Starting Point AVA Guide to 1700 Walking Trails in America

"Starting Point" is a treasure to use to find map-guided walking routes throughout the USA - in your area and when traveling. The routes are created by local AVA walking clubs and are 10 kilometers (6 miles) or a little longer. A number of bike routes are also included. Whether you want to find an enjoyable exercise route nearby or whether you want to map out a walking holiday, "Starting Point" is the place to start.

The walking clubs of the American Volkssport Association host map-guided walking events throughout the USA - over 1700 of them in 2009. Each year they publish "Starting Point" as a national guide to these events. The book lists events by state. Each event has a listing of the directions to the start point, operating hours, a trail description with difficulty rating, and contact information for the host club and trailmaster. It is wise to contact the trailmaster when traveling for the most current info because many events each year must relocate when their start point location (often a store, hospital, or hotel) changes management or closes.

To enjoy the walks - at the start point location locate the start box, which may be a kiosk or may be a filebox or tool box. Register in the log and pay any requested fee. Many events are offered for free, or for $3 for IVV credit for those earning IVV milestone awards. A small donation is always appreciated. Some events also have an award - a patch or medal - you can purchase. Once registered and having signed the waiver, take the map and enjoy the route at your own pace.

AVA year-round walks and bikes are held in every kind of locale - forests, parks, countryside, small towns, big cities, tourist destinations. There is a trail for everyone from a difficult trail hike on Mount Rainier to a level stroll on sidewalks around the Riverwalk in San Antonio.