Both blog posts and our class
discussions have touched on the overuse of certain areas. The 46
peaks, for instance, are hiked far more than lesser known peaks.
Hiking, or really any means of travel, on trails causes erosion. In 1970
Ketchledge and Leonard found that trail erosion in the Adirondacks
amounts to around 1 inch in both width and depth per year (Hammit,
Cole 39). This erosion is both unappealing (as can be seen below) and
harmful to the vegetation on and along the trail. Eroded soil holds
water poorly, making life for plants far more difficult. In addition,
it tends to be difficult to stop. For these reasons, trails in the
Adirondacks are protected during the spring (mud season), when the
soil is particularly soft.
Erosion caused by vehicles
Special regulations are placed on
trails located in higher elevations. Hikers are strongly discouraged
from hiking these trails. visitadirondacks.com, for instance, asks
that hikers postpone hiking trails above 3, 000 feet until mid-June.
The High Peaks, Dix Mountain, and Giant Mountain Wilderness Areas are
asked to be avoided, but a list of alternative hiking locations is
presented (visitadirondacks.com).
While erosion occurs far more easily
in the soft soil of the spring, I feel the summer erosion also
deserves attention. The promotion of other areas, as done for spring
hiking, can help alleviate the pressure put on more popular trails. A
general lack of knowledge of lesser-known areas keeps people away and
drawn to more popular, over-hiked places. As an example of what such
over-hiking causes, Rooster Comb, a five-mile roundtrip trail was
practically abandoned due to the erosion (mountaingetaway.com). The
advertising of other trails would help avoid this by spreading hikers
out. As those aware of trail overuse, we should carefully choose our own hiking locations. Our presence affects both the vegetation of the area and future hikers.
Sources:
"Adirondack Hiking: Off the Beaten Path - Mountain Getaway." Mountain Getaway. Web. 6 Apr. 2015.
Hammitt, William E., and David N. Cole. Wildland Recreation: Ecology and Management. New York: Wiley 1987. Print.
"Mud Season Hiking in the Adirondacks." Hiking in Spring's Mud Season. Web. 5 Apr. 2015.
Pollinator (username), Bank erosion started by ATVs. 2006. Web. 6 Apr. 2015.
I find hiking trends and the relative effect they have on ecosystems interesting because this is not something I considered until recently. I have been to various parks throughout my life and hiked on numerous trails that area flooded with people, and others that are completely empty. The appeal of many of these popular trails makes sense because they have spectacular views. I admit that I didn't think about the impact I was having on local vegetation as I stood at the top of the Mount Rainier trail in Washington. However, looking back at this experience I remember seeing signs impressing the importance of staying on the trail. As a 12-year-old I didn't question these directions, but now that I understand their significance, I plan to be a more careful hiker. We cannot diminish the attraction of trails such as Mount Rainier, but we can hope that people understand the respect they must have for nature if they decide to hike in these areas.
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