The long-distance hiking social world along the Pacific Crest Trail

Abstract

The social world framework provides insight into the various meanings participants assign to their leisure involvement. The purpose of this study was to understand the long-distance social world of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Using naturalistic inquiry, we identified two major subworlds that create long-distance hiking culture on the PCT. One includes the long-distance hikers, which we described as the herd. These hikers are divided further into purists and social hikers. A second major PCT subworld was composed of shepherds. These individuals, who included trail angels and veteran hikers, helped hikers and organized activity along the PCT. Purists, social hikers, and shepherds had firm ideas about the “right” way to hike the PCT. These findings provide stakeholders an in-depth understanding of the various types of long-distance hikers who may travel through their towns and protected areas, giving them insight into potential conflict and diversity along the trail.

Keywords:

• Social worlds
• qualitative research
• outdoor recreation
• recreation specialization