Jim Rahtz
My name is Jim, though on the trail I'm occasionally known as Simba. When I retired a few years ago I returned to backpacking and found, for me, the sweet spot is long trails, but not that long. In the past few years I've thru-hiked the Colorado Trail, Long Trail, JMT, Tahoe Rim Trail and Sheltowee Trace. To me, these 200-500 mile trails can be life changing, without taking so long that I have to change my life to accomplish them. I think they're a great alternative for those that don't have the time, ability, circumstances, or need to hike one of the Triple Crown. I hope to share that point of view on these pages. I'm a member of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio and through the years have written other articles and a few books about backpacking. Much of my hiking is covered at oldmanoutdoors.net.
Posts
A Thru-Hike for Everyone: 5 Trails Under 200 Miles
Recent books and movies have inspired countless hikers and potential hikers to dream about thru-hiking one of the big three of Americas long
The Cultivation of a New Backpacker
Ive spent much of my backpacking time hiking alone. As most of my friends are near my age (pushing 60) and working, theres not been much interest
The Triple Crown of Backpacking: A “Mini” Version
No 2,000 mile hike in your foreseeable future? Don't give up on the dream. There are shorter options that are still epic and can be life changing.
Tahoe Rim Trail: 170 Miles AroundYepLake Tahoe
Length: 170 Miles Location: Encircling Lake Tahoe through the Sierras in both California and Nevada. Trail Type: Loop Scenery: The trail has daily
Hike Sheltowee Trace: Kentucky’s 323-Mile Long Trail
Looking for a long trail that has great scenery, gorgeous waterfalls, stone arches, a moonbow and can be hiked in just a few weeks? Throw in a little southern hospitality and you have Sheltowee Trace, Kentuckys Long Trail. Its all described here; and I might even explain what a moonbow is.