Shenandoah goes high-tech with GPS Ranger Trail Guides

This might not be news to some of you, but it was to me when I saw this article in the Washington Post last week. Apparently Shenandoah National Park introduced a new high-tech trail guide last summer, which they call the GPS Ranger.

The GPS Ranger is paperback-size Global Positioning System device, created by a company called BarZ Adventures, which effectively replaces real-life rangers on guided hikes.

At this point the device contains recorded tours of four popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. As you walk along each of these trails, your location cues video on the roughly 4-by-2-inch screen through a GPS antenna on the back of the device, which receives signals from orbiting satellites. The video, which features park rangers, historical photos and music, correspond to sites along the trail. There’s also an on-screen map which tells you how far you are from the next stop and the next video.

Personally I think this is a great idea, especially if you’re hiking in an area steeped in history, or an area that is biologically or geologically diverse, etc. I would also have to think this could potentially be a money maker for cash strapped parks across the country.

It sounds like there are still a few kinks to work out though. The battery lasts only three to four hours. The author of the article also complained about the volume of the device. However, I don’t think you would want an electronic device like this to be too loud so as to bother other hikers.

Shenandoah charges $9.95 to rent the GPS Ranger, which some people may balk at especially during a shaky economy.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com