Hiking is one of life’s great joys. Turning off the screens and stepping out into nature for an extended period of time, perhaps even several days, is rejuvenating. But in his book On Trails, Robert Moor takes the idea of a trail far beyond the simple act of walking. He explores how trails—from the microscopic paths of ants to the ancient routes of human migration, and even the digital highways of the internet—shape our world and our lives.
Moor’s narrative is part memoir, part natural history, and part philosophy. He begins by hiking the Appalachian Trail, but quickly widens his lens to examine the biology of trail-making in animals, the role of paths in the colonization of America, and the emergence of information trails in the digital age. The book is a meandering but captivating journey that shows how trails are not just physical routes but fundamental patterns of connection and movement that define life itself.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or an armchair traveler, On Trails offers a fresh perspective on how we navigate the world. It's a thoughtful read that blends science, history, and personal experience into a cohesive whole.