Journey Quote by Benton MacKaye
““The railway 'opens up' a country as a site for civilization; the trailway should 'open up' a country as an escape from civilization... The path of the trailway should be as 'pathless' as possible; it should be the minimum consistent with practical accessibility.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Appalachian Trail Proposal, 1921
The railway integrates civilization into nature, while a trail should provide an escape, offering minimal yet practical access to wilderness.
In simple terms: Trails let us retreat from civilization with limited impact.
Design trails that preserve wilderness while remaining usable.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- hiking
- eco‑tourism
- forest management
- urban planning
- outdoor education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure trails remain low‑impact?
- What design features best balance access and preservation?
Balancing access and preservation can lead to overuse and habitat damage.