Our beautiful planet is strewn with thousands of miles of established footpaths dotted at creek, river and stream crossings. Well-maintained footpaths and footbridges can be found weaving through practically every wilderness. The advantages of utilizing these existing trails and bridges are necessary for the safety of the hiker, as well as the sustainability and beauty of an unspoiled wilderness.
Utilizing existing footbridges and footpaths helps to protect the natural beauty and fragile ecosystems that make up our forests, deserts and backcountry. It is important to remain on established bridges and paths to prevent further erosion and scarring of the surrounding area. Unnecessarily avoiding designated footpaths can damage, or potentially destroy, delicate plant life. Designated footbridges should be used at creek crossings to avoid polluting streams and eroding creek banks. Making use of existing footbridges and footpaths is a simple way hikers can practice low-impact hiking and preserve the beauty of our natural surroundings for generations to come.
Safety should be a hiker's number one priority. Remaining on established footpaths and footbridges is much safer than wandering off the trail into the unknown. Footbridges are designed to safely help the hiker negotiate creek crossings. Most footbridges have hand-rails to help with balancing. Crossing a creek without the aid of a footbridge could cause injury by slipping and falling into the water. A hiker is less likely to get lost if he remains on designated footpaths. Many official trail-heads have a sign-up sheet to be filled out by the hiking party. Should a hiker be injured or lost, the sign-up sheet makes it much easier for the rescue team to identify her if she remained on the designated footpath. Utilizing footpaths and footbridges is a major step in the right direction toward an enjoyable and safe hiking experience.
Existing footpaths and footbridges are usually the easiest and most maintained route available to the hiker. A trail that is maintained on a regular basis is easier to negotiate. Most established trails are maintained throughout the hiking season. Deadfall and other debris is removed from footpaths, and washed-out or unsafe footbridges are normally repaired before the hiking season begins. Remaining on designated footpaths and footbridges enables the hiker to enjoy the scenery without worrying about troublesome obstacles.
Many footpaths have historical or informational markers specific to the surrounding area. Plaques containing facts on local plants and animals that inhabit the area can be found throughout established footpaths. Historical routes taken by the Lewis and Clark expedition or the Oregon Trail are two examples of the many interesting historical markers found along designated hiking trails. Taking the time to stop and learn about the established footpaths, bridges and surrounding area, can certainly add to an already enjoyable hike.
