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What people say about those trails in the woods

Brief by Central Staff

Outdoor Recreation – June 1997 – Colorado Central Magazine

Ever wonder what people write in those registers you see at trailheads in the National Forests?

We asked, and Barbara Timock, public affairs officer for Pike and San Isabel National Forests, sent us a list of comments received in 1996 from the registration sheets in the Bridger (Wyoming) Wilderness Area:

Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.

Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce world-wide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness.

Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals.

All the mile markers are missing this year.

Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse.

Trail needs to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.

Too many bugs and leaches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.

Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow during the winter.

Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.

The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.

A small deer came into my camp and stole my jar of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call ###-####.

Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet, so that people can hike at night with flashlights.

Escalators would really help on steep uphill sections.

Need more signs to keep area pristine.

A McDonald’s would be nice at the trailhead.

The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.

I brought lots of sandwich makings, but forgot bread. If you have extra bread, leave it in the yellow tent at V Lake.

Too many rocks in the mountains.