Hitting the Old Dusty Trails
Oct. 21, 2013Hitting the Old Dusty Trails
Hiking, backpacking, and trail running are some of our oldest recreational activities. For the outdoor enthusiast, few things are more enjoyable than gearing up and hitting a trail solo, with friends or with a faithful pet. It’s an activity that anyone can enjoy regardless of age and it has very real physical, mental and spiritual benefits.
For me being on the trails is my preferred way to stay in shape. I started out years ago just hitting casual places with friends, and as the years went on I took advantage of the intensely verdant region of Pennsylvania that I now call home and started hitting more challenging spots. It’s a whole body physical challenge that is both aerobic and anaerobic and gives you a more well rounded workout than isolated weight training or flat treadmill/pavement running. It uses a full range of motion and works out complimentary and underused muscles that results in a very solid core. On a mental and spiritual front, being in the woods deepens my connection to the environment and often puts whatever is at the forefront of my mind into proper perspective. I always return clearer and more grounded, with a focused energy and ease that carries throughout the entire day.
Most people have at least casual experience with trails, and most of us would agree just how fulfilling it is. I thought I would expand upon that and put together a primer for both people starting out or interested in going a little harder. Then as the weeks go on I will spotlight some of the best trails in the area with some pictures and details. Think of it somewhat like Skare’s “Where I Live” post, except I will be highlighting what I love best about where I live which is the Middle Earth like environs! With all that exposition out of the way let’s gear up!
If you’re planning on hitting a long, few hour, several mile trail that features a challenging terrain you want to plan ahead. Just showing up in jeans and sneakers is asking for trouble. I recommend a light weight but hardy, weatherproof backpack with multiple compartments. It should be snug and unencumbering especially on your mobility. Weight when full is also a consideration as too much puts a strain on the bank and alters your balance. Don’t overdo it, the terrain is the challenge and you want to feel as free as possible when you have to scale a fallen log or climb across slippery rocks. Here are a few things I make sure to have along:
Wearing the right clothing for the task is important. You wouldn’t wear heels or penny loafers to play basketball, and the same rules apply here. If you are challenging yourself you are going to encounter terrain that will expose the limitations of slick running sneakers and heavy cotton clothing. Take a look at where you are going and plan accordingly.
That’s my primer for you, hope you enjoy the views! I’m always interested in hearing other people’s favorite spots, gea, tips and experiences so please share them in the comments section. In the meantime here are a few pics from some of my favorite local spots:
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Emergence
Editor at Fextralife. I look for the substantial in gaming and I try to connect video games to the emotions and stories they elicit. I love all things culture and history and have an odd fondness for the planet Jupiter. I think my dogs are pretty awesome too.
I’m an avid long distance (usually solo), out for a week or more kind of hiker. But I think it’s great that your starting your series out so that it appeals to a much wider hiking and potential hiking population.I’ll be keeping up with this series. 😀
I can’t agree more on the varied benefits of hiking. Whether it’s for a few hours, a day, or longer.
One suggestion for a necessary item. A trail map. Even if your only day tripping and following trail blazes. And even if you have a phone/GPS.
This is why:I was doing a 2 week portion of the Appalachian Trail (NJ) and decided to camp on Rattlesnake Mt Summit. The only potable water was in a ravine. Sunset was on it’s way. I got my water and was on my way back up to the summit when I ran into a couple who were obviously on a day hike.I greeted them and they greeted me. They both looked stressed. There was some trail small talk when finally the woman said to me, “Do you know where we are”. They were lost.I told them where they were. Then asked them where they parked their car? Do you have a trail map? And, do you have a flashlight? Phone reception was iffy at best.They had parked their car at the bottom of Buttermilk Falls. Which was at least 3 miles up the trail (if I recall right). I gave them that portion of the trail map they would need. But I couldn’t give them my only flashlight. I then took them down to and across the ravine and hooked them up with a trail blaze and pointed out the next. Then I told them to beat feet because it will be dark soon. Lucky for them I knew there were people camping at the top of the falls.
All day I had been leap-frogging a group of guys with a dog. After we broke bread and shared a little wine on Rattlesnake Summit they pushed on to Buttermilk Falls. I told the couple that they were good guys with plenty of flashlights and to NOT go down the Buttermilk Falls trail to the parking lot…it would be insanity in the dark and it would probably be close to dark by the time they got there.There is more to this story…as I found out the next day when I meet up with those guys. But this is getting to long.Most importantly they made it to their car safe and sound after FINALLY asking the guys for help getting down the Falls Trail.
Their situation was serious and could have been disastrous . Always be prepared.
Good call on the map, it’s so easy to lose bearings out there. That’s a pretty wicked story though, you passed not too far from here. I’ve yet to hit the Appalachian but it’s in the plans.
I would do two week stretches each year. But I sooooo want to do a start to finish in one go one day. The rest of the Pacific Crest Trail and all of the Continental Divide Trail are next….eventually. 😀
There is suppose to be a northern trail running almost coast to coast as well. But never researched it. So, I’m not sure about that one.
There is a little known but very interesting 50 mile trail through part of the New Jersey Pine Barrens called the Batona Trail. You go through scrawny pine and a lot of cider bog terrain. The flora and fauna are amazing and the change in environmental zones is fascinating.I was looking for the Jersey Devil, his supposed stomping grounds. But never found him. lol
Might make for an interesting article for you to write E. Especially with the Jersey Devil myth angle and the very real “Pinies” who are sort of like the Jackson White Clan in up state NY who lay “claim” (or use to) to a 10 mile stretch of the the Appalachian trail not far from Bear Lake, I think. 😀
I personally love leisure walks, and this trail looks like an appealing amateur destination! The pictures are beautiful, is this maybe the product of that new phone you were oh-so-happy to obtain?I look forward to more trail articles! And I may or may not be imagining an epic Pepper Spray Showdown between Emergence and a Skunk.
Yup Fex, this trail is great for leisure walk or a hardcore run, you’d love it. I spotlighted it for that reason, I’ll feature all different ones as I get out and about. And haha those are from the new glorious phone indeed. I snapped a crystal clear video of the creek but the file size was too large for the site sadly. I’ll have to YouTube it later. Imminent gear review!
Those pics are great 🙂 I miss getting out of the house…
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