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DEVELOP A TRAIL PLANNING ASSESSMENT REPORT

Young couple on mountain with view to lake

WHY?

The findings from my long-distance hiker survey indicate:

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  • 7% of hikers who got off or didn’t enjoy a trail said that experience could have been improved with more detailed paper maps or better maps.

  • 35% of hikers go to an internet search first when looking for information to plan a hike.

  • 20% of hikers go to a trail organization’s website first when looking for information to plan a hike.

  • 19% of hikers go to a map when first looking for information to plan a hike.

  • 6% of hikers go to a hiking app when first looking for information to plan a hike.

  • 5% of hikers to a guidebook when first looking for information to plan a hike.

  • The quality and accuracy of your trail materials and communications are important. Hikers get off a trail and dissuade others from the trail because:.

    • 13% - there is not enough information available to plan or hike safely.

    • 10% - the planning resources or logistics are difficult to understand.

    • 7% - of poor trail maps.

    • 3% - of a poor guidebook.

  • 7% of hikers who got off or didn’t enjoy a trail said that experience could have been improved with more detailed paper maps or better maps.

  • 4% of hikers who got off or didn’t enjoy a trail said that experience could have been improved with better guidebook information.

  • 4% of hikers report that a great long trail experience is made by easy logistics

  • using your current resources available, will plan a hike in your trail and identify areas of improvement: safety issues, logistics issues, etc. and create an assessment report.

Autumn hike at the lake

WHAT DOES PLANNING A HIKE TO CREATE AN ASSESSMENT REPORT INCLUDE?

Creating a planning assessment report can be custom tailored to your needs and goals.

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  • I will audit existing trail resources to identify gaps and opportunities to improve the materials including:

    • Current map set & guidebook.

    • GPS data.

    • FarOut app data.

    • Trail GPX track.

    • Hiker comments/feedback.

    • Trail website.

    • Other trail or planning materials that would be helpful for to review.

  • I will Interview past hikers to identify trail resource issues, safety concerns, and the accuracy of trail materials.

  • I will identify and interview interested future hikers to understand their desires/interests/concerns with existing trail resources.

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* Note some aspects of this service could be delivered by a vetted group of talented contractors.

Don’t see something listed or are not sure what your needs are?

Book an office hour or a free 20-minute consult.

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By working with me, you are not only accessing 20+ years of long-distance trail hiking and professional experience but you will be connected to my network of long-distance hiking and outdoor industry professionals so I can find the right people or services for your needs.

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