's why it's important to provide legal areas for all types of users.

There are some countries in the world and even some environmentally sensitive areas here in the U.S. that only allow travel with an official guide. Imagine how difficult this would be for those that are not middle class and can not afford the fees. In many ways, some of the National Parks and State Parks within the U.S. have established high fees for hiking/camping permits, required guides, or even entry. There was a time when taxes paid for everybody's entry, now there are people excluded from some of our country's most valued treasures.
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