CANADA - A new interactive trail map that helps hikers find little-known backpacking routes in North America officially launched this week.
The announcement comes as the Labor Day long weekend approaches - an especially busy time for national parks and hiking trail systems in the U.S. and Canada.
The map can be found on Slick & Twisted Trails, a website dedicated to helping backpackers and hikers explore areas that are off-the-beaten-path.
"Famous routes like the Appalachian Trail or West Coast Trail get all the attention," said Dustin Walker, owner and editor of Slick & Twisted Trails.
"But often there are backpacking trails relatively close to those hotspots that are just as amazing - and they get just a fraction of the crowds."
Walker added that it's important to help build awareness around these lesser-known trails to help reduce the traffic on more popular routes. The number of visitors to national parks in the U.S. has increased by nearly 8% over last year alone.
Dustin created the map with the help of four backpackers and thru-hikers who are located across North America. Trails are each given a 'Solitude' factor and descriptions include tips on when to best experience the routes.
The map covers everything from remote treks through the wilds of New Mexico and the lesser-ssen side of Badlands National Park to overnight hikes on remote B.C. islands.
Dustin hopes more people contribute trail descriptions to the map.
Dustin hopes more people contribute trail descriptions to the map.
"As backpackers contribute their own little-known trails to the map, it will help even more people appreciate places they wouldn't otherwise know about."
