"Hiking Boot Impacts on Woodland Trails" by Fred R. Kuss.

Hiking Boot Impacts on Woodland Trails Fred R. Kuss Many people have hiked across trails and have never thought about the impact they may have had on the soil they were tramping on. In Hiking Boot Impacts on Woodland Trails we learn that there has been concern about the impact hikers have on the soil. It has been believed that the type of sole on the hikers' boots was a source of damage, that it …

…that the mor humus layer was broken down by the weight of the hikers and released to the surface water. He felt that due to dry conditions this result might have been higher than expected, than if the soil had been wetter. The author of this study did not state a specific recommendation, but leads us to believe that sole type should not be considered when looking at the impact hiking has on soil damage.