hiking

, according to listing broker LandVest, "represents the first time in more than a century that these lands have become available on the open market."

Since 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy has been repurposing old railroad tracks into hiking and biking trails with its goal to create "nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people."

I'd heard about this group, but forgot about it until a few days ago, when taking a different route home, I noticed two nearby streets had dedicated bicycle lanes, and my memory was sparked. I think this group has more significance than ever, as more and more people are going green, and walking and biking more. The conservancy even has a pledge you can sign to "Burn Calories, Not Carbon!" I like that this group was ahead of its time, and isn't just jumping on the green bandwagon, or "greenwashing" its claims.

The conservancy has a strong political arm, defending the federal railbanking statute in Congress and the courts as an essential tool to preserve unused rail corridors. Read about how you can get involved.

What do the companies that offer helicopter skiing do in the summer when the snow has melted? How about helihiking. Canadian Mountain Holidays has six lodges in Canada that serves as luxury base camps. By day you can travel to places that would normally take you many days to backpack to and still be back at the lodge for a restful evening by the fireplace. The packages include helicopter flights each day, meals, services of the guides, accommodations and gear. Three-day packages start at $2,207 (Canadian dollars).

There are also helihiking trips in New Zealand that take you to glaciers and helihikes in the Andes Mountains.

[via Town and Country]

Some people just want to kick back on vacation but if you'd rather be completely exhausted at the end of every day Timberline Adventures can help. They run bicycling and hiking tours throughout the Western United States for those who are interested in experiencing the countryside on an intimate level. They have 25 years of experience and have created a variety of tours from four or five day jaunts to a 12-day trip through Montana or an 18-day Lewis and Clark adventure through the Dakotas. The tours are done in groups from eight to 15 people and tour prices include accommodations, breakfasts and dinners. The Montana Magic tour runs August 20 through 31 and costs for $3,195. Because sometimes the greatest luxury is being able to eat whatever you want at the end of the day, knowing you'll burn up every single calorie on the road the next day.