Ep 8. Trailblazers

In Aerial America season 3 episode 8, titled "Trailblazers," viewers are taken on a journey through some of the United States' most historic and scenic hiking trails. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Grand Canyon, this episode explores the landscapes and stories that make these trails so iconic.

The episode begins with a look at the Appalachian Trail, which runs for over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Viewers are able to see the diverse range of ecosystems that the trail passes through, including the wooded hills of Virginia and the rocky terrain of New Hampshire's White Mountains. Along the way, the episode highlights the trailblazers who helped create and maintain the trail, including Myron Avery and Benton MacKaye.

Next, the show takes viewers to the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches over 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada. This trail runs through some of the most stunning landscapes in the western United States, including the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Cascade Range. As the episode explores the trail, viewers learn about its history, including its establishment by the US Forest Service in the 1960s.

The episode then moves on to the Grand Canyon, which is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in the country. Viewers are able to see the canyon from an aerial perspective, highlighting the stunning rock formations and vast expanse of the canyon. The episode also explores the history of human exploration in the area, including the efforts of John Wesley Powell, who led a series of expeditions through the canyon in the late 1800s.

Moving on to the west coast, viewers are shown the beauty of the John Muir Trail. This 211-mile trail runs through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California and passes through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. Along the way, viewers learn about John Muir, the naturalist and writer who explored the Sierra Nevada Mountains and helped to inspire the creation of national parks in the United States.

Finally, the episode explores the beauty of the Colorado Trail, which spans 500 miles through the Rocky Mountains. While this trail is not as well-known as others featured in the episode, it still offers some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Viewers are shown the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, as well as the unique flora and fauna that thrive in the area.

Throughout "Trailblazers," viewers are provided with a unique perspective on some of the most iconic hiking trails in the United States. The episode highlights the beauty and diversity of the American landscape, as well as the important role that trailblazers have played in creating these trails. By the end of the episode, viewers are sure to have a newfound appreciation for the beauty and history of these incredible hiking trails.