A few Trail Stories for "Take a Hike" Day
Today is National Take a Hike Day in the U.S.!
Those of us who frequent trails – whatever our preferred activity – have one of those stories. You know… the “I hiked three miles with a wet sock” kind of story? Some of us have the “I got stranded with a flat” story or an “I saw a bear!” story. Some of us are lucky enough to have a story that ends with, “That trip changed my life.”
At Cycle Forward’s 10th anniversary party last month, we invited folks to share a memorable trail experience. Everyone had the opportunity to fill out a trail log with details about the park, their experiences and observations, and an overall rating of the trail. It was a lot of fun to see people remember and share their experiences.
Here are some snippets of what was shared:
“It was very intense, but I’m so glad I accomplished it.” – 4 Stars
- Tirzah on the Rachel Carson Trail (PA)
“Loved the bridges, tunnels, & views! Can’t wait to do the entire trail!” – 5 Stars
- Katie on the Great Allegheny Passage (PA, MD)
“Fascinating glimpse into the architecture of a classic Adirondack camp.” – 5 Stars
- Jim on the Santanoni Preserve (NY)
“Quiet and meditative. Highly recommend.” – 5 Stars
- Lisa on a Frick Park trail (PA)
“I experienced this trail with the people who built it, so it has a special place in my heart.” – 3 Stars
- Chris on the National Pike Trail (PA)
“This overnight solo experience changed my life…” – 4 Stars
- Bryan on the North Country Trail (VT, NY, PA, OH, MI, WI, MN, ND)
We also heard some pretty moving and just plain fun stories. I’m thinking about how Melissa biked for the first time in decades, saying, “Biking regularly is still a goal of mine because of this trip.” Or how Kelsey biked on a tandem with her dad, followed by a competitive ping pong match (a reminder that the things we do off the trail can be half the fun). And Elly, who shared a great trail experience with her kids, seeing bald eagles overhead and a bear crossing the stream along the Pine Creek Trail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
Whether life-changing or simply life-enhancing, if you’re reading this post, I’m going to bet that getting outside is important to you. I hope you’ll have a chance to get outside on this National Take a Hike Day! I can’t let you do that, though, before sharing a couple of stories from here at Cycle Forward.
Project Coordinator Alicia Broudy had this to say about one of her favorite trails:
“I wrote about the Heritage Trail in Raccoon Creek State Park (PA). This is a 9.5-mile out-and-back hiking trail. I almost always end up hiking the same section – it’s a section of trail that is perfectly lined with tall red pine trees. It makes me feel like I’m walking through some magical portal. I found this section of trail during the height of the COVID pandemic in a time of need, and I keep going back. It is so special. 5 Stars.”
As for me, I’m noticing that the trail experiences that are top of mind are the ones in which I finished a hike or ride I didn’t know I was capable of doing, like my first longest hike (14.4 miles in McConnells Mill State Park in my early 20s). Or the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (in segments, about 20 years later). Or eking out a long solo ride on the Great Allegheny Passage when I thought my legs had nothing left to give. Those are the ones I can carry with me when I need to remember what I’m capable of. Less remarkable, but every bit as beautiful, have been the countless walks and rides that have simply gotten me out into the woods (extra stars when shared with friends and loved ones!).
And then, of course, was my most consequential hike…a 7-mile trek in the Quebec Run Wild Area, when my wife and I got married in a state forest ❤.
Whether a wet sock or a wildlife sighting, we all have that story. It’s so wonderful when we get to swap stories, suggestions, and lessons learned (always hike with an extra pair of wool socks, for example). Alicia keeps a list of trail recommendations in the Notes app on her phone. I keep an old PA hiking book and mark up the margins. Now we both have a few more to add to our lists!
What about you? Comment below with a memorable trail experience. Or let me know if you’d like a copy of our custom trail log template to keep track!
In Gratitude
I’m sending a big thanks to everyone who’s hiked and biked alongside me over the years, as well as to those who’ve been alongside me on the metaphorical path as well. Thanks to those who shared their stories at the party (some of the snippets from above can be viewed on Instagram). And, thank you, Alicia, for helping to pull this all together. It was fun to work on this project with you!