[at-l] Lone Star Hiking Trail Official Guidebook Out

[Karen Somers]

For those hikers on this list that live in Texas or Louisiana, I wanted to announce that the Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT) guidebook I've been working to get published for several years has finally hit the shelves.  See http://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-Hiking-Trail-Official/dp/0899975046/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259084137&sr=8-1#noop.

I am spreading the word, not just in hopes that the book will remain in print by adequate sales, but also to encourage those who live in the region to look into this little trail.  The ~100-mile LSHT is the only long distance trail in Texas AND one of the few hikers-only footpath, that, like the AT, does not allow any other types of use.  Although it is now 50 years old, and continues to be a well-maintained continuously marked footpath, it has been struggling with pressures from mountain bike groups in the area that want to open it up to multi-use.  The USFS has been seriously considering turning this little trail into a bike racing path, which would have severe impacts on its peaceful nature.  They have admitted the publication of this guidebook has been cause to re-evaluate the trail's usage patterns.  Suddenly, "it's in print," and the USFS thinks maybe having a footpath just might be a desirable thing.  So, the more folks who use it, talk
 about it and buy the book, the better.

The LSHT doesn't measure up to our granddaddies, like the AT, but it serves as a pretty place to take a longer hike in a state that is sorely lacking in outdoor recreation opportunities.  If you live in the area, or know hikers who do, keeping this book in print by purchasing a copy will help validate and legitemize a trail that has been ignored and overlooked for a long, long time.  (The LSHT is 50 - 90 miles north of Houston in the rolling Pineywoods of the Sam Houston National Forest.)

And no, I am not profiting from sales of the book.....all proceeds go back to the trail through the LSHT Club, a 401c non-profit.

Thanks,
Karen "Nocona" Somers
PCT '00, '04


      
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