On the Trail

Starred review from October 15, 2016

Independent scholar Chamberlin, an experienced long-distance hiker, presents a concise history of the American hiking community and its evolution from urban hiking clubs in the mid-19th century to today's hiking culture, with all of its necessities including specialty clothing, freeze-dried food, and specially designed tents and stoves. The volume is divided into five chapters and Chamberlin's utilization of primary sources from diverse archival collections brings to life the culture of nature walking--whether in rural cemeteries or in city parks--to the creation of hiking groups such as the Appalachian Mountain Club in 1876. People joined together to share their love for the outdoors along with the benefits of hiking, which were often tied to patriotism and religion. Hiking clubs published newsletters and worked to build and maintain trails. After World War II, the number of hikers increased and put the strain of overuse on many areas. In 1968, the National Trails System Act placed the federal government in charge of maintaining and designing trails. VERDICT This winning, thought-provoking book offers insight into a relatively unknown aspect of environmental history.--Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colls., Mt. Carmel

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