At TrailSource, you will find epic trails from around the planet! TrailSource is an online adventure guide to trail and travel related information, including guidebooks, maps, weather and lodging.

Behind the scenes, TrailSource is powered by a database of trail destination information. Initiated in 1993 as a manila folder of clippings, copies and notes, the vision was to provide a single-source for travel and exploration of wild areas around the planet by foot, bike, cross country skis and/or snowboard.

To organize the trail descriptions and travel related information, a database was created in 1994 and the accumulation of trail information became a labor of love for many involved. The trail information is an edited compilation from sources such as personal exploration, government publications, maps, regional trail guidebooks, local bike shops and regional websites.

The TrailSource focuses on trails which challenge one's spirit & resolve while developing a deeper appreciation for the power & unpredictability of Nature. Generally, the trails are over five kilometers with good scenery & wildlife to be observed. The journal entries for each trail may include location, directions, map names, lodging, level of difficulty, season, and sources for additional information. 

Due to the volume of requests for hardcopy listings, the TrailSource was printed beginning in the summer of 1997, and sold via this website starting in November 1997. For broader access to this repository, the TrailSource website was relaunched in the Summer of 1998 to provide direct access to the database of trail listings. Along with the trails, book and website links were also added for each region.

In the Winter of 1998, TrailSource was expanded to include Cross-Country Skiing trails.

In the Fall of 1999, the TrailSource website was redesigned again to incorporate weather and location maps.

During the Winter of 1999, the database was expanded to include hiking and snowboarding trails.

Starting in November 2000, the website now includes live daily snow conditions for snowboarding and cross-country ski areas.

In January 2001, the company which manages the website was reformed as TRAILSOURCE.COM, Inc. (a limited liability company in the State of Ohio).

In October 2001, the website was dramatically expanded to incorporate trail maps.

In November 2002, a paid subscription model was setup to require payment to access premium content.

In March 2002, the database was expanded to include snowmobiling, atv riding and horseback riding trails.

In November 2005, the database was expanded to include dirt bike riding trails and motocross parks.

In May 2006, the database was expanded to include Jeep trails and OHV parks.

“Use common sense and stay off unmarked trails.” That’s the message of Tread Lightly!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible off-highway driving. The Jeep® brand – a founding member and official sponsor of the program – requires participants to follow the guidelines set forth by theTread Lightly! principles. Tread Lightly! is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to proactively protect recreation access and opportunities in the outdoors. Tread Lightly!’s educational message, along with its unique training and restoration initiatives are strategically designed to instill an ethic of responsibility in a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts and the industries that serve them. The program goal is to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with our need to maintain a healthy environment. With sensible sport-utility use, the beauty of our national landscape can be preserved for generations to come. For more information or to join Tread Lightly!:(800) 966-9900 or www.treadlightly.org.

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