Post #17: Connecting to the Community - Highlights of the Superior Hiking Trail

When I saw that the first app for #17 was one for the Superior Hiking Trail, I knew that was the one I needed to examine in more detail.  I love the outdoors and have wanted to explore the Superior Hiking Trails for a long time.  The app itself is fairly simple, but for someone planning a trip to Minnesota's North Shore, it provides valuable information.  As an app for a mobile device, it would come in very handy while hiking the state parks and trails along the North Shore.  The app has three sections - the first is a map with with links to descriptions of trails in each area of the North Shore, with details on the local state parks, including camping spots.  The second is a summary description of the trail system with additional links, and the third has contact information for state offices related to the S.H.T. and state parks.  This app is good for travelers and tourists but could also be used for library programs.  For example, a librarian could have students explore the North Shore area as part of a student program about Minnesota State Parks or Minnesota in general.  The uses for this app are somewhat limited in an educational setting simply because it is designed specifically for hikers out on the trails.  It's important for librarians to be aware of these apps  because people visit the library looking for all kinds of resources.  If a patron inquired about information on the North Shore, I would definitely recommend it if I were the librarian helping them.  There are a lot of apps out there that serve a variety of purposes and librarians need to know about them - especially the "local apps."