The Green Hiker

Eco-Tourism

• Dream green with Vicki Godal as she glides about the planet detailing some of our world’s eco-tourism paradises. Here’s a taste:  “Hiking into the Patagonia mountains, fjords, volcanoes and ice fields are sure to keep ecotrekkers happy and awed at the beauty that is Patagonia.” Volcanoes and ice fields on a single trek!

Mountain Man

• How to be remembered? How to honor the admirable deeds of a full life that touched so many others? A portrait? Maybe a marble bust or a bronze statue? Surely anything more than just a grave marker.

How about a mountain.

Ira Spring passed away in 2003 at age 84. His legacy includes hiking guides, spectacular photographs, and the Washington Trails Association. And to honor this tireless wilderness advocate, the State Board on Geographic Names will rename Washington State’s Spring Mountain to the Ira Spring Mountain. Susan Gilmore of the Seattle Times details all here.

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Hiking and star-gazing at Mont Mégantic in Quebec …

• At a light pollution symposium, the International Dark Sky Association awarded Dark Sky Reserve status to a 5,500 square kilometer area around the Mont Mégantic Observatory. The Montreal Gazette has  Peter Leney’s detailed account of a “region …. palpably remote amid rolling Appalachian mountains spilling over from Maine”; a region that “combines hiking trails with astronomy facilities” rewarding all with ….

Or just staying dry near Mount Si in Washington State.

• Karen Sykes tries to stay dry on her first wet hike of the Fall season. Rain gear insights along the Boulder Garden Loop and Little Si Trails near Seattle.

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These folks just have to hike. Snow on the mountain trails? Who cares. Let’s go to the library!

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Bike or Hike a Rail Trail for Fall Fun by Jeanne Grunert
The rails to trails movement is sweeping the country, transforming retired railway lines into superb hiking and bicycling trails.

Fall Arrives At Mount Hood
Fall is also a great season to go hiking … it may be a bit colder, but the views are just as good and the fall colors on the hillsides are worth the pictures you’ll take. Plus the trails are a bit quieter this time of year, …

Fall Hiking in Silverton, CO
With the fall colors peaking at this time of the year, there is no better place to hike than Southwestern Colorado, and no finer place in Southwest Colorado than the majestic high country surrounding Silverton: Christ of the Mines Shrine, Cement Creek, Kendall Mountain, and Lackawana Mill.

Berkshire Leaf Peeping
To the Northern Berkshires for a last hike of the year. Sadly, the photos don’t do justice to the Massachusetts fall foliage …

Favorite Fall Hikes In Wyoming
Fall can be fleeting in the American Rockies but when it cools the day and colors the leaves there is little that compares to filling your lungs with the fresh air of a Wyoming short hike in Autumn. For those who seek simple trails not …

Blue Ridge Fall Hiking
If you’re in Nashville, check out Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Backpacking 201 October 16^th through November 6^th. Courses include navigation, wilderness safety, and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.

Maine’s Great Pond Mountain Hike
Forget about your stock portfolio and other woes for a few hours and take in the striking beauty of a splendid Maine fall day. Here is a favorite coastal hikes that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Washington State Fall Hiking
There are more great fall hikes in the Gorge than you can shake a stick at. Try the Pacific Crest Trail going either direction from the Columbia River. If you go north, you will get to Table Mountain (and see some pretty lakes along the …

Gearing Up For The Fall Hiking Season
Keeping warm on your Fall hike ….

Fall Hikes Around Chicago
Chicago hosts many great fall hiking options including Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Geneva Lake Shore Path, and Marengo Ridge Conservation Area.

Fall Hiking at Seneca Creek West Virginia
If you are looking for a wonderful place to enjoy the Autumn scenery, the Seneca Creek Trail has some of the most wonderful fall foliage ….

Fall Hiking in the Northwest
John D. Carr’s recommendations for Fall hikes in the Pacific Northwest. The trails he highlights are known to showcase some of the best wildflower and tree colors the season has to offer. They include Salmon Butte Trail, Vista Ridge Trail, ….

Fall Adventures Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The longest footpath in the nation offers beautiful scenery, is within a day’s drive of 67% of the US population, and serves as an escape from the “everyday”. The Trail provides hiking challenges for varying skill levels ….

Fall Hiking and Camping by Bill Sassani
Fall is a time for camping and hiking to take advantage of autumn colors, while at the same time being aware of changing temperatures, fluctuating weather, and hunters.

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Hiking News Headlines

• You have until October 20th, 2008 to comment on the U.S. Forest Service’s proposal to restore public hiking access through Silver Pick Basin to the Rock of Ages Saddle near Telluride, Colorado. Comments may be submitted to Norwood Ranger District, Attention: Kathy Peckham, 1150 Forest St., Norwood, CO 81423 ….

• Sunday, September 21 2008, Middle Valley Farms in Mendham Township, New Jersey will host the first Family Farm Festival. It’s a green-themed benefit designed to raise funds for the Schiff Nature Preserve in Mendham and for other local charities. Open to the public year-round, the preserve boasts eight miles of trails for hiking and biking, horseback riding, and a nature center housing rehabilitated animals ….

• The Washington Trails Association recently debuted a Web site upgrade to make your hiking research easier. The WTA also has a new comprehensive Hiking Guide. Additional info is available at The Survive And Thrive Boomer Guide ….

Now Go Outdoors!