Hiking
America’s Roof
View a map of the United States or the world to identify the highest points in the world that you might want to hike. In addition to helping you find places to hike, this site helps you catch up on hiking news and register online for upcoming events.
American Hiking Society
News and information from an organization dedicated to promoting hiking and establishing, protecting, and maintaining foot trails throughout North America. Sign up to volunteer to help maintain trails, and learn how to take “kid-friendly” hikes and adventures. All of this and more can be found on this site, which boasts thousands of members nationwide.
American Long Distance Hiking Association-West
This site supports hikers by providing information about trails, hiking equipment, and recipes divided by meal type. Also provided are tips on how to avoid common hiking problems, such as giardia. You’ll even find a listing of the Triple Crown members—those who have completed the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail.
American Volkssports Association
The American Volkssport Association is a nonprofit group that encourages people to “walk scenic trails at your own pace for health, fitness, and fun.” AVA has a network of 350 walking clubs that collectively organize more than 3,000 annual walking events in all 50 states. They occasionally organize biking, skiing, and swimming events, too.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
This is the National Park’s Service website for the famous Appalachian Trail, which is 2,167 miles long and traverses 14 states. This site offers basic information about hiking the trail and provides addresses you can write to for more information. Link to information about Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park hiking, too. You can buy books, posters, decals, and other merchandise through the online store.
Barefoot Hikers
Home of the barefoot hikers, where you can kick off your shoes and hike the way Mother Nature intended you to. If you’re new to the world of barefoot hiking, or to learn more about this sensational trend, click on the Beginner’s Guide link halfway down the home page.
GORP—Great Outdoor Recreation Pages
Find trails, vacations, books, and more at this comprehensive site. Online discussions about hiking-related topics, news, and equipment-selection tips help to keep you informed about hiking and the great outdoors. Links to retail merchants where you can buy equipment, books, and maps. Pop-up ads can become a little annoying, but except for that slight drawback, this is an excellent site. On your first visit to this site, you’ll quickly realize why it’s the Best of the Best.
Great Outdoor Emporium Mall
Index of camping and hiking supply websites organized by category (Tents, Sleeping Bags, Apparel, Binoculars, Flashlights, Shoes, and Food).
LightBackpacker.com
www.backpacking.net/gearshop.html
The key to any successful backpacking trip is the packing, and the secret is to pack light. At this lightweight gear shop, you can find specialized products that lighten your load, including backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and hiking poles.
Newfoundland Backcountry
Opens with beautiful, full-color photos of the mountains in Newfoundland, Canada. You can select from a panel of trails and places to hike to get more information.
Superior Hiking Trail Association
The Superior Hiking Trail is a long-distance footpath modeled after the Appalachian Trail that follows the shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota. The association itself was conceived by a group of visionaries in the mid-1980s who banded together to form the Superior Hiking Trail Association. Click on the Buddy link to find other hikers in search of hiking partners.
Trails.com
Founded in 1999, Trails.com is a comprehensive “online planning resource for self-guided outdoor and adventure travel throughout North America.” As a result of its partnerships with leading guidebook publishers, this site gives you access—for a small fee—to more than 30,000 trail descriptions covering more than 20 outdoor activities. Additional website features include USGS topographical maps, GPS tools, aerial photos, and much more.
Trailplace
www.trailplace.com/portal/index.php
Find out what an Appalachian Trail “thru-hiker” is and learn about the amazing Appalachian Trail at this site.
Washington Trails Association
This site provides hiking guides, photos, trip reports, and more. You can see recent trail reports with up-to-date conditions, and buy memberships, books, and maps through the online store. If you live or are traveling to the state of Washington, and hiking’s your think, then this site is for you.
Yosemite Trails Pack Station
www.sierranet.net/web/highsierrapackers/yth.htm
A nice site if you want to learn about trips through the Yosemite Trails on horseback. A variety of rides are available, and large groups are welcome. Wagon rides and horsemanship camps are also offered.
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