Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World

Ramble On explores the rich history of hiking, and how it evolved into one of the most popular pastimes in the world. This includes:

• Its roots in alpinism and mountaineering.
• The cultural and societal trends that fostered its growth.
• Profiles of the early hikers.
• Why the first hiking trails were built.
• The profound influence of the first hiking clubs, and how they spread hiking across America.
• What the early hikers wore, and what some of the key innovations were that led to our modern array of gear and apparel.
• Hiking's popularity has led to overcrowding issues in recent years. The final chapter discusses the ramifications of this trend on hikers, trails, national parks and other public lands.