Trail Maps
In addition to the overview map on the inside cover, a detailed map of each hike’s route appears with its profile. On each of these maps, symbols indicate the trailhead, the complete route, significant features, facilities, and topographic landmarks such as creeks, overlooks, and peaks. A legend identifying the map symbols used throughout the book appears on the inside back cover.
To produce the highly accurate maps in this book, I used a handheld GPS unit to gather data while hiking each route and then sent that data to the expert cartographers at Menasha Ridge. Of course, your GPS is really no substitute for sound, sensible navigation that takes into account the conditions that you observe while hiking.
Further, despite the high quality of the maps in this guidebook, the publisher and myself strongly recommend that you always carry an additional map, such as the ones noted in each profile opener’s “Maps” listing.
Elevation Profile (Diagram)
For trails with significant elevation changes, the hike description will include this graphical element. Entries for fairly flat routes, such as a lake loop, will not display an elevation profile. Also, each hike description’s opener lists the elevation range from the start of that specific route to the hike’s highest point.
For hike descriptions that include an elevation profile, this diagram represents the rises and falls of the trail as viewed from the side, over the complete distance (in miles) of that trail. On the diagram’s vertical axis, or height scale, the number of feet indicated between each tick mark lets you visualize the climb. To avoid making flat hikes look steep and steep hikes appear flat, varying height scales provide an accurate image of each hike’s climbing challenge. For example, one hike’s scale might rise 800 feet from the trail’s start, while another might rise 160 feet from that start.
The Hike Profile
Each profile opens with the hike’s star ratings, GPS trailhead coordinates, and other key at-a-glance information—from distance and configuration to contacts for local information. Each profile also includes a map (see “Trail Maps”). The main text for each profile includes the Overview, Route Details, Nearby Attractions, and Directions (for driving to the trailhead area). Explanations of each of these elements follow.
STAR RATINGS
Five-Star Trails is the title of a Menasha Ridge Press guidebook series geared to specific cities across the United States, such as this one for Charlotte. Following is the explanation for the rating system of one to five stars in each of the five categories for each hike.
FOR SCENERY:
FOR TRAIL CONDITION:
FOR CHILDREN:
FOR DIFFICULTY:
FOR SOLITUDE:
GPS TRAILHEAD COORDINATES
As noted in “Trail Maps”, I used a handheld GPS unit to obtain geographic data and sent the information to the cartographers at Menasha Ridge. In the opener for each hike profile, the coordinates—that is, the intersection of latitude (north) and longitude (west)—will orient you from the trailhead. In some cases, you can drive within viewing distance of a trailhead. Other hiking routes require a short walk to the trailhead from a parking area.
You will also note that this guidebook uses the degree–decimal minute format for expressing GPS coordinates. The latitude–longitude grid system is likely already quite familiar to you, but here’s a refresher, pertinent to visualizing the coordinates:
Imaginary lines of latitude—called parallels and spaced approximately 69 miles apart from each other—run horizontally around the globe. The equator is established to be 0°, and each parallel is indicated by degrees from the equator: up to 90°N at the North Pole, and down to 90°S at the South Pole.
Imaginary lines of longitude—called meridians—run perpendicular to lines of latitude. Longitude lines are likewise indicated by degrees. Starting from 0° at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England, they continue to the east and west until they meet 180° later at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. At the equator, longitude lines also are approximately 69 miles apart, but that distance narrows as the meridians converge toward the North and South poles.
To convert GPS coordinates given in degrees, minutes, and seconds to the degree–decimal minute format, the seconds are divided by 60. For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.
DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION
Distance notes the length of the hike round-trip, from start to finish. If the hike description includes options to shorten or extend the hike, those round-trip distances will also be factored here. Configuration defines the trail as a loop, an out-and-back (taking you in and out via the same route), a figure-eight, or a balloon.
HIKING TIME
A general rule of thumb for the hiking times noted in this guidebook is 1.5 miles per hour. That pace typically allows you plenty of time for taking photos, for dawdling and admiring views, and for alternating stretches of hills and descents. When you’re deciding whether or not to follow a particular trail in this guidebook, consider your own pace, the weather, your general physical condition, and your energy level on a particular day.
HIGHLIGHTS
Waterfalls, historic sites, or other features that draw hikers to this trail are emphasized here.
ELEVATION
In each trail’s opener, you will see the elevation at the trailhead or other starting location and another figure for the peak height you will reach on that route. For routes that entail significant inclines and declines, the full hike profile also includes a complete elevation diagram.
ACCESS
Fees or permits required to hike the trail are detailed here—and noted if there are none. Trail-access hours are also shown here.
MAPS
Resources for maps, in addition to those in this guidebook, are listed here. (As previously noted, the publisher and myself recommend that you carry more than one map—and that you consult those maps before heading out on the trail to resolve any confusion or discrepancy.)
FACILITIES
Alerts you to restrooms, water, picnic tables, and other basics at or near the trailhead.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Tells you whether paved sections or other areas exist where persons with disabilities can safely using a wheelchair.
COMMENTS
Here you will find assorted nuggets of information, such as whether or not dogs are allowed on the trails.
CONTACTS
Listed here are phone numbers and website addresses for checking trail conditions and gleaning other day-to-day information.
Overview,