How long does a trail trip last?

By Amy Camp, American Trails Board Member

Why experiential travel matters in trail communities

once heard a speaker pose the ques- tion, “How long does a trip last?” The answer: as long as the memory. So what can we do to make trail trips more memorable?

For a segment of trail users, time spent on the path, packing on the miles, is enough. Whether out of ne- cessity, competitiveness, or the inclina- tion to be fully immersed in nature, their itineraries leave little room for  that the majority of trail users, howev- er, seek to discover new places as part of their destination trail adventures. The trail may be the hook, but they also want to experience communities, their heritage, and local customs and culture.

As visitors, we want to know “What’s the story of this place?” Communities can miss the mark in answering because it can be easier to provide amenities than it is to facilitate experiences. One approach is mechani- cal, a matter of better connecting “trail to town.” The other is about creating

memorable and lasting human connec- tions with local residents. This leads us to an often unrealized opportunity in trails and tourism: that of inviting visiting trail users to experience our places and the people who make them special.

Segmenting Audiences

We think a lot about providing the basic services that thru-trekkers and competitive trail users seek. Can they

easily walk or ride to services? Are business hours conducive to trail use? considered in order to meet the needs of this audience and to welcome them warmly. The warm welcome may be a response to the rugged resource- fulness to those hiking, riding, and   hand to those who achieve what most wouldn’t dare to try.

A guest handles a blue lobster as part of an overall experience in a trail town. Most trail users are interested in learning about the local culture of a destination, in addition to enjoying the trail.

10 SUMMER 2016 AmericanTrails.org