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[[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Appalachian-trail-maps.jpg|right|frame]] ==Origin== [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English], perhaps from Anglo-French ''trailer'', alteration of ''trainer'' to drag, trail on the ground [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13th_century 13th Century] ==Defiinitions== *1a : to hang down so as to drag along or sweep the ground :b : to extend over a [[surface]] in a loose or straggling [[manner]] <a vine that trails over the ground> :c : to grow to such length as to droop over toward the ground <trailing branches of a weeping birch> *2a : to walk or proceed draggingly, heavily, or wearily : plod, trudge :b : to lag behind : do poorly in [[relation]] to others *3: to move, [[flow]], or extend slowly in thin streams <smoke trailing from chimneys> *4a : to extend in an erratic or uneven [[course]] or line : straggle :b : dwindle <her voice trailing off> *5: to follow a ''trail'' : track game ==Description== A '''trail''' (also track, byway) is a ''path'' with a rough beaten or dirt/stone [[surface]] used for travel. Trails may be for use only by walkers and in some places are the main [[access]] route to remote settlements. Some trails can also be used for hiking, cycling, or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-country_skiing cross-country skiing] and less often for moving cattle herds and other livestock. Trail often denotes a hiking trail. Historically the term was used for a route into or through wild territory used by [[emigrants]] (e.g. the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Trail Oregon Trail]). In the early years of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century 20th century] the term auto trail was used for a marked highway route, and trail is now also used to designate routes, including highway routes, designated for tourist interest (e.g. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Historic_Trail National Historic Trails], the Cabot Trail and Quilt Trail). The term trail has also been used by developers and urban [[planners]] for a variety of [[modern]] paved roads, highways, and boulevards. A particularly unusual use of the term is in the province of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], Canada, which has multi-lane freeways called "trails". In Australia, the term track can be used interchangeably with trail, and can refer to anything from a dirt road to an unpaved [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footpath pedestrian path]. The term trail gained popularity during [[World War II]], when many servicemen from the United States were stationed in Australia, which probably influenced its being adopted by elements of the Australian media at the time (see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokoda_Track Kokoda Track]). In New Zealand, the term track is used almost exclusively except in reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-country_skiing cross-country skiing]. In the United Kingdom, the term ''trail'' is used, but mostly for longer distance walking routes through open country with rough surfacing. In England and Wales, the government-promoted long-distance paths are known as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Trails National Trails]. Generally the term [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footpath footpath] is preferred for pedestrian routes, but is used for urban paths and sometimes in place of pavement, as well as longer distance trails. Track is used for wider paths (wide enough for vehicles), often used for hiking. The terms bridleway, byway, restricted byway are all recognised legal terms and to a greater or lesser extent in general usage.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail] ==See also== *'''''[[Trail Blazing]]''''' [[Category: Geography]]

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