Although it’s cold and awful outside, I’m already dreaming of warmer weather and hitting the trails! We are fortunate here in Minnesota to have tons of hiking opportunities – so between you, your patrons, and your colleagues there are hikers who need some good information. And, as always, a librarian is on the case!

Check out this quick excerpt from an article in College and Research Libraries News, and click here to read it in full. Share these resources with your patrons, colleagues, and start planning out your own hiking adventures!

Go take a hike

Online hiking resources
by April J. Schweikhard

“Last year, in preparation for two hiking trips throughout the United States, I spent hours scouring the Internet for websites devoted to hiking information: I was not disappointed with the information available. Whether for adventure, health, or the opportunity to get out into nature, many people enjoy the benefits of hiking. And, according to the Outdoor Industry Association’s “2018 Outdoor Participation Report,” the number of Americans who engage in some type of outdoor adventure, including hiking, continues to increase. Libraries are helping connect their users to the trails in a variety of ways, including dedicated LibGuides, exhibits, and even backpacks filled with guidebooks and park passes for patrons to check out. Whether you are looking for resources to assist your library users or are simply interested in hitting the trails, yourself, the following Internet resources will help you discover new trails and increase your hiking knowledge. Websites listed here include trails databases, park resources, coalition systems, blogs, and magazines.”

“Hiking trails

If you are not quite sure where to start hiking or are wanting to research trails for an upcoming trip, the following resources include databases with thousands of trail guides for you to consult. While these online resources are helpful and convenient for planning, remember that nothing can replace talking one-on-one with an experienced ranger and having a detailed printed map when you head out on the trail.

“Hiking trails, regional

Many states have developed their own online hiking resources in order to provide more localized information. The following are a few regional hiking resources. Try your own Internet search for state and regional hiking guides not listed here.

“Parks

Hiking in the United States will most likely take you through one of its many state and national parks. The following resources provide information about hiking in state parks, national parks, and federal recreational lands, including maps, fees, reservations, and up-to-date alerts.

“Associations, coalitions, and societies

Trail systems are often championed and maintained by a dedicated group of hiking enthusiasts and volunteers. These group’s websites offer a range of information on volunteer opportunities, trail systems, and educational materials.”