Williamstown Rural Lands Adds 'QR' Codes at Trailheads
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is making it easier for hikers to access its trails on their own time with a system of downloadable maps and guides.
WRLF has posted at the trailhead of three of its trails a QR (Quick Response) code that will enable a hiker with a smartphone who simply scans the QR code to download a trail map and a trail description, providing information about the length of the trail and its degree of difficulty, and describing the natural features to be encountered along the way.
All a hiker needs to do is to go to the "App Store" and enter "QR Code Reader" in the search box.
After clicking on the icon for the QR Code Reader, the hiker just holds the phone in front of the QR code, and on the phone screen will instantly appear the WRLF website, and then the detailed trail description (with map).
Trails now equipped with QR codes are the Fitch Trail, at its trailhead on Bee Hill Road; the Pine Cobble Trail, at its trailhead on Pine Cobble Road; and the Phelps Trail, at its trailhead on Oblong Road.
The Fitch Trail passes through WRLF property onto state land and land belonging to the Boy Scouts, and connects to the RRR Brooks Trail in Flora's Glen. The Pine Cobble Trail passes through WRLF land to reach one of the best scenic overlooks in Williamstown. The Phelps Trail climbs through state-owned land to the crest of the Taconic Range.
QR codes, with directions to the trailheads, are also be posted at the trail kiosks at the foot of Spring Street and outside the WRLF Office at Sheep Hill on Cold Spring Rd.
It is expected that the QR codes may serve to attract new hikers, especially those accustomed to getting information from smartphones, to local trails. If public response warrants it, WRLF plans to post QR codes at the trailheads of other local hiking trails.
The next in a series of guided hikes offered by WRLF is Tuesday, July 19, on Stone Hill.
Tags: hiking, Internet, QR codes, trails, WRLF,
