DECIDING ON TRAILS is for every local champion, thought leader, and dreamer who knows that trails can make a difference in their community if only their town would recognize the value of trails. Written by one of the first Trail Town practitioners, it covers the history of Trail Towns, recommended best practices, and how the concept has been adapted in dozens of places around the U.S. and Canada. This book is not a "how to" for structuring a Trail Town program. Rather, it is a call to action for trail communities and those dedicated individuals who want to cultivate a trail culture, embrace Trail Town best practices, and to once and for all "decide on trails." If you want more for your community and know that trails are part of the solution, this is the book for you. WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DECIDING ON TRAILS "Deciding on Trails is a 'must read' for communities that hope to integrate trails into their placemaking efforts. Amy's passion, knowledge, and empathy are evident in her work and make her the perfect person to tell this Trail Towns story." --Laura Torchio, Director of Education, Project for Public Spaces "This ground-breaking book addresses head on something that has long been missing from conversations about trails: that they are more than the sum of their economic impact. Amy perfectly captures the many reasons communities ought to connect to their trails. Easy to digest, fun to read, and full of inspiration, this book is destined to become a staple in my trail reference library. " --Mike Passo, Executive Director of American Trails "Deciding on Trails is a book for people who want more for their places. This carefully researched, heartfelt book will easily convince community champions to embrace their trails. And these pages are not only full on inspiration, but this book provides these champions with the tools they need to make the most of their community's trails." --Kent Spellman, Consultant at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

"In 2009, while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Robert Moor began to wonder about the paths that lie beneath our feet: How do they form? Why do some improve over time while others fade? What makes us follow or strike off on our own? Over the course of the next seven years, Moor traveled the globe, exploring trails of all kinds, from the miniscule to the massive. He learned the tricks of master trail-builders, hunted down long-lost Cherokee trails, and traced the origins of our road networks and the Internet. In each chapter, Moor interweaves his adventures with findings from science, history, philosophy, and nature writing--combining the nomadic joys of Peter Matthiessen with the eclectic wisdom of Lewis Hyde's The Gift. Throughout, Moor reveals how this single topic--the oft-overlooked trail--sheds new light on a wealth of age-old questions: How does order emerge out of chaos? How did animals first crawl forth from the seas and spread across continents? How has humanity's relationship with nature and technology shaped the world around us? And, ultimately, how does each of us pick a path through life? With a breathtaking arc that spans from the dawn of animal life to the digital era, On Trails is a book that makes us see our world, our history, our species, and our ways of life anew"--Book jacket flap.

A 41-year-old engineer quits his job to hike the Appalachian Trail. This is a true account of his hike from Georgia to Maine, bringing to the reader the life of the towns and the people he meets along the way.

Used by both the U.S. Forest and Park Services, this manual explains how to plan, build, design, and maintain trails.

A modern, feminist take on the classic choose-your-own-journey book, inspiring readers to embrace the fact that there is no singular right path--just your own! So many women enter their adult lives believing that they should know where they are going and how to get there. This can make life decisions feel intimidating and overwhelming. While some choices that lie ahead are fairly predictable, such as those surrounding career, partnership, and motherhood, the effects of these choices can lead to more complicated and unexpected turns that are seldom discussed. Rather than suggesting a rule book, Rebekah Bastian, CEO of OwnTrail and recognized thought leader, inspires you to Blaze Your Own Trail. "I have the benefit of being a living example of crooked paths, magnificent screw-ups, and shocking successes," she writes. Through storylines and supportive data that explore workplace sexism, career changes, marriage, child-rearing, existential crises, and everything in between, you will learn to embrace and feel less alone in your own nonlinear journey. Even better, you can turn back decisions and make different ones. Blaze Your Own Trail includes nineteen possible outcomes and many routes to get there. You will find that you have the strength to make it through any of them.

Little ones can use their fingers to follow the glittery, bumpy, shiny trails in this farm book.

Among the hundreds of parks and natural spaces around the Portland area, Forest Park gets the most recognition--and deservedly so--as America's largest urban forest with more than 80 miles of hiking trails and biking paths. Yet there's more to explore in and around the city than just this one forest, and Urban Trails: Portland, by hiking writer Eli Boschetto, brings this abundance to the people! There are plenty of opportunities for wandering the banks and wetlands of Portland's three major rivers, as well as hiking on volcanic buttes, strolling through community gardens, discovering historic sites, and walking urban footpaths. Add to that, tips on observing some of the hundreds of species of birds and mammals that reside in these areas, and you practically have an urban safari at your doorstep. With an emphasis on easy access to the outdoors and fitness, features of this guide include: Trailhead directions, including public transit where available "Know Before You Go" tips for park hours, events, etc. Trail distance and high point Trailhead amenities Info for families with kids, dog owners, and bikers Sidebars on area history, nature, and sights Fun checklists for plants, trees, flowers, and wildlife you may spot Easy to reference maps Indicates trail suitability for walkers, hikers, and runners

An inspiring narrative about finding purpose in the outdoors, healing in nature, and hope for veterans

Whether you're participating in the 52 Hike Challenge, or you need a reference guide to find the perfect hikes for each season, this book will provide you with all of the information that you need! For each of the 52 hikes in this book you will not only get a detailed write-up of the trail, but you will also receive information about the surrounding area like what towns and campgrounds are nearby, which is perfect for planning longer trips in the Willamette Valley, Central Oregon Cascades and Coast area!