A look at the concept known as trail magic and the controversy around it.

Trail Magic is the term used to describe the wonderful, unexpected things that happen to thru-hikers during their hike.       – The Thru-Hiker’s Hand Book, 1998 edition.

Note: Here’s something I’ve had saved as a draft for a week or so now, this post has inspired me to get off (on??) my kiester and finish it. 🙂

Back in the dark ages of thru-hiking (when dinosaurs roamed the earth while wearing Limmer hiking boots and almost setting the forest on fire with a Whisperlite), the concept of trail magic was a simple affair: A cold coke or beer from a stranger at an overlook. Perhaps an occasional unannounced cookout by a trailhead that perhaps a dozen hikers may have stumbled upon.  Or the offer of a bed and a shower from some (soon-to-be former) strangers who enjoyed the story of your hike while you all camped together at a lean-to in New England.

Continue reading Trail Magic – Sodas, water caches and trash. Oh my! at PMags.com.