It’s only natural to wonder what’s off the beaten path.
Hikers look for new experiences on each trail they tread, even the ones that may not be outlined by the U.S. Forest Service. But if people could walk in any direction, why are there trails in the first place?
There are many reasons why we have established trails, and most of the time, they aren’t meant to bar hikers from cool views or pretty flowers. Public trails protect delicate plants and animals; they mitigate soil erosion and maintain biodiversity. Moreover, they ensure that the natural beauty – the reason hikers visit – is kept safe for everyone to enjoy.
Then, there are social trails.
What are social trails?
These paths are created when visitors take a “detour” off the trail. Usually, they are not marked on maps and look very different from the established trail. When hikers tread in the same direction off the beaten path, it creates a social trail.
For example, let’s say Kendra and her friends go on a hike. Maybe she sees a creek through the trees and decides to get a closer look.
She then invites each of her friends to step on the flattened grass behind her and get a view of the water. A few trampled plants later, Kendra’s group cooled off in the creek and made a social trail.
While this is a more deliberate example, some social trails don’t start as intentionally. Let’s say Mike loses his dog, Chips. Mike looks in the foliage until he finds Chips in a wild strawberry patch. A few days later, some other hikers may get lost and think the winding path is part of the trail.
The big problem with Little Hawaii
The impact of social trails has increased over the last few years, thanks in part to the internet. Most notably, these trails have changed the landscape of Telluride’s famous Bear Creek Trail.
Bear Creek is home to one of the best waterfall views in Colorado, bustling with lush and almost tropical wildlife. It’s also where a group of hikers decided to create their own trail, forming a spot known as “Little Hawaii.”
A few years ago, Little Hawaii stormed the internet as the go-to nature spot in Telluride. Hikers created multiple social trails to get to the area, stomping out endangered plants and eroding the creek’s fragile cliffside.
The foot traffic made Little Hawaii a less appealing – let alone dangerous – route for hikers to take. Since its inception, the town has tried to put up signs, build natural barriers and take down online posts to deter tourists from the spot.
How to prevent social trails
The best way to prevent social trails is to simply not use them. If there’s a harsh detour off the path, chances are it may not be a trail. There may even be signs asking visitors to stay off certain parts of the area.
Hikers should always carry a map to ensure they stay on designated paths. When using AllTrails, be sure to look through a few comments to confirm the trail is designated.
Visitors can also contact their local Forest Service or trail organizations to report social trails. These groups often cover the trails and create barriers to deter visitors and promote revegetation.
Lastly, if a hiker sees someone on a social trail, they can ask if the visitor is lost and explain the dangers of social trails. This should always be a last resort and only if a hiker feels comfortable with this decision.
No socializing off-trail
Trails are meant to maintain natural spaces and keep the hikers around them safe. They ensure areas like Little Hawaii are preserved so that visitors can admire them for some time to come.
And on your next hike, that’s all the more reason to stay on the beaten path.
Veronica Kuffel is a writer and seasonal trail worker in Durango. Originally from Minnesota, they enjoy a good hike and learning about what makes each one great. They have written material ranging from Arizona all the way to Wisconsin. Veronica hopes that everyone enjoys their hikes in a responsible, informed and fun way!
