Every hiking website seems to tell you the same things: the distance, the elevation gain, and maybe a few photos.

But those aren’t always the questions hikers really want answered.

When does the parking lot fill up? Is the trailhead well marked? Are there bathrooms? What does the trail actually look like? And is that view really worth the climb?

That’s why TrailBriefs was created.

TrailBriefs gives you short, practical videos that show you what a hike is really like—from the trailhead and key turns to the terrain and the views. In about a minute, you’ll get a feel for the hike and know what to expect before you leave home.

No 20-minute hiking vlog. No endless searching. Just a quick TrailBrief to help you decide if the hike is right for you.

I’m Jeff Wiegand, a Maryland-based hiker, software developer and author. When I’m not writing books or developing websites, you’ll usually find me exploring a trail somewhere. While I’ve hiked in Australia, Sweden, and the Netherlands, many of my favorite hikes have been closer to home. I’ve completed Maryland’s 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath, the Catoctin National Recreation Trail in a single day, and I’m always looking for the next trail that’s worth sharing.

My goal isn’t to hike the hardest trails or travel to the most exotic destinations. It’s to help everyday hikers make better decisions and discover great places to explore.

Whether you’re looking for a quick evening walk, a challenging day hike, or simply wondering if a trail is worth the drive, I hope TrailBriefs helps you spend less time searching and more time enjoying the outdoors.

I hope to see you on a trail one day.