For over 25 years I’ve had this idea that I should write a book on the trails of Chautauqua County. Well, I’m finally starting… I’m going to blog about the trails first as I gather information. I hope you all will give me some feedback.
http://hikechautauqua.wordpress.com/
Also, let me know what your favorite hiking guides are and why you like them. What features do you look for in a hiking guide?
Thanks in advance for your shared wisdom and suggestions!
I like to know about some of the scenic spots along the way as well as any interesting historical background..-I also like to know how good the trail marks are and where you have the potential to wander off the trail if you’re not paying attention.-Not all of us are directionally gifted.-Of course I won’t be using the guide because I’m not from around that way.-Good and ambitious idea though!
Cool Jen!! I love and use quite often the various books Rich and Sue Freeman have written which can be found at their website: http://www.footprintpress.com/ If you’re not familiar with these books, I can give you details of what I like about them.
Ahh, the Jerry Schad of Chautauqua County! Now either you know who Jerry Schad is, or you don’t, and you’ll ask.
I like the “50 Hikes of BlahBlahBlah” series myself. The 50 hikes of western NY has several listed for Chautauqua County. But, what I usually use are just the Chautauqua County Parks Trail maps. I keep them in my glove box in the car. My children became hikers on the West Overland Trail. We would do one chunk at a time. I would bribe them. “When you get to the log you’ll get 2 M&M’s” etc.
We’ve hiked them, skiied them, biked them, canoed them, splashed through them. What a wonderful system of trails we have, right in our back yard!
What a great little park!! Well groomed and clean–a real delight! We will return with a picnic lunch later in the Fall. A real tribute to workers. Thanks to those who established it, and those who care for it.
Ed and Karen Atwood
Walter Atwood
Warren, PA