Feb 18 2023

The Best Island Trails in the World

Island Hiking Trails Around the World

Bermuda railway trail
Explore Island Trails All Over the World

Best Way to Explore Islands

Everyone loves island vacations, and for good reason. Islands are noted for relaxation, escape and beaches. But most people miss out on one of the best way to explore their favorite islands. In today’s Trailsnet post, you’ll discover the best island trails in the world. You’ll also discover that there are dozens of beautiful island hiking trails around the world that will transform the way you travel. When you explore islands via hiking trails or bike trails, you see so much more than you would in a car or bus. You get an opportunity to discover the hidden sites, friendly people and authentic culture of the island. In addition, you get plenty of exercise, sunshine and fresh air. Plus, active island transportation is the ultimate in sustainable travel. So let’s take a look at the 8 best island hiking trails around the world.

8 Best Island Hiking Trails

If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous way to explore an island, hiking its trails can be a great option. Not only do you get to experience the stunning natural beauty of the island, but you also get a good workout and a chance to see wildlife and plant life up close.

Here are some of the best island trails around the world:

  1. Kauai, Hawaii: The Kalalau Trail in Kauai is one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. It’s a strenuous 22-mile round-trip trek that takes you through lush valleys, along towering cliffs, and past waterfalls. The trail provides spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast and the Pacific Ocean.

  2. Isle of Skye, Scotland: The Quiraing is a unique landscape on the Isle of Skye that features dramatic rock formations, stunning views of the sea, and rolling hills. The Quiraing is a moderate hike that can be done in a few hours, and it’s perfect for those who want to experience Scotland’s rugged beauty.

  3. Santorini, Greece: The hiking trail from Fira to Oia on the island of Santorini provides stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the island’s iconic white-washed buildings. This trail is relatively easy and can be completed in a few hours, making it a great option for those who want to explore the island on foot.

  4. Vancouver Island, Canada: The West Coast Trail is a 47-mile trail along the western coast of Vancouver Island. It’s a challenging trek that takes hikers through dense rainforests, across beaches, and over rugged terrain. The trail provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of British Columbia.

  5. Madeira, Portugal: The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a beautiful trail on the island of Madeira that takes hikers through lush forests and along the edge of steep cliffs. The trail is relatively easy, and it leads to a stunning waterfall that cascades into a crystal-clear pool.

  6. Tasmania, Australia: The Overland Track is a 40-mile trail that takes hikers through some of the most stunning wilderness in Australia. The trail passes through alpine meadows, across highland plateaus, and past crystal-clear lakes. The Overland Track is a challenging trek, but the stunning scenery makes it worth the effort.

  7.  Bermuda Railway Trail: Bermuda is a lovely island, and the Bermuda Railway Trail runs the entire length of it. Utilizing this island path by foot or bicycle is the best way to truly discover the inner-beauty of Bermuda.
  8. Munro Trail on Lanai: This trail on the Hawaii island of Lanai is truly a hidden gem. Take a ferry from Maui to Lanai and then utilize a local shuttle to start your island hike near the high point of the island. You can also explore this trail by bicycle or 4WD.

These are just a few of the many incredible island trails around the world. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll, there’s an island trail out there for you. So pack your hiking boots and explore the beauty of these unique island landscapes!

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Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2023/02/18/best-island-trails/

Feb 14 2023

Where Are the Best River Trails?

Finding the Best River Trails

River Trails

River trails offer a unique way to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying some physical activity. These trails follow the winding path of a river, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the primary benefits of river trails is the easy accessibility. Rivers typically flow through urban and suburban areas, making these trails easily accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Additionally, river trails are typically well-maintained and marked, making them easy to navigate.

In addition to the scenic beauty, river trails often offer a range of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. Many river trails are also dog-friendly, making them a great place to exercise with your furry companion.

Another advantage of river trails is that they offer a different perspective of the surrounding landscape. Walking, running or cycling along a river trail allows you to see the area from a unique angle, as the trail often meanders through hidden areas that are not visible from the road.

River trails offer a fun and accessible way to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise. So, the next time you’re looking for a new adventure, consider exploring a nearby river trail. In the next two sections of this river trail blog-post, you will find both general information about where to find the best river trails and some specific river trails to explore.

Hudson River Trail
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Where to Find the Best River Trails

Good river trails can be found in many parts of the world, and it really depends on your location and interests. Some great resources for finding river trails include:

  1. Local tourism boards or parks and recreation departments: They often provide information on local trails, including river trails, and may have maps or brochures available.

  2. Online resources: There are many websites and apps dedicated to hiking and biking trails, such as AllTrails, TrailLink, and HikingProject, which can help you find river trails in your area.

  3. Guidebooks: There are many guidebooks available that highlight popular river trails in different regions.

  4. Social media: Searching for hashtags such as #rivertrails, #hiking, or #biking on social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter can provide inspiration and ideas for new trails to explore.

Remember to always check the trail conditions, difficulty level, and safety information before embarking on a new trail, and make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for the journey.

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Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2023/02/14/best-river-trails/

Feb 11 2023

How Are Trails Funded in America?

How Trails Are Funded

Who Pays for Our Trails?

Trails are an important as both a means of transportation and a means of recreation. They also play a crucial role in connecting people with nature. They offer opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities, providing benefits for both individuals and communities. However, building and maintaining trails can be a complex and expensive process. Let’s take a look at the various ways that trails are funded.

  1. Federal funding

The federal government provides funding for trails through several agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. This funding is often allocated through programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreational Trails Program. These programs provide funding for the acquisition and development of new trails, as well as the maintenance and improvement of existing trails.

  1. State funding

Each state has its own system for funding trails, with some offering dedicated funding sources such as the California State Park system’s Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trust Fund. In addition, many states provide grants and other funding opportunities for trails through their departments of parks and recreation, natural resources, and tourism.

  1. Local funding

Local governments, including cities, counties, and townships, also play a role in funding trails. In many cases, local funding is generated through property taxes, sales taxes, and other sources. Some local governments also partner with non-profit organizations and private companies to fund trail projects.

  1. Private funding

Private funding for trails comes from a variety of sources, including corporations, foundations, and individual donors. This funding can be in the form of direct donations, sponsorships, or grants. Non-profit organizations, such as the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, often play a significant role in securing private funding for trails.

  1. User fees

In some cases, trails are funded through user fees, such as admission fees or camping fees at parks and recreation areas. These fees are collected from individuals using the trails and are used to support trail maintenance, improvement, and development projects.

Trails are funded through a combination of federal, state, local, private, and user-generated sources. The exact mix of funding sources varies depending on the location, type, and size of the trail project. Whether through government funding, private donations, or user fees, the important thing is that trails continue to be developed, maintained, and enjoyed by people everywhere.

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Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2023/02/11/how-trails-are-funded/

Feb 08 2023

What is Bike to Work Day?

Is Bike to Work Day as Safe as It Could Be?

What is Bike to Work Day?

Bike to Work Day is an annual event that encourages individuals to choose cycling as their mode of transportation for commuting to work. It is usually celebrated on a designated day in the month of May and is a way to promote healthy and sustainable living.

The idea behind Bike to Work Day is to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling, such as reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and promoting physical activity. Participants are encouraged to cycle to work on this day, either individually or as part of a group, and to share their experiences with others.

Many cities around the world organize Bike to Work Day events, including group rides, pit stops with refreshments, and other festivities. These events provide an opportunity for cyclists to come together, network, and learn more about cycling as a mode of transportation.

bike trail in England
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How to Make Bike to Work Day Safe

Bike to Work Day can be safe if proper safety measures are taken, such as wearing a helmet, obeying traffic laws, using hand signals, wearing reflective gear, and having working lights on your bike. However, as with any physical activity, there is always some risk involved. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and make sure to take necessary precautions to stay safe while participating in Bike to Work Day.

In addition, the organizers and participants of Bike to Work Day can make it a safe event by encouraging riders to stay off of roads and away from cars as much as possible. Whenever it is feasible, both bicycle commuters and recreational bicyclists should utilize bike paths, multi-use trails and protected bike lanes when riding. In an ideal world, drivers and riders would always obey the rules of the road and be cognizant of each other. Unfortunately, that is often not the case, and the results can be tragic, mainly for bike riders. Organizers of Bike to Work events should provide safe routes for participants and advertise car-free routes whenever possible. Trailsnet would love to help out with such an effort, for any bike to work organizations that would like to team up to provide ultimate safety for bicyclists who commute to work and for daily activities. Let’s do everything we can to make bicycle commuting safe and enjoyable.

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Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2023/02/08/what-is-bike-to-work-day/

Feb 03 2023

Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

What are the Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing?

two cross country skiers
The benefits of cross-country skiing are numerous.

Nordic Skiing Benefits

Cross-country skiing is a popular winter activity that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. Here are some of the top benefits of cross-country skiing:

  1. Excellent cardiovascular workout: Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout that gets your heart rate up and burns a significant amount of calories. It’s a low-impact exercise that’s easy on your joints, making it a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels.

  2. Improves balance and coordination: Cross-country skiing requires balance and coordination, which can help improve these skills over time.

  3. Builds strength: Cross-country skiing works the muscles in your legs, arms, core, and back, building strength and improving overall fitness.

  4. Stress relief: Being outdoors and in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. The rhythmic motion of cross-country skiing can also be calming and meditative.

  5. Access to scenic winter landscapes: Cross-country skiing allows you to explore beautiful winter landscapes that may be otherwise inaccessible during the winter months.

  6. Social activity: Cross-country skiing can be a fun social activity to do with friends or family. You can enjoy the winter scenery together and get some exercise at the same time.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, cross-country skiing is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the winter months. So grab your skis and head out to explore the great outdoors!

skier wearing C2-Performance-Tights
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Best Places for Nordic Skiing

If you’re looking for great cross-country ski trails, here are some places you can start your search:

  1. National Parks: Many National Parks, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Park, offer scenic cross-country ski trails through picturesque landscapes.

  2. Nordic Centers: Dedicated Nordic Centers, found in many ski resorts, offer a variety of groomed trails and rental equipment.

  3. Local Ski Clubs: Many cities and towns have ski clubs that maintain trails in nearby forests or parks. These trails are often free or low-cost and offer a community atmosphere.

  4. State and Regional Parks: State and regional parks often have trails for cross-country skiing, especially in areas with heavy snowfall.

  5. Online Trail Maps: Online trail maps, such as Fatmap and Skinnyski, allow you to search for trails by location, difficulty, and length.

When choosing a trail, consider your skill level and the snow conditions. Always check with the local authorities for trail updates and safety information before heading out. With the right trail and the right gear, cross-country skiing can be a fun and invigorating way to explore the winter landscape.

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Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2023/02/03/benefits-of-cross-country-skiing/

Jan 28 2023

American and International Trail Organizations

8 American & International Trail Organizations

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Many organizations are working to develop and maintain trails in the United States and around the world. Some examples of American and international trail organizations include:

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How to Support Trail Organizations

There are several ways to support trail organizations and their efforts to develop and maintain trails:

  1. Join or donate to a trail organization: Many organizations rely on membership dues and donations to fund their work. By joining or donating to a trail organization, you can support their efforts to protect and preserve trails.

  2. Volunteer: Many organizations rely on volunteers to help with trail maintenance and construction. By volunteering, you can help build and maintain trails in your local community.

  3. Attend events: Many organizations host events such as hikes, trail runs, and fundraisers. Attending these events can help raise awareness and funds for the organization.

  4. Spread the word: Share information about trail organizations and their efforts with your friends, family, and community. Encourage others to get involved and support trail development and preservation.

  5. Get involved locally: Many organizations have local chapters or affiliate groups that work on specific projects. Contact your local chapter to find out how you can get involved in trail work in your area.

  6. Advocate: Contact your elected representatives and tell them how important trails are to you and your community. Ask them to support funding for trails and trail organizations.

  7. Support Businesses that support trails: Many outdoor-oriented businesses support trail organizations through donations or partnerships. When you make a purchase from these businesses, you are supporting trail organizations as well.

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Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2023/01/28/international-trail-organizations/