Looking for a new place to hike but not quite sure what to expect in length, difficulty, interesting features? Or just need an idea for a new place to try?
A recent project that Steve Dawson, founder of the Blufflands Hiking group, has undertaken to answer those questions has resulted in a perfect solution.
Steve is an avid hiker and trip leader who loves to get outdoors and explore. He offers lots of group hikes during the year in the greater La Crosse area and further afield too. The hikes are playful, full of sights and experiences and celebrate nature and getting out into it. I have learned about a ton of hikes to try that he has suggested and gone on a couple with the group as well.
Recently, he decided to create trail guides to trails he has hiked. It's a big project but he makes it look easy. Each one page guide describes a trail's length, it's difficulty and it's highlights. He includes a small "approximate" map and the address of the trailhead. He also includes some lovely photos that give you an idea of what you might see on that trail.
So far, in less than a week's time, he has created eight guides!. He will add to them as he goes along, hoping to get up to at least 30 by the time he's done (but can ever really be done when finding new trails to try?)
These printable guides can be folded up and kept in your pocket - a perfect trail companion. While you can use apps like AllTrails, it's fun to have the words of a trusted hiker guiding you.
Here's a sample of one guide for Mississippi Valley Greens Coulee bluff park in Onalaska WI (a hike he is offering Saturday, Sat April 13 at 10 am - hope you can make it!)
Huge kudos to Steve for doing this great work and being so willing to share his love of hiking and nature and encouraging people to get on the trails.
I'll be using his guides to find lots of new trails.
Join the Blufflands Hiking Facebook group to access the trail guides which are under the "Albums" tag at the top. You'll be glad you did!
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