SCENIC TRAILS RESEARCH
1. The primary focus of Scenic Trails Research is to help to develop
new national scenic trails such as the 1200-mile Pacific Northwest Trail
(PNT) and the 7700-mile Sea-To-Sea Route.
2. Though Congress created the National Trails System way back in 1968, the
so-called "system" has never been a cohesive entity. Its long distance trails
have traditionally lacked any sense of continuity or shared national vision.
This has begun to change in the last few years as long distance hikers have
increasingly seen the three most famous trails as part of a "Triple Crown" of
walking achievement. But something much more substantial could be done to
transform today’s "system" into a more powerful resource for the future. The
establishment of a transcontinental Sea-To-Sea Trail (C2C) would link the
best known long trails and transform the "system" into something that would be
grander than the sum of its parts. [The American "National Trails System" currently includes 8 "national scenic
trails" (i.e., congressionally-approved, long distance, usually multi-state
pathways .]
3. In the long run we would like Scenic Trails Research to become a major
source of seed money for (1) development of new long distance trails and (2)
improvements to the overall National Trails System. Opportunities for urban
recreational walking and pedestrian commuting should be enhanced in every state
and province. North America’s burgeoning population already faces a growing trails
deficit. What's worse, in the United States a third to
perhaps a half of the population is defined as obese; walking is a crucial
component of any health recovery plan. We believe that significant trails
resources should be available to the vast majority of Americans and Canadians
within a 3-hour drive of home or less.
Mission Statement
1. To help to develop new long distance hiking resources, especially the
7700-mile Sea-To-Sea Route. The transcontinental C2C will link
existing long distance trails from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. And
it will transform the National Trails System into a conservation/recreation
resource grander than the sum of its parts.
2. To create planners, guidebooks, videos, and large format photo books about
the Sea-To-Sea Route, Pacific Northwest Trail, etc.
3. To serve as a conduit for support to North America’s long distance trails.
Your interest in and contribution to Scenic Trails Research would be greatly
appreciated. Please send your donation to:
Scenic Trails Research
10 Pine Hill Road
Bedford, MA 01730
