Skip to main content

Type Hike Offers Visual Reminder of our Stunning National Parks Through Design

typehike-16x9
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Given the current political landscape, there’s never been a more important time to support our national park system.

Just like our diversity, the natural beauty of our protected lands is a pretty substantial piece of what makes America so great.

That’s why projects like Type Hike matter.

Founded last summer by designer friends David Rygiol and James Louis Walker, the endeavor invited select designers from around the country to submit poster art celebrating each of America’s National Parks.

“The first one was all invitation,” Rygiol says.

The result was an assembly of more than 45 gorgeous posters thematically representing the essence of each locale.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

With plenty of positive momentum, Rygiol and Walker are set to launch the next lineup of posters May 1 – this time, celebrating our National Lakes and Seashores.

“Many of them see their highest visitor numbers during the summer months, so the timing makes sense,” Rygiol says.

They’ll cover 16 stunning shorelines and lakeshores in total. They opened up the submission process and finalized an impressive contributor list including Portland’s Aaron Draplin and NYC-based Gail Anderson. They encouraged designers to submit ideas related to areas they may have traveled to as a child or had special memories of from a prior trip.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

And just like before, each designer donated his/her time and expertise. 100% of profits will go back to the National Park System.

Rygiol says two official launches of the new collection are on tap, with more later in the year. The first will be at Poler’s Laguna Beach store on May 4-31 and the second will be later in New York City.

This summer, they’re taking Type Hike on the road. They’re teaming up with outfitters Everywhere Goods as the official poster partner for Wander in the West, a series of Instagram meetups celebrating destinations in the Western US.

“One of our big values is collaborations,” Rygiol says.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

In essence, Type Hike is a testament to the power of collaboration for the greater good. The stunning collection of posters certainly offers new perspective on our nation’s natural wonders at a time when they need it most.

With additional projects in the pipeline bringing attention to endangered animals and long-distance trails, that perspective will continue as an important directive in the months to come.

The National Lakes and Seashores Collection will go on sale May 1 here.

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Nudelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff is a former contributor to The Manual. He's a native Oregonian who’s always up for a good challenge and a great hike…
These national parks have the most gorgeous winter hiking trails
Here are some of the best national parks for winter hiking.
Teton National Park in winter.

As the winter season starts to creep into your favorite US national parks, you might be thinking that it's time to put away your hiking boots. Not so fast! There are several national parks that have trails open during the winter time. In this article, we'll discuss four gorgeous national parks and what hiking opportunities lie in store for you.

Yellowstone National Park
While many roads are closed at Yellowstone National Park during the winter season, there are several trails that remain accessible to hikers. You'll need to go to the North entrance in Montana because that's the only one that's open in winter. They have guided skiing and snowshoeing tours. Roads can close in snowy weather, so make sure you check the conditions before you visit.

Read more
Grand Canyon closures expected to last into 2025 – what to know before you go hiking or camping
Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? Hold that thought
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? You'd better hold that thought. The National Park Service has just announced a series of closures for various trails and campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park that could impact your trip. Fortunately, they aren't permanent, and they are mostly construction-related closures. In this article, we will explore the details of these closures, their expected durations, and the importance of adhering to the guidelines set forth by the National Park Service.
Grand Canyon North Rim closures
The Transcanyon Waterline construction-related closures will affect several popular areas within the Grand Canyon. The closures are as follows:

Silver Bridge: September 15 to December 31, 2025.

Read more
Forget overcrowded national parks – these are the best hiking trails in national forests
Enjoy nature the way it was intended — without hordes of tourists
Pisgah National Forest yellow flowers with pine trees.

National parks are full of majestic landscapes and are among the most sought-after vacation spots in the country. But as beautiful as they are, these parks often suffer from a curse of their own success -- overcrowding. The sheer volume of visitors can sometimes shatter the tranquility of nature, making it difficult to fully appreciate the serenity you sought. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the best hiking spots in national forests, where you can escape the throngs of tourists in the national parks and reconnect with the great outdoors.

Pisgah National Forest: North Carolina
Catawba Falls Trail
With an elevation of 1,932 feet and a hiking distance of just 3 miles, the Catawba Falls Trail is a perfect escape from crowded national parks. Located in the southeastern reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this trail leads to the enchanting Catawba Falls, formed by the headwaters of the Catawba River. Along the way, hikers are treated to the sight of not one, but two beautiful waterfalls, making this hike a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
South Toe River Loop
For a longer but equally serene hike, the South Toe River Loop offers an elevation of 3,282 feet and a 3.5-mile journey. Starting and ending at the Black Mountain Campground, this trail winds its way along the river, flanked by towering trees and majestic mountains.
Graveyard Fields Trail
With an elevation of 5,289 feet and a hiking distance of 2.9 miles, the Graveyard Fields Trail is a fantastic hike along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Named after the stumps that dot the landscape, resembling gravestones, this trail isn't only rich in natural beauty but also steeped in history. It's an excellent place for foraging blueberries or catching a glimpse of a black bear, offering a unique and adventurous experience for hikers.

Read more