Hiking Trail Maps

Where to Go and How to Get There

Hiking trail maps take the guesswork out of planning a trek. Have you ever thought:

• I know where I want to go, but how do I get there?
• How difficult is the trail?
• Is water available near my route?
• What unique features should I look for?

Unlike a road map that simply shows a route between destination A and B, trail maps are a guided tour of your hiking destination. They are simpler and less detailed than a topographic map and require no special skills to read. Usually, you will find plenty of narration along the route, providing not only directions to the destination, but places of interest for the journey.

Of course trail maps show the route from one point to another, but this is only a fraction of you will find. Some other features are:

• a narrative description of the next trail section
• a good place to make camp
• unique land forms, rare vegetation, what time of year to expect certain insects
• interesting historic information about the area

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• Review the guide to help decide on your intended route and possible loops available.
• Determine where you will camp each night.
• Look for sources of water along or near your route.

Use trail maps on your trek

• Read about the next section of the trail so you don’t miss seeing that 500 year old tree or that scenic overlook just off the trail a few hundred yards.
• The trail splits, one route seems to be your intended route but the other is more heavily traveled. Use your trail map to decide which to follow.

Keep your map working after your hike

• Make notes in the margins to remember key points about the trip.
• Write comments regarding what you liked/didn’t like about this hike.
• Make a photocopy of your trail map and share it with a friend. The extra notes make it a special gift to share with a hiking friend.

Trail Guides are available from a variety of sources

• Many hiking clubs offer detailed maps.
• Hiking travel guide books often have trail maps included, often broken down into categories such as: 1, 2, or 3 day hikes, loop trails, easy, moderate or difficult treks.
• Detailed maps are available on the internet
• Chambers of commerce in popular hiking destinations often offer free trail maps. You can pick them up when you arrive in town or they will often mail them to you.

Whether you are looking for a short day hike, a multi-day hike or a trek across the country. Hiking trail maps add information and interest to any outing.

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