Mar 17 2020

Trails: The Best Way to Fight the CoronaVirus

I don’t know about where you live, but I have just spent the past two days in both the mountains and Front Range of Colorado and saw something absolutely amazing. The trails, greenways and bike paths normally get lots of happy and healthy traffic. But these past few days, they have been busy non-stop from morning until evening. Instead of staying home and moping about the CoVid 19 pandemic, people are wisely choosing to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather on bicycles and on their own two feet. I’ve seen individuals, couples and, most of all, families out on the trails walking, bicycling, talking, laughing, exercising and getting fresh air.

Bike riders on Colorado rail trail
Bicycle Trail

The Best Gyms in the World

Most recreation centers and gyms are rightfully closed during this awful epidemic. But people aren’t letting that stop them from getting exercise. Ski areas are also closed, but folks in mountain communities are still getting their recreation and fitness. Instead of ski slopes, they’re hitting the bike trails, footpaths and sidewalks for all the same pleasures without the great costs. People are rediscovering our greatest resources… trails.

Greatest CoronaVirus Hero

family on bike trail
Family on Trail

Over the next few weeks and months we’ll hear about all the selfless and important folks who are working their tails off to help us all deal with the CoVid epidemic. You’ll probably hear less about the important role that trails are playing to help people cope with this terrible sickness. All I have to do is look out my back door to see the impact trails are having. As always, they are providing transportation, recreation, fitness and relief to people who are otherwise worried about both the virus itself and its horrible impact on the community. For a short while, people are able to get outside, be active and forget about some of their many other worries. If you haven’t tried it yet, get out there and enjoy your local trails. You won’t regret it, and your body will love the relief from stress and worries. Even if for only a short time, you will discover the joys of nature and exercise.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2020/03/17/trails-the-best-way-to-fight-the-coronavirus/

Feb 18 2020

How Trails Benefit Communities

Community trail in Germany

To see how trails benefit communities that they pass through, let’s take a look at articles about the benefits of trails from four extremely important trail organizations. We’ll learn from the experts at Rails to Trails Conservancy, American Trails, the National Park Service and Headwater Economics. These organizations have compiled a wealth of information regarding both the economic benefits of trails and the societal benefits of trails such as recreation, fitness and sustainable community building. For today’s post, we’ll focus on the economic benefits of trails on nearby communities.

Economic Benefits of Trails

For some folks, the economic bottom line is the only benefits that matter. Fortunately trails provide numerous economic benefits to the communities they pass through or those that are nearby. Let’s start by taking a look at how trails affect real estate values. According to the CDLandTrust.org website, “Studies in Denver, Seattle, Minnesota and other communities across the country have consistently found that that proximity to trails increases the value of homes from 1-6.5%.” Unbelievably, some people still think a trail that runs near their property will hurt the value of their home when, in fact, it helps the value.

Economic & Health Benefits of Trails

Health Benefits of Trails

According to the American Trails website, “Per capita annual direct medical benefit of using the trails was $564.” In other words, not only do trails improve the health of a community, but they also improve the economic well-being at the same time through lower health care costs. A healthy trail community is not only a happy community, but also a wealthy and wise community.

Business Benefits of Trails in Communities

According to Headwaters Economics, “Trails can generate business impacts and create new jobs by attracting visitors, especially overnight visitors.” For those of us who spend lots of time on trails, this is a no brainer. Hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and other types of lodging benefit tremendously from active travelers who seek out accommodations near trails. Not only do trails provide more business for motels, they provide a high quality of responsible customers as well as demographic that has above average travel expenditures. In addition, trail travelers spend plenty of money on meals, travel supplies and souvenirs as they journey through towns.

Companies Want to Move Where Trails are Available

England bike trail

According to information compiled by Rails to Trails Conservancy, “The economic effects of trails and greenways are sometimes readily apparent (as in the case of trailside businesses) and are sometimes more subtle, like when a company decides to move to a particular community because of amenities like trails.” Both large corporations and small businesses want to be located in communities that provide benefits for their employees. So they want to be in communities that have abundant access to trails. Trails are good for the health and happiness of their employees as well as providing a safe and enjoyable transportation option for those who prefer environmental and healthy commuting choices. And, from an economic standpoint, trails are a logical choice for community amenities. They’re inexpensive to build, inexpensive to maintain & free to use. Trails provide one of the best economic benefits to communities worldwide.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2020/02/18/how-trails-benefit-communities/

Feb 14 2020

Trails: The Ultimate Sustainable Travel

We all know that trails are fun and they’re beautiful. But they also provide the ultimate sustainable tourism experience. Trail travel is sustainable travel for numerous reasons including:

  • Trails provide an environmentally friendly mode of travel & transportation.
  • Trails support local communities and local businesses.
  • Trails allow trail users to become immersed in local culture and history.
  • Trails provide fitness opportunities not found in other modes of travel.

Environmentally Friendly Travel

trail bridge over blue water

Trail travel means carbon-free travel. Trail travel utilizes hiking, bicycling, paddling and equestrian means of transportation. None of these modes of transportation utilize fossil fuels, therefore they do not deplete our natural resources nor do they cause pollution. Trails also allow travelers to move at a slower pace and truly enjoy the natural beauty that can be found throughout the world. Trails can be found in every state and every country worldwide, so there is no limits to the places you will be able to explore.

Glenwood Canyon Trail

Support Local Communities

Trails can be found in cities, towns, villages, islands, wilderness areas and parks. Water trails can even be found in rivers, lakes and oceans. A huge difference between traveling by self propulsion, besides the great exercise and fresh air, is the ability to truly connect with the local residents and become immersed in the local culture. Trails also provide a way to support local businesses such as lodgings, restaurants and shops. Rather than just swooping through communities in a car or bus, trails allow you to really experience the communities you visit.

Bermuda Railway Trail

Enjoy Local Culture and History

Since most trails are rich with history and cultural opportunities, they provide a much more diverse and immersive travel experience. Once again, you won’t just rush by scenic overlooks, historical signage and cultural events, but you’ll become part of them. It is possible to learn so much more about a region when you are slowly passing through on a bike, a horse, a canoe or on foot. You have numerous opportunities to stop and chat with the residents and visit their museums and businesses. You also get the chance to meet fellow trail travelers who will likely have fascinating stories to share about their travels and travails.

Trail Fitness Opportunities

Stay Fit on the Trail

Needless to say, traveling by trail affords you the chance to stay in great shape while you explore. You don’t have to stop early to visit your hotel fitness room. You spend the whole day participating in the world’s greatest exercise. And the scenery is so much nicer on a trail than in a gym. And all that wonderful exercise also gives you a great excuse to experiment and indulge in the local cuisine as you go. Go ahead. Enjoy those exotic delicacies. You burned enough calories on the trail to make up for that extra helping or luscious dessert. So get out there and find a trail whether it’s on an island, in another country or right in your back yard. If you haven’t already discovered the joys of trail travel, now is the very best time!!

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2020/02/14/trails-the-ultimate-sustainable-travel/

Mar 18 2019

What Makes Trailsnet Different?

The Only Comprehensive Trail Website

Bike riders on Colorado rail trail
ColoradoBicycle Trail

If you’re a fan of trails, you know there are lots of different trail websites out there. But each one of the other trail websites has a rather stifling focus. Some of them are for hiking trails, others are for mountain bike trails and yet others are for running trails. Of course you have some wonderful websites for rail trails and yet others for specific geographic locations such as state trails, park trails or urban trails. Trailsnet is the only website that covers all different types of trails. In other words, Trailsnet is the website for trail lovers, pure and simple. If you love to get outdoors on trails, anywhere in the world, we’re the trail website for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re a backpacker, a mountain biker, a trail biker (Yes, there’s a difference.) a trail runner or a day hiker we’ve got the trails for you.

hiking trail on Bermuda
Hikers on Bermuda Rail Trail

No Advertisements on This Trail Site

You’ll notice that Trailsnet is free of ads, popups and other commercial distractions. Not only does that mean you can browse our trails and trail information distraction free, but it also means we’re not beholden to any corporate or government sponsors to get in the way of unbiased trail news and views. And best of all…

Trailsnet is a Free Trail Website

That’s right. You’ll notice we don’t ask you to pay for upgrades or any of our features. We do offer you the option of donating to Trailsnet to help us keep the site up and running, but we’re not all in your face about it. We have a simple donation option in the right sidebar if you’d like to help out. But we don’t constantly interrupt your trail browsing experience in order to solicit your donation. If you can help, fine. If not, no problem. Enjoy Trailsnet distraction free.

Add A Trail; Explore A Trail

Add your favorite trail and share it with a friend. Or add a bike trail, hiking trail or backpacking trail as your own personal journal. Use Trailsnet as a way of keeping track of your own trail expeditions. We love trail travel and hope you do too. The next time you go on an international trail journey, use Trailsnet as a way of keeping track of your own trail experiences as well as a way of communicating with your friends and family. Send them links to your latest trail discovery that you downloaded to Trailsnet.com. Take us on your trail trip with you. We love to live vicariously through our subscribers and visitors.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2019/03/18/what-makes-trailsnet-different/

Feb 23 2019

‘Add a Trail’ Feature Working Again

Trail View Working Again Too

trail information
Trail Information

You can once again add new trails and fully view your favorite trails on Trailsnet.com. Sorry it took so long to get the website back up and working again, but website maintenance costs $, and Trailsnet has no source of funding except user donations, and those have been quite sparse over the years. Currently, about 98% of Trailsnet’s funding comes from the pockets of one retired teacher who loves trails and wants to see those with similar interests sharing our favorite trails with each other.

Please Add Your Favorite Trails

Add a New Trail Feature

Now that we’re back up and functioning again, please feel free to add your favorite trails to Trailsnet and encourage your friends, biking partners, hiking pals, running compatriots and backpacking buddies to do the same. It’s easy to do… I think. Having said that, please feel free to use the contact feature on this website to let me know what you think. Do I have too many required fields in the ‘Add a New Trail’ section? Am I missing some important fields? Heck, let’s take it a step further. If you could do anything to improve Trailsnet.com, what would you do? I’m open to suggestions because…

Trailsnet Will Be Starting a Crowdfunding Campaign in 2020

I would like to completely revamp the Trailsnet website to make it more user friendly, make it look better and make it more streamlined. Needless to say, that costs more than my meager income can afford or I would have done it long ago. So I will be starting a fundraising campaign to raise money for these website upgrades. I have already started seeking bids from website development companies as the first step in this process. Once I’ve figured out how much it will cost, I will then start putting the campaign together. As always, I welcome your input regarding this project. If you have any suggestions about the Trailsnet website, crowdfunding campaigns or technical advice about how to improve Trailsnet.com, I’d enjoy hearing from you. Here are some of the items that will NOT change about Trailsnet:

  • Trailsnet will still be open for all types of trails and trail users. That is one of the aspects that makes us unique. We are not a website for just certain specific demographics. We’re for all trail fans.
  • Trailsnet will be a website for trails worldwide. We may have short-term campaigns that focus on certain areas temporarily, but we want to be a source of trail information for users throughout the world.
  • Trailsnet will continue to be a strong advocate for trails as a viable alternative to roads for transportation, recreation and commuting. We believe in the environmental, safety and health benefits of trails and feel that trails are by far the most economical mode of transportation. Sometimes the old/original solutions are the best.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2019/02/23/add-a-trail-feature-working-again/

Jan 09 2019

Border Trail Instead of Border Wall

Bipartisan Solution to Border Wall Impasse

Believe it or not, there is a remarkable solution to the entire border wall conflict. It would solve numerous problems and would be agreeable to nearly everyone. Rather than constructing a border wall, we should build a border trail. Here’s a quick bullet-list for the benefits of a Border Trail:

  • It would allow President Trump to get the $6 billion that he has requested for border security.
  • It would provide much needed security and surveillance options.
  • It would provide numerous benefits for the environment.
  • It would provide benefits for outdoor recreationalists.
  • It would provide benefits that would be agreeable to both major political parties as well as Independents.
  • It would be a healthy solution to a problem that is causing much unnecessary strife in America.

What is the Border Trail?border trail environment

The Border Trail would provide security, surveillance, emergency access and recreational opportunities for an area that would welcome all four of these benefits. It would be a trail built along (slightly north of) the entire length of the United States and Mexico border. The trail would be built using the $6 billion that President Trump has requested. For the general public, the trail would be accessible by hikers, bicyclists and (hopefully) equestrians. For members of the border patrol, U.S. Military and emergency personnel, the trail would also be accessible by motor vehicles. Cameras, motion detectors and other surveillance devices would be installed along the length of the trail as a means of monitoring the border. In other words, the trail would provide a combination of surveillance measures and 24/7 enhanced border access that would allow for much more security than is currently available.

Border Trail Details

At this point, you may be asking, so is it a road or a trail? The answer is yes. For the general public it is a trail. For official border security and safety, it will be used mainly as an access road. Routine patrols of the trail/border could be performed using any of the modalities mentioned above: foot, bike, electric bike, horse or ATV. However, for maintenance, special needs or emergencies, the trail/road could and would be accessed using cars, trucks or other vehicles as needed. This is not uncommon for a recreational trail to be accessed by maintenance or emergency vehicles. Many trails are utilized as vital resources for everything from fire lines and maintenance to emergency vehicle access. And, in this case, the business of border security would have precedence over recreational users. But for the vast majority of the time, the trail would be an amazing year-round recreational asset.

trail on America's great plainsRecreational Use of the Border Trail

Once again, the #1 purpose for the Border Trail is national security and safety. But it has the added benefit of providing a wonderful recreational resource also. The Border Trail would be accessible, during daylight hours, for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to utilize for both day trips and for longer thru-hikes. In fact, one of the unique side-benefits of the trail is that it could connect three of the greatest long-distance trails in the world. It would allow thru-hikers to link the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Great Plains Trail. Currently, the Pacific Northwest Trail provides a northern connection between the Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails. Another northern trail dubbed the Sea-to-Sea Route would connect the Pacific Northwest Trail with the North Country Trail and would also provide a northern connector for the Great Plains Trail. By adding the Border Trail to these epic trail networks, thru-hikers would be provided with a mega double loop trail (sounds a bit like a carnival ride) and allow them to continuously hike all three of western America’s three greatest long-distance trails.

Border Trail Solutionequestrian trail rides

This is neither a partisan nor an extreme solution. It is one that we can all support. As is often the case, both sides of this debate have valid issues. But the time for arguments and government shut-downs is over. It’s time for solutions. The Border Trail is just such a solution. Wouldn’t it be amazing if people from both ends of the spectrum (and especially those in the middle) came together and demanded a solution such as the Border Trail? We can do it. We really can. Of course there is not enough time or space for specific details about how the Border Trail could be used as a security option along our southern border. Those details require the combined efforts and voices of our border professionals, military leaders, legislators and President. But we can solve this problem. Let’s start by sharing this article with everyone you know: politicians, friends, neighbors, journalists, members of the trail communities, bicyclists, hikers, equestrians, etc. Real solutions start with real dialogue. Let the conversations begin!!

Kevin Purdy is the founder of Trailsnet.com and serves on the Board of Directors for the Great Plains Trail Alliance. He is an unaffiliated voter and a fan of bipartisan solutions. Thanks to Luke Jordan for providing information about the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Sea-to-Sea Route and the North Country Trail.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2019/01/09/border-trail-instead-of-border-wall/