Water trails suggested for trailsnet.

"How about adding water trails?"

That was a suggestion I just received from Archie in South Carolina regarding the trailsnet website.

And it's an excellent point. When I first began compiling information for the trailsnet website, my intention was to include every possible type of trail. So I collected information about mountain bike trails, rail trails, backpacking trails, and water trails. In fact, I still have files full of information about water trails all over the United States and a few international ones as well.

But alas, once I actually built the trailsnet website, it became overwhelming, so I decided to focus on multipurpose trails that were bike accessible and able to be used by people of all ages and abilities. I felt I could do more justice to the site and site visitors by having more of a focus.

My dad relaxes in his kayak on
the beautiful waters of Middle
Thompson Lake in NW Montana.

However, the trails network blog is much more diverse and includes other types of trails. Which brings me back to Archie's suggestion: What about water trails?

I would love to include information about water trails. Some of my most enjoyable trail trips have included kayaking on the chain of lakes in northwestern Montana or canoeing on the Powell River lakes up in Canada. For at least a couple more years, I will continue focusing on bike/multipurpose trails on the website, but I will definitely begin sharing more information about water trails on the trails network blog.

So let me start by sharing this website for the Berkeley County Blueways in South Carolina. It looks like a great water trail system. Since I haven't yet featured any South Carolina trails on trailsnet, I'm hoping maybe I can check out the B.C. Blueways when I visit S.C.

Thanks for the suggestion, Archie!!

Water trails suggested for trailsnet.

Local Rail-Trail a Source of Pride

I love to hear/read about people and communities that are enthusiastic about their local rail trails; they should be. I don't think a lot of people realize all the benefits that major trails bring to their communities. For a reasonably low price, trails bring tourists, economic benefits, health benefits, added transportation options, decreased air pollution, job opportunities, community togetherness, recreational opportunities, and the aforementioned civic pride.

spur trail that connects to the Coal Creek Trail

I just discovered a blog called pedalparadise that details the great biking opportunities in Northampton, MA. One particular post on the site describes how the trail of Northampton (not to be confused w/ the Bridges of Madison County) helped lure a cyclocross racer into moving to the area.

I can relate. The cycling atmosphere, in general, helped lure me to the town where I live; then a great regional trail specifically convinced me to move to my present neighborhood. Looking out my back window and seeing people enjoying the trail on a daily basis bring immeasurable contentment.

Of course, I'm probably preaching to the choir on this particular venue. Now we just need to convince the rest of the world that trails make a difference and return much more than they cost.

Local Rail-Trail a Source of Pride