Essential to becoming a Better Hiker is giving back to the wilderness and the institutions that protect it. The Pacific Crest Trail is our featured trail for July 2018 through October 2018. Sales of any Heart of the Trail merchandise during this time will go toward funding the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

As part of our ongoing mission to improve ourselves and the trails we walk, Better Hiker selects a different trail community every quarter to be featured on our “Heart of the Trail” merchandise. All profits (yes, absolutely 100%) made from Heart of the Trail merchandise sales are then donated to their respective non-profit organization.

Heart of the Trail

FUNDRAISER ENDED

(10-31-2018)

What is The Pacific Crest Trail?

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is a long-distance trail open to hikers and equestrians. The trail’s southern terminus is located at the United States border with Mexico in southern California, and its northern terminus can be found at the United States border with Canada, just outside of Manning Park in British Colombia. The trail closely follows the highest portions of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges for most of its 2,650 mile length through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington.

This trail is where I first started backpacking. My wife and I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015, the experience altered our lives and changed our perspectives for the better. I’ve returned to the trail many times over recent years, and I will always feel indebted to the PCT and its community for how much they have given to me. This is but a small way for me to give something back to the trail.

Where Does the Money Go?

All Heart of the Trail profits will be directly donated to the Pacific Crest Trail Association following the ending date of this fundraiser.

From the Pacific Crest Trail Association’s website:

The mission of the Pacific Crest Trail Association is to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as a world-class experience for hikers and equestrians, and for all the values provided by wild and scenic lands.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association is the only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to protecting the entire Pacific Crest Trail. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of thousands of people around the world who love the PCT. Your donation supports these goals:

We organize and train thousands of volunteers who are out on the trail clearing brush, improving drainage, and keeping the trail safe and passable for hikers and equestrians. You can help us grow this program so we are able to maintain 100% of the trail annually.

Nearly 200 miles of the PCT still pass through private property. Your support helps PCTA build a strong land protection program to help guard the trail for future generations.

PCTA actively responds to proposals that could impact the trail. The PCT travels through some of the world’s most wild and scenic landscapes, and with your support, we can continue to protect the wilderness experience

Help PCTA widen efforts to promote the trail as a resource of international significance. Through awareness, we can build a stronger community of champions to protect the trail.

Creating tomorrow’s trail stewards is an important aspect of our work. With your help, we can continue to bring young people into our work as volunteers and advocates for the Pacific Crest Trail.

Want more details? Check out the Pacific Crest Trail Association’s Financial Reports and Strategic Plans.