A comparison of hiker engagement with a trail information kiosk before and after the introduction of redesigned, localized information.

Background

Trail information kiosks, typically present at trail heads on the Appalachian Trail, are used to convey information to hikers and other trail users, including maps, rules, and Leave No Trace ethics. We had observed a general neglect of the kiosks: the information was often dated, faded, and unspecific to the location, and hikers rarely acknowledged or visited them. We wondered whether hikers would be more likely to stop and view a kiosk updated with current and local information.

Methods

We recorded hikers’ engagement with a kiosk—whether they stopped, and, if so, how long they stopped—both before and after updating the kiosk information. The updated kiosk information included: a map of the local section of the Appalachian trail, with mileage and points of interest, current trail rules and contact information, and an overview of Leave No Trace principles. Structured observation was used to formalize data collection and support data analysis.

Results

Hikers were more likely to view the information, and view the information for longer, after current, local information was added to the kiosk. The results were particularly significant for thru hikers — long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail. The trail information kiosks, while an old and analog technology, can provide a valuable, point-of-need information source for Appalachian Trail hikers.

Status

We are currently drafting a paper to formally report the findings of our assessment.