Hamilton Herald Masthead

Editorial


Front Page - Friday, August 31, 2012

New Web site for trail running, hiking, climbing and paddling




A new Web site geared toward providing the best information on local trails, crags and put-ins launched this month. Roots Rated was founded in 2012 by Dawson Wheeler, Mark McKnight and Fynn Glover of Chattanooga. While on a nationwide road trip, an inability to find good information for the best things to do locally frustrated the three travelers.

Inspired, Fynn created a tool for simplifying the way people discover and access outdoor recreation. Their Web site provides people with the scoop on the best local trail runs, hiking trails, paddling routes, bike rides, rock climbing and more in select cities across the country – according to local grassroots experts. Each activity comes with a difficulty rating, distance from downtown, time to complete, photos and information relevant to people that enjoy that activity. For example, the review for climbing the Tennessee Wall includes detailed instructions for taking different routes up the cliff. To check out local outdoor activities, go to www.rootsrated.com and enter “Chattanooga” in the search box. More favorites are loaded weekly. (Photo provided exclusively to the Hamilton County Herald)