CURRENT ISSUE | MAY 2008

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Rail-Trails
Schuylkill River Trail Photo By
BOYD LOVING

Take to the Trails

Excerpted from Central PA magazine, May 2008

MAKE YOUR OWN SHADE with the lightweight but durable Kavu Chillba sun hat. “You only laugh until you try one out,” the manufacturer claims. $30 at Wildware Backcountry, Harrisburg, 717-564-8008

FRUITS AND NUTS are only a few of 15 whole, organic ingredients found in each of Pro Bar’s seven flavors. Each 3-oz. bar packs a meal’s worth of nutrition and energy for $3.29. Available at Eastern Mountain Sports, Lancaster, 717-397-8120

THE POCKET- OR PACK-FRIENDLY GUIDEBOOK Pennsylvania’s Rail-Trails gives detailed descriptions of and directions to more than 80 trails in the Keystone State. $15,  plus shipping and handling. Order from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s regional office in Camp Hill, 717-238-1717

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LINCOLN on York County’s Heritage Rail Trail. It’s 21 miles long and connects the city of York with the North Central Railroad Trail at the Maryland line. Along the way, stop to view three historical structures: the New Freedom train station, Howard Tunnel and the Hanover Junction station (housing a museum), where Honest Abe stopped on his way to Gettysburg in 1863. 717-840-7440

KEEP INFLATION UNDER CONTROL without carrying a bulky bike pump. The Topeak Mini DX Master Blaster is only 9 inches long and weighs a mere third of a pound. $19.95 at Eastern Mountain Sports

CAMELBAK HANDS-FREE HYDRATION PACKS are based on the premise that you’ll drink more if you don’t have to stop and dig out a water bottle. The M.U.L.E., left, $85, combines water supply with cargo area, including a weatherproof MP3 player pocket; the Day Star, $60, is designed with a  women’s fit. Available at Eastern Mountain Sports in Lancaster, Wildware in Harrisburg and many other sporting goods and outdoor shops.

TOPS ON THE TRAIL Today’s fabrics are quick-drying, lightweight, breathable and often made from recycled materials. Front to back: Marmot Women’s Cascade short-sleeve, $30. Eastern Mountain Sports Techwick 100% polyester shirt, $30. Patagonia men’s Capilene 2 T-shirt, $34. Mountain Hardwear wicked snap shirt, $40.

FOOT- AND ECO-FRIENDLY Vasque Velocity women’s trail-running shoes, $90, and non-itchy, non-shrinking SmartWool socks, $15–18. Widely available at area outdoor, sports and footwear stores.

RAIL-TRAILS ARE PRETTY FLAT, but with Nordic walking poles, you can turn your leisurely stroll into an aerobic total-body workout. Leki Prestige/Supreme Nordic walking poles, $99.95/pair. Available at Wildware Backcountry, Harrisburg, 717-564-8008

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TEN for the TRAIL

Ready to hit the trail? Don’t go without a well-stocked backpack. Pack these 10 items and you’ll be ready to roll.

1  Snacks  Be sure to have enough healthy fuel, like granola bars and apples for the duration of your trip.

2  Water  Lots of it; even as the temperature drops, it’s important to stay well-hydrated. Refill water bottles and hydration packs at every opportunity.

3  Identification  In case of emergency, pack your ID. Consider including an emergency contact phone number and your blood type.

4  Cash  If the country store doesn’t take credit, you can pull out some bills for a hot dog or some ice cream.

5  Directions  With a trail guide and area map, you won’t get lost on the trickier trail—or miss great lookouts or stopping-off points.

6  First aid  Don’t let a blowout or blister spoil your trip. Pack a patch kit and bandages for your tires and your feet.

7  Sun guard  Sunscreen is important in all weather, from snow to summer heat. Stay protected with sun block and a hat, even on cloudy days.

8  Camera  Take photos of your adventures to share with friends and family, send to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy or submit to the organization’s rail-trail search engine, TrailLink.

9  Light  Carry a headlamp or flashlight so you won’t get caught in the dark—at night or in a tunnel.

10  Carry-out bag  Pack it in and pack it out. Bring a bag for your trash.