Good for young hikers with proven stamina
FOR DIFFICULTY:
FOR SOLITUDE:
GPS TRAILHEAD COORDINATES
As noted in “Trail Maps”, I transmitted data from a handheld GPS unit to the publisher’s cartographers. In addition to its use in creating this book’s maps, that information verified the GPS coordinates—the intersection of the lines of latitude (north) and longitude (west)—to place you at the trailhead.
In some cases, you can drive to a parking point within viewing distance of that trailhead. Other hikes require a short walk to reach the trailhead from a parking area. Either way, the trailhead coordinates are given from the point where you will begin hiking.
Pertinent to visualizing the GPS coordinates, the latitude and longitude grid system is likely quite familiar to you, but here is a refresher:
Imaginary lines of latitude—called parallels and approximately 69 miles apart from each other—run horizontally around the globe. Each parallel is indicated by degrees from the equator (established to be 0°): up to 90°N at the North Pole and down to 90°S at the South Pole.
Imaginary lines of longitude—called meridians—run perpendicular to latitude lines. Longitude lines are likewise indicated by degrees: starting from 0° at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England, they continue to the east and west until they meet 180° later at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. At the equator, longitude lines are approximately 69 miles apart, but that distance narrows as the meridians converge toward the North and South Poles.
GPS coordinates are shown in varying formats, and they often are given in degrees, minutes, and seconds. But the popular format used in this book is degrees–decimal minutes.
As an example of the degrees–decimal minute format, regard the GPS coordinates for Hike 1, the Arboretum Explorer Loop: N35° 30.052’ W82° 35.940’. This tells you that the trailhead is at a latitude of 35 degrees, 30.052 minutes, and at a longitude of 82 degrees, 35.940 minutes.
For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.
DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION
The distance shown is for the complete hike from start to finish, as recorded with the GPS unit. As the mileage is for the total hike, it is always measured round-trip. (Unless otherwise specified, the profile opener’s mileage does not factor any options to shorten or extend the hike, but such segues are addressed in the hike description.)
Configuration defines the trail as a loop, an out-and-back (taking you in and out via the same route), a figure eight, or a balloon.
HIKING TIME
Unlike distance, which is a real, measured number, hiking time is an estimate. Every hiker has a different pace. In this guidebook, you can assume the hiking time is based on a pace of about 1.75–2 miles per hour (when taking notes and pictures), and that is the standard for most of the hike times. There are some adjustments for steepness, rough terrain, and high elevation. And there is some time built in for a quick breather here and there, but hikers should consider that any prolonged break (such as lunch or swimming) will add to the hike time. Also keep in mind seasonal daylight hours, so that you don’t find yourself hiking back to the trailhead in the dark; and remember that forested canopies greatly block the fading daylight.
HIGHLIGHTS
Waterfalls, historic sites, or other features that draw hikers to the trail are capsuled here.
ELEVATION
Unless the route is virtually flat—in which case that fact will be cited and one elevation will be listed—two elevation points are always indicated: one at the trailhead and another figure for the highest or lowest altitude on that route. For most hikes herein, you will ascend from the trailhead, but in some cases, the trailhead may be the route’s peak, in which case you will descend from there. (Also see “Elevation Profiles”.)
ACCESS
Fees or permits required to hike the trail and trail-access hours are indicated here.
MAPS
This item recommends sources in addition to the maps in this guidebook, and hikers are strongly urged to consult these references.
FACILITIES
This section alerts you to restrooms, phones, water, picnic tables, and other basics at or near the trailhead.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
For each hike, you will readily see whether or not it is feasible for the enjoyment of outdoors enthusiasts who use a wheelchair.
COMMENTS
Assorted nuggets of information, such as whether or not your dog is allowed on the trails, appear here.
CONTACTS
Phone numbers and websites listed here are handy for checking up-to-date trail conditions and gleaning other day-to-day information.
OVERVIEW, ROUTE DETAILS, NEARBY ATTRACTIONS, AND DIRECTIONS
