99% Invisible – 548- Trail Mix

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible,” titled “Trail Mix,” the podcast explores the world of trails, from their organic creation to their careful design and maintenance. It delves into the human and non-human intelligence behind trail building, the cultural values that shape human trails, and the techniques used to maintain the illusion of untouched wilderness. The episode also takes a look at the unique experience of hiking in Cumbria, England, following the scrappy directions of Alfred Wainwright’s guidebooks. Lastly, it discusses the importance of choosing the right path and the potential dangers of relying solely on technology while hiking.

Main Takeaways

The Collaborative Creation of Trails

• Trails are collaborative and organic creations, evolving as people leave signals behind and others pick up on them.
• Animals also use trails as a form of externalized intelligence.
• Slime mold built a network of trails in Tokyo that mirrored the actual railway system.
• Trails highlight the non-human world and its intelligence.

The Logic of Trail Building

• Trails have been built by humans and animals for millennia, with a shared logic of efficiency.
• Human trails are determined by cultural values, rather than sheer efficiency.
• Modern hiking trails are uniquely inefficiently human, designed for functionality and pleasure.
• Tens of thousands of miles of trails are engineered and built to maintain a naturalistic illusion.

The Techniques of Trail Building

• Trails are heavily designed to create a wilderness experience, with interns scattering stones and leaves to guide visitors.
• The Velvet Hammer technique involves deliberate and careful trail-building to reduce visibility of impact.
• Workers use colored flags to mark the path and preserve bushes or shrubs.
• Trail workers also have to mitigate their own presence with the “reverse dog departure” technique.

Hiking in Cumbria, England

• Hiking in Cumbria involves following scrappy directions from Alfred Wainwright’s guidebooks.
• The Lake District National Park in Cumbria contains many mountains or fells.
• Alfred Wainwright’s guidebooks have become popular, with the peaks known as Wainwrights.
• Following Wainwright’s guidebooks is an adventure and a way to navigate the fells.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Path

• Taking the fastest route may not always be the best option when hiking.
• Relying solely on phone apps for hiking can be dangerous.
• Hiking apps that use user-generated data can have inaccurate information.
• Having a paper map and compass as a backup is recommended.

Trail Design and Impact

• Constructing or maintaining a trail can change the way you look at it forever.
• ‘Trail blindness’ refers to the tendency to overlook a trail’s features after repeated use.
• The design of a trail can influence how people use it and impact the surrounding environment.
• Non-English phrases in trail names reflect cultural influences and add to the trail’s character.

Summary

The Collaborative Creation of Trails

Trails are not just physical paths but also collaborative and organic creations. They evolve as people leave signals behind and others pick up on them. However, trails are not exclusive to humans; animals also use them as a form of externalized intelligence. In a fascinating example, slime mold built a network of trails in Tokyo that almost exactly mirrored the actual railway system. This highlights the non-human world and its intelligence, showing that trails are deeply intertwined with the natural world.

The Logic of Trail Building

Trail building is a tool that is nearly universal to life on Earth. Both humans and animals have been building trails for millennia, driven by a shared logic of efficiency. However, human trails differ from animal trails in that they are determined by cultural values rather than sheer efficiency. Modern hiking trails, in particular, follow a logic that is uniquely inefficiently human. They are designed for functionality and pleasure, taking into consideration the recreational experience they provide. Tens of thousands of miles of trails managed by state and federal governments are engineered and built to maintain a naturalistic illusion for visitors, showcasing the careful balance between human design and the preservation of the natural environment.

The Techniques of Trail Building

Building and maintaining trails involve various techniques to create and preserve the wilderness experience. Trail workers carefully design trails, scattering stones and leaves to guide visitors and create a sense of natural navigation. The Velvet Hammer technique is employed to reduce the visibility of human impact, ensuring that the trail blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Workers use colored flags to mark the path and preserve bushes or shrubs, minimizing disruption to the flora. Additionally, trail workers employ techniques such as the “reverse dog departure” to mitigate their own presence. These meticulous efforts contribute to maintaining the illusion of an older, untouched trail, enhancing the overall hiking experience.

Hiking in Cumbria, England

Cumbria, England offers a unique hiking experience, particularly in the Lake District National Park. Hiking in this region involves following scrappy directions from Alfred Wainwright’s guidebooks. Wainwright’s guidebooks, published between 1953 and 1966, have become immensely popular, with the peaks described in them known as Wainwrights. Hiking in Cumbria, unlike organized hiking in North America, does not have trailheads or explicit signage. Instead, walkers navigate the fells based on Wainwright’s detailed and weathered guidebooks. This adventurous approach adds an element of exploration and personal discovery to the hiking experience, allowing walkers to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the region.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Path

When hiking, choosing the right path can significantly impact the experience. While taking the fastest route may seem tempting, it may not always be the best option. Relying solely on phone apps for navigation can be dangerous, as hiking apps that use user-generated data may have inaccurate information. It is recommended to have a paper map and compass as a backup to ensure accurate navigation. By choosing the right path, hikers can avoid potential hazards and enjoy scenic locations, enhancing their overall hiking experience.

Trail Design and Impact

Constructing or maintaining a trail can change the way it is perceived and experienced. Over time, repeated use of a trail can lead to ‘trail blindness,’ where the features of the trail are overlooked. However, trail design plays a crucial role in influencing how people use the trail and its impact on the surrounding environment. Trails are carefully staged to maintain the illusion of being untouched, with meticulous attention to detail. Non-English phrases in trail names reflect cultural influences and add to the trail’s character, showcasing the diverse and interconnected nature of trail design.

Conclusion

The world of trails is a testament to human and non-human intelligence, collaboration, and the delicate balance between human design and the preservation of nature. Trails offer not only physical paths but also opportunities for exploration, adventure, and connection with the natural world. Whether it’s the careful design and maintenance of hiking trails or the scrappy navigation through guidebooks in Cumbria, trails provide unique experiences that shape our understanding of the environment and ourselves. Choosing the right path and being mindful of the impact of trail design are essential for an enriching and sustainable hiking experience.