Forging New Trial

by Christopher Harper

Dear Outdoor Enthusiast,
My name is Christopher Harper. I have been hiking, camping, canoeing and other
outdoor activities for the past 38 years, and am always looking for new horizons to explore.
I am sure you have heard of the Appalachian Trail, which runs from
Springer Mountain in Georgia, to Mt Katahdin in thstate of Maine. You also have the North Country Trail that runs from Crown Point on Lake Champlain New York to South Dakota.You have the Sea-to-Sea Route that runs from Quebec Canada to Olympic National Park in Northern Washington. There is also the American Discovery Trail, The Long Trail, The Continental Divide Trail, The Pacific Crest Trail, The Pacific Northwest Trail, The West Coast Trail, The Ice Age Trail and The Florida Trail.
These are the most common ones that you hear about, but you also have state, county, and city trails that are too numerous to list. This brings me to the point of my inquiry. When I did a trail search through the southern-most states of the US-New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama- there are
no interconnecting long-distance trails through the southern U.S. What I am attempting to do, is put together a long-distance hike from San Diego California to The Alabama Connector on the Florida Trail. My proposed route would encompass over 2800 miles one-way; the Florida Trail is around 1300 miles, give or take, depending on which route you take. I am in the planning stages at this time and am collecting information from the respective state, county and local agencies to
make this goal achievable. I am also planning to write a book of the journey, as well as any short articles that may result from either the journey or the planning. I will also be recording my progress with periodical updates on my website.
Any information that you could assist me with would be appreciated,including existing trails; maps, Wildlife Management Areas, State and National Forests, Wilderness areas, water sources, interested private/business landowners, as well as any other information you may find helpful. I would also like to include, reliable water sources, and potential resupply points along the route, as well as any permits that may be required.
Such a trail would bring additional revenue to countless small towns and communities all along the route, as well as funds into the various managing land agencies. The Appalachian Trail attracts thousands of hikers each year, attempting to hike from Georgia to Maine. The Continental Divide Trail and Pacific Crest are also two up and coming trails. Though the numbers of hiker/backpackers for these trails are smaller, their numbers are growing each year. These numbers reflect only those attempting to hike these trails in their entirety. There are countless thousands of hikers across America that travel vast distances to section hike trails across the United States, all of which bring tourist dollars to the respective communities. It is a win-win situation for all parties involved.

I thank you for your intererst and I hope to receive your ideas, comments, and any information that you may be able to contribute. You can leave your comments below, or by email at CatfishingJournals@live.com. Together we can make this goal achievable.