About DTC & Me

Welcome to Dirt Trail Chronicles. If you’re anything like me, you like the feel of dirt (or other natural surfaces) under your feet when you’re out for a hike in nature. No sidewalks. No asphalt. It has to be dirt – or rocks or wood chips!

I started this site to share my passion for hiking, for exploring wild places, and for finding respite in nature, even when I’m in a city or suburban location. It isn’t always easy to find or identify the natural surface trails out there. I am thrilled to do some of the leg work (literally) to bring you information about where, when, and how to enjoy dirt trails. For the time being, my focus is the Chicago area and surrounding destinations. Some posts may feature trails a little further afield, as I travel and share my experiences.

My hiking journey started during a summer internship in college. I spent that time in Estes Park, Colorado, right outside Rocky Mountain National Park. That summer I met, hiked, and worked with people from around the country and the globe. Some were experienced outdoors people. Others were new to the scene. I logged hundreds of miles on trail and punctuated my adventure by hiking to the summit of Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s 14ers, a mountain peak at 14,259 feet above sea level. To say that summer changed my life is an understatement. It changed my career goals and my personal pursuits!

I have now spent over 20 years working in environmental education and recreation for conservation and non-profit organizations. So I also hope to share some interesting observations from nature and the landscape to entice you to get out and explore. I will provide helpful tips on trail etiquette, safety, best practices, gear, other resources, and more that will boost your confidence, whether you’re embarking on your first dirt trail hike or your 1,000th!

If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to leave me a comment. Let’s get going and find out what’s around the next bend on that dirt trail ahead of us!

See you out there,

Tina