From the editor

Many people visit parks to play sports with family, view wildlife or simply relax in an open setting. Though there is much to see and do, I believe one of the treasures of any park is its trails. From a local park where a trail may lead you to a neighboring playground, to a national park where trails can lead you to a hidden waterfall, trails have the power to transform a soul.

While visiting Crater Lake National Park in Oregon with friends one summer, we decided to explore a few trails. Not really considered avid hikers, we were unsure of what to expect. As we reached the end of the Cleetwood Cove Trail that left us at the edge of the sunken lake, we turned to see a beautiful sunrise unlike any I've ever experienced. As the sun rose, I thought how much I would have missed if we hadn't taken a chance, and hiked that trail.

Today, I still remember that sunrise clearly, and what a great experience it was to share with friends. We all were so moved by it, the next day we hiked up Mt. Scott in the same park, only to find snow still at the top of a mountain in the middle of August (see photo above).

Ever since that first real experience with trails, I now seek them out when visiting a park. In honor of National Trails Month, I invite you to do the same. To truly sense the call of the outdoors, I'm convinced you have to hike a trail and feel that excitement of discovering what's at the other end. In life, every path leads somewhere, so why not take a walk?

COPYRIGHT 2005 National Recreation and Park Association
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group