On the trail : a history of American hiking Cover Image

Book

On the trail : a history of American hiking / Silas Chamberlin.

Summary:

The first history of the American hiking community and its contributions to the nation's vast network of trails.

"In the mid-nineteenth century urban walking clubs emerged in the United States. A little more than a century later, tens of millions of Americans were hiking on trails blazed in every region of the country. This groundbreaking book is the first full account of the unique history of the American hiking community and its rich, nationwide culture. Delving into unexplored archives, including those of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Sierra Club, Green Mountain Club, and many others, Silas Chamberlin recounts the activities of hikers who over many decades formed clubs, built trails, and advocated for environmental protection. He also discusses the shifting attitudes of the late 1960s and early 1970s when ideas about traditional volunteerism shifted and new hikers came to see trail blazing and maintenance as government responsibilities. Chamberlin explores the implications for hiking groups, future club leaders, and the millions of others who find happiness, inspiration, and better health on America's trails."--Publisher's description.

Record details

ISBN: 9780300219111
ISBN: 0300219113
Physical Description: xx, 243 pages : illustrations, maps ; 22 cm
Publisher: New Haven : Yale University Press, [2016]
Copyright: ©2016

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (pages 209-230) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:	The origins of American nature walking -- Hiking together -- The rise of American hiking culture -- Building trails -- Hiking alone -- Epilogue: Hiking before and after 1968.