Historic Trails Program Guide
Historic Trails Guide This Guide serves as an introduction to the Transatlantic Council Historic Trail Program. Across Europe, TAC members have created 16 Historic Trails across cities, big and small, in seven different countries as part of Eagle Scout service projects, Wood Badge tickets or other service projects. Lots of hard work and research has gone into making each Historic Trail a fun and enjoyable learning experience while also getting Scouts and Scouters out for a hike! A brief description of each trail along with pertinent information is included in this guide. If you notice any changes or updates to this guide or any of the Trail Field Guides, please send them to Admin@tac-bsa.org or post them on the TAC Nation Facebook Group Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/27951084309/. This guide can be printed as a 8 x 5 inch pamphlet or read on a tablet or smartphone. Front Cover: Scouts of Troop 69, Kaiserslautern, Germany take part in the Omaha Beach-Normandy Historic Trail during the 2017 Normandy Camporee. Front Cover Inset: Scouts of Troop 107, Wiesbaden, Germany hike the Sergeant York's Steps trail as part of the Meuse-Argonne Historic Trail. 2
Table of Contents Historic Trails Program... 4 Getting Prepared. 5 Trail Location Map. 6 Trails in Austria....7 Trails in Belgium... 9-12 Trails in England 13-14 Trails in France... 15-18 Trails in Germany 19-24 Trails in Italy... 25-28 Trails in the Netherlands.29-30 Links for Trail Maps.. 31 Trail Awards & Patches.. 32 Trail Completion Checklist... 33 Notes 34-35 3
Historic Trails Program The Historic Trails Award honors Scouts and Scouters who bring history to life. For too many of us, History was a subject in school that involved memorization of the names of faceless dead people and dates of events that we had difficulty relating to. There was no obvious relevance to our lives. As a result, many adults and children want little to do with History. For that reason, a variety of Historic Trails have been established to make available to the general public information about the history of the areas in which they are located. While walking by the sites of actual historical events (rather than reading about them), you can get a feel of the times and people who helped form countries and communities. By walking the many battlegrounds, you can see how the armies conducted their campaigns, an activity far more valuable and interesting than rote memorization of casualty statistics and dates. Even if you are not interested in patches and medals, a walk along the hike route while reading the written hike plan provided by the sponsor can provide a much better appreciation for the history of the area, as compared to what you can get from simply reading a textbook. 4
Getting Prepared Just like with any hike (or any activity in Scouting), the Historic Trail program starts with Being Prepared. 1. Review the appropriate Historic Trail Field Guide in detail. 2. Check local conditions and weather. 3. Study and Practice with the map and compass. 4. Pack rain gear and other weather-appropriate gear. 5. Take plenty of water. 6. Make sure socks and hiking shoes or boots fit correctly and are broken in. 7. Pack a first aid kit, "just in case." 8. Discuss the day's activities, so there are no surprises; discuss safe hiking. 9. Ensure Two-Deep Leadership at all times. 10. Check the Quick Quiz and keep it with you on the trail. 5
Historic Trails across the Transatlantic Council Color Country Austria Belgium England France Germany Italy Netherlands 6
Trails in Austria Vienna Historic Trail 7
Vienna Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 48 12'36.4"N16 21'30.7"E Address: Rathausplatz1,1010 Wien Length: ~6 km Time: 3-5 hours Difficulty: Easy (handicap accessible) Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy not currently available Open to: Hikers Trail Route: Vienna Historic Trail Description: The Vienna Trail focuses on the center of the city tracing the history of Vienna from the Habsburg Empire to the present day. Along the way, you will see palaces, statues, monuments, government buildings and many other sights! Award: There was a patch available for this trail in the past but it is currently not in stock at the TAC Scout Shop. We are working to get it in stock so please check our website. This trail does qualify for a certificate of completion that is available on-line. 8
Trails in Belgium Flanders Field Historic Trail Waterloo Historic Trail Bastogne Historic Trail 9
Bastogne Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 50 00'02.7"N,5 42 55.0"E Address: Place Général McAuliffe33, 6600 Bastogne Length: ~7 km Time: 3-5 hours Difficulty: Easy (handicap accessible) Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy Open to: Hikers & Bikers Trail Route: Bastogne Historic Trail Description: The Bastogne Trail focuses on the city of Bastogne and its role in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. You will see numerous war monuments and memorials along with a museum along the route. There is also an optional hike to the perimeter of the battlefield. Award: To earn the Battle of the Bulge Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 10
Flanders Field Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 50 51'03.7"N2 53'07.8"E Address: Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ieper Length: Hike 4km, Bike - 32km Time: Hike 1.5-3 hours, Bike 5-8 hours Difficulty: Easy (handicap accessible) Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy not currently available Open to: Hikers & Bikers Trail Route: Flanders Field Historic Trail Description: The Flanders Field Trail focuses on the town of Ypres and its role in the several major battels between the British and Germans in World War I. Award: There was a patch available for this trail in the past but it is currently not in stock at the TAC Scout Shop (as of March 2018). We are working to get it in stock so please check our website. This trail does qualify for a certificate of completion that is available on-line. 11
Waterloo Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 50 38'45.8"N4 25'14.4"E Address: Chausséede Bruxelles 66, 1472 Genappe Length: 10km Time: 5-6 hours Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Type of Trail: Combination (Paved/Dirt) Trail Use: Light to Moderate Open to: Hikers & Bikers Trail Route: Waterloo Historic Trail Description: The Waterloo Trail focuses on the Battle of Waterloo between Napoleon s French Army and the Allied Army led by the British General Wellington. Award: To earn the Waterloo Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 12
Trails in England London Historic Trail 13
London Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 51 30'13.3"N0 06'43.9"W Address: York Rd, Lambeth, London SE17ND Length: 10km Time: 4-6 hours Difficulty: Easy (handicap accessible) Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy Open to: Hikers & Bikers Trail Route: London Historic Trail Description: The London Trail focuses on the center of the city along the River Thames and takes you past numerous historical sites from the iconic Tower Bridge and Westminster Abbey to the original Twining's Tea Shop and the Ye Old Cheshire Cheese where Charles Dickens was a regular! Award: To earn the London Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 14
Trails in France Normandy Historic Trail Meuse-Argonne Paris Historic Trail Historic Trail 15
Meuse Argonne Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 49 20'02.8"N5 05'22.2"E Address: 55110 Romagne-Sous-Montfaucon Length: 5km of hiking plus driving Time: 8 hours Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Type of Trail: Combination (Paved/Dirt) Trail Use: Light to Moderate Open to: Hikers Trail Route: Meuse Argonne Historic Trail Description: The Meuse Argonne Trail focuses on battlefield of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive by the US Army in World War I. There are 2 short hikes and 4 required stops along the trail. Award: To earn the Meuse-Argonne Patch you must complete the hike, read The Scout Law in Battle and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz both located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 16
Normandy Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 49 21'25.9"N0 51'06.0"W Address: Rte du Cimetiere Americain, 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer Length: 5km hiking plus driving Time: 6-8 hours Difficulty: Cemetery - Easy (handicap accessible) Beach and Pointe du Hoc moderate Type of Trail: Combination (Paved/Dirt) Trail Use: Moderate Open to: Hikers Trail Route: Normandy Historic Trail Description: The Omaha Beach-Normandy Trail focuses on D-Day landing beach at Omaha from World War II. There are 3 required sites and you must drive between each of them. Award: To earn the Normandy Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 17
Paris Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 48 50'52.0"N2 15'54.3"E Address: 45 Rue d'auteuil, 75016 Paris Length: 17 km Time: 5-8 hours Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Handicap accessible Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy Open to: Hikers Trail Route: Paris Historic Trail Description: The Paris Trail focuses on Franco-American Friendship in the city and includes numerous sites linking French and Americans. Most sites can be linked to the Revolutionary War, World War I or World War II. Award: To earn the Franco-American Friendship Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 18
Trails in Germany Berlin Historic Trail Heidelberg Historic Trail Nuremberg Historic Trail 19
Outer Berlin Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 52 25'12.5"N13 10'30.9"E Address: Kronprinzessinnenweg 260, 14109 Berlin Length: 10 km Time: 2-4 hours Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Type of Trail: Combination (Hard Surface/Dirt) Trail Use: Light to Moderate Open to: Hikers & Bikers Trail Route: Berlin Historic Trail Description: This trail winds through the historic Wansee district of Berlin near the location of the former Boy Scout Camp. Along the trail, you will see classic buildings from the 1800s along with key locations from World War II and the Cold War. Award: To earn the Outer Berlin Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions 1-3 of the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 20
Inner Berlin Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 52 29'05.7"N13 20'40.7"E Address: John-F.-Kennedy-Platz 1, 10825 Berlin Length: 11 km Time: 3-6 hours Difficulty: Easy (handicap accessible) Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy Open to: Hikers & Bikers Trail Route: Berlin Historic Trail Description: The Inner Berlin Trail focuses on the center of the city with the first half in the former West Berlin and the second half in the former East Berlin. On the trail you will pass by historical sites ranging from several hundred years ago to the Cold War. Award: To earn the Inner Berlin Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions 4-15 of the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 21
Heidelberg Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 49 24 33.94 N,8 41 35.39 E Address: Bismarckplatz, 69115 Heidelberg Length: 9km Time: 6-8 hours Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy Open to: Hikers Trail Route: Heidelberg Historic Trail Description: The Heidelberg Trail focuses on the history of the city including its world-renowned university, famous castle and historic old town. Award: To earn the Heidelberg Patch you must complete the hike located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 22
Nürnberg Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 49 26'52.1"N11 04'53.4"E Address: Königstraße 2, 90402 Nürnberg Length: 4km Time: 6-8 hours Difficulty: Easy to moderate Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy Open to: Hikers & Bikers Trail Route: Nürnberg Historical Trail Description: The Nürnberg Trail focuses on the history of the city starting by the train station, wandering through old town and ending at the city s famous castle. Award: To earn the Nürnberg Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 23
Notes Intentionally Blank 24
Trails in Italy Verona Historic Trail Pisa Historic Trail Rome Historic Trail 25
Pisa Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 43 43'22.3"N10 23'35.1"E Address: Piazza Daniele Manin, 56126 Pisa Length: 5 km Time: 3-6 hours Difficulty: Easy (handicap accessible) Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Heavy Open to: Hikers Trail Route: Pisa Historic Trail Description: The Pisa Trail focuses on the area around the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa with a short hike to the Arno River at the end. Award: To earn the Pisa Historic Trail Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 26
Rome Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: no designated start point Address: Length: 5-20 km Time: 3-8 hours No Patch Currently Designed Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy Open to: Hikers Trail Route: Rome Historic Trail Description: The Rome Trail is different from other Historic Trails in that there is no set hike. You pick at least 5 sites from the Trail Guide and then visit them along whatever route you would like to hike. You will probably see Roman antiquities along with Roman Catholic sites along your chosen route.. Award: There is no patch available for this trail but TAC is working to design one (as of March 2018). This trail does qualify for a certificate available on-line. 27
Verona Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 45 26'17.2"N10 59'29.4"E Address: Corso Porta Nuova 1, 37122 Verona Length: 5 km Time: 3-5 hours Difficulty: Easy (handicap accessible) Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy Open to: Hikers Trail Route: Verona Historic Trail Description: The Verona Trail focuses on the center of the city with the where you will pass by the local Roman arena, learn about Shakespeare s Romeo and Juliet and end by the River Adige. Award: To earn the Verona Historic Trail Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 28
Trails in the Netherlands The Hague Peace Historic Trail 29
Hague Peace Historic Trail Location of Trailhead: Lat/Long: 52 05'19.4"N4 16'51.8"E Address: Stadhouderslaan 37, 2517HV Den Haag Length: 2 km Time: 4 hours Difficulty: Easy (handicap accessible) Type of Trail: Paved Trail Use: Moderate not currently available Open to: Hikers & Bikers Trail Route: Hague Peace Historic Trail Description: The Hague Peace Trail focuses on the Peace Palace which houses the World Court of Justice and the Museon, a science and culture museum. Award: To earn the Hague Peace Trail Patch you must complete the hike and answer questions from the Historic Trail Quiz located in the Field Guide. This trail also qualifies for a certificate available on-line. 30
Screenshot from the London Trail Map Links for Trail Maps Austria: Vienna Historic Trail Belgium: Bastogne Historic Trail Flanders Field Historic Trail Waterloo Historic Trail England: London Historic Trail France: Meuse Argonne Historic Trail Normandy Historic Trail Paris Historic Trail Germany: Berlin Historic Trail Heidelberg Historic Trail Nürnberg Historical Trail Italy: Pisa Historic Trail Rome Historic Trail Verona Historic Trail Netherlands: Hague Peace Historic Trail These links will open up a Trail Map in Google Maps with all the various sites and routes highlighted. You can view the maps with an internet browser or the Goggle Maps app for your phone or tablet. 31
Historic Trail Awards The following Historic Trails have Patches available from the TAC Scout Shop as of March 2018 for $5 each: AUSTRIA: Vienna Historic Trail (not in stock) BELGIUM: Bastogne Historic Trail Waterloo Historic Trail Flanders Field Historic Trail (not in stock) ENGLAND: London Historic Trail FRANCE: Meuse Argonne Historic Trail Paris Historic Trail GERMANY: Inner Berlin Historic Trail Heidelberg Historical Trail ITALY: Pisa Historic Trail Verona Historic Trail Normandy Historical Trail Outer Berlin Historic Trail Nürnberg Historic Trail Rome Historic Trail (no patch designed) NETHERLANDS: Hague Peace Trail (not in stock) Please check the TAC Scout Shop page to see if additional patches are now available. We hope to have patches for the Vienna, Flanders Field, and Rome Trails available soon. Check each trail page in this guide for criteria to earn each patch. Additionally, there is a Certificate of Completion for each trail available on the TAC Historic Trails website at http://tac-bsa.org/resources/historic-trails/. 32
Completed Trails Checklist Keep track of the Trails you have completed below! AUSTRIA Vienna Historic Trail BELGIUM Bastogne Historic Trail Flanders Field Historic Trail Waterloo Historic Trail ENGLAND: London Historic Trail FRANCE: Meuse Argonne Historic Trail Normandy Historical Trail Paris Historic Trail GERMANY: Inner Berlin Historic Trail Outer Berlin Historic Trail Heidelberg Historical Trail Nürnberg Historic Trail ITALY: Pisa Historic Trail Rome Historic Trail Verona Historic Trail NETHERLANDS: Hague Peace Trail Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : Date : 33
Notes 34
Notes 35
This Historic Trails Program Guide was put together by members of the Transatlantic Council in 2018. Additional information on the TAC Historic Trails Program in the Transatlantic Council area can be found at http://tacbsa.org/program/historic-trails/ or by scanning the QR Code below. Updated 23 March 2018