![]() In the U.S, these efforts range from East Burke, Vt. What I find particularly interesting is the way numerous towns and cities across the U.S., Canada, and Europe have been quietly building well-connected, tourist-friendly trail systems to jump-start sagging economies. Better yet, natural trail surfaces are easier on the planet. This is good for everyone, because natural surface trails are the least expensive to install and maintain among a host of typical amenities such as pool facilities, sports parks, and golf courses. Meanwhile, surveyed homebuyers in new developments overwhelmingly choose trails as their most desired community amenity. In one case, researchers found that homes closer to a new scenic trail were worth an astounding $9,000 more than similar homes only a thousand feet farther away. Numerous studies have concluded that property values typically rise when trails are installed and accessible nearby. More broadly, outdoor activities set in nature can help prevent the so-called “Nature-Deficit Disorder.” This term, coined by “Last Child in the Woods” author Richard Louv, refers to the noticeably negative effects children suffer when they are alienated from nature.įrom a financial viewpoint, trails provide high return on investment. Studies have also shown that children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) improve their focus and behavior when they walk or play in natural “green” settings. Exercising in a natural environment has been shown to stimulate creativity, problem solving, and self-discipline among students. Another, published in 2005 in Health Promotion Practice, calculated that every $1 investment in trails led to almost $3 in direct medical cost-savings. Two examples: A 2011 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who walk faster live longer. ![]() Want better health? In the 4th century BC physician, Hippocrates advised, "Walking is a mankind’s best medicine." More recently, he has been backed up by dozens of peer reviewed research papers. Among these are improved fitness, access to clean air, reduced traffic congestion, preservation of open space, protection of natural resources, and the simple joy of self-propulsion. Trails also provide a litany of other happy benefits. Stuck on a difficult problem? Just take a long walk and you’ll likely find a solution. They can pull us back from the brink and reinvigorate our spirits. Trail walks soothe our bodies from head to toe, both physically and mentally. ![]() Take a quiet energizing walk down a rambling trail lined by majestic trees and nodding flowers and you immediately feel a therapeutic break from the everyday. Even happy events, like vacations, promotions, marriage, graduation, and success can provide a potent lump of stress. Work, home, kids, plans, commitments, life - they’re all stressful. In this essay, Rick Heffernon discusses the quality-of-life benefits of trails like the Arizona Trail, for which he has served as a trail steward for more than 15 years.
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