Featured Trail Narratives

These are updated from time to time. Click on the header to read the narrative

April 30, 2007: Kern River Valley Forest Fire OK so it isn't exactly a hiking narrative, but it is a highly informative essay with photos and video of man vs. fire in the high Sierras. A good reminder why we don't play with matches; Mom would be fairly angry if you brought home the bill for this forest fire.

June 19 2006: Kinishba Ruins AZ very short but interesting essay, with a terrific series of photos on one of the underrated native American sites in the southwest. This is a neat read from Dave & Michele's adventures on TheNaturalAmerican.com website.

January 9 2006: Books Leaving Footprints Here's an occasional on-line newsletter by Joan Young, with a smattering of trail news, opinion, a hiking essay, and a devotional. Michigan-based, but the info is worthwhile for anybody. Everybody. Doesn't matter where you are, you ought to check it out.

October 10 2005: The Dog Team Duofold Challenge: 50K in 50 States Here's an ongoing journal of "Cave Dog's" quest to complete a 50 km hike in all 50 states within a 100 day time frame. He's doing it in honor of environmental icon Bob Marshall, and intends to set a world record in the process. The journal articles and all the behind-the-scenes stuff is great, but what's really cool about this is you can join the Dog Team for all or part of a hike when they roll through your neighborhood. This is sort of the ultimate in "slackpacking," as they do all 50k in a single 24 hour period.

July 19 2005: Olympic Solo Narrative of a week-long solo trek in western Olympic National Park. Not a lot of "where" but you'll certainly enjoy the "why." Excellent essay by William Chamberlain.

July 13 2005: The Blister Report Here's a great narrative of a Continental Divide Trail hike that lets you experience highlights of the trip. Reading it here, on your computer screen, will enable you to enjoy some way cool terrain without leg cramps, back spasms, twisted ankles, bug bites, hunger, or sunburn. Watch out for carpal tunnel syndrome...

July 6 2005: Essence: Alaska's Inside Passage Author Christine Beveridge recalls a hike on Southeast Alaska's highest peak as she winds through the Inside Passage. This travelogue doesn't tell you anything about the hike, but it sure makes some great reading. On the FarFlungMagazine.com site.

May 16 2005: Appalachian Trail journal of Free Spirit's hike - indexed Georgia to Maine journal with daily photos plus summaries, gearlist, etc. 8 hikes cover all 174 days and 2,160 fabulous AT miles. Click on the individual section on the right column, then read the daily diary -- well done; gives you a good feel for the "ups and downs" of an AT thru-hike.

April 27 2005: Here's a link for Californians to enjoy, specifically Alpine Sierra enthusiasts, The Diamond Valley Company's "Trek of the Month". These are the good folks at Trail Blazer Books, and they do a great job of describing a hike with a key photo and detailed instructions. Good click.

March 25 2004: We're pleased to point out another "media mention," this time in the Casper (Wyoming) Star-Tribune. Click here and look for mentions of slackpacker.com near the end of the article.

Iowa • Yellow River State Park

16 mile backpack trip, thoroughly enjoyable reading. Page by Brian Simon Added November 2003

Portland Oregon • Wildwood Trail

Hike to Pittock Mansion, other highlights through Portland and environs. This is a very well done page on the "Coon Family hiking club" website. Good narrative & numerous photos. 2003

Redwood Regional Park/Bay Area

This is a brief narrative about a "barefoot hike" through this Northern California park. It's on something called "unshod.org" and is penned by Mike Berrow. Hey, we're willing to try new things. Perhaps.

Mt. Hood

1993 climb described from beginning at Timberline Lodge to ascent via Cooper Spur. Well done essay, definite click if you're eyeing Mt. Hood. Site by Bob Sumner and a great read. added 2003

The highest point in Arizona. With the trailhead at 8800', this was a tough climb for a family of easterners. 2002

Take a journey on one of the Hoosier State's most notable trails, via this entertaining and informative site by young hiking family "Mike, Aimee & Maria." 2002

personal journal of the classic trek in New England, with stops at the Lake of the Clouds Hut and the summit complex. 2001

Please click here for the Slackpacker web site

Want to submit your trail narrative for this page? Unlike the rest of the site, the links on this page are limited, and are changed from time to time. We can't guarantee that your narrative will be used on this page, but we certainly encourage you to submit it and will usually link to your content on one of the other (geographical) pages. There is no fee for this link. Please use the "submit a site" button, above left.