Backpacker satisfaction, expectations and use levels in an eastern forest setting.

Abstract

For most backpackers interviewed on two trails in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the number of parties met on the trail had little effect on their satisfaction. When use levels were well below expectations, most people were unaffected while a few were more satisfied. When use was much higher than expected, most still remained unaffected while a few indicated some dissatisfaction. Privacy and solitude while hiking did not seem to be of great importance in these two settings.