Splendid Was the Trail (Second Edition)

A Journey Through the Early Days of the U.S. Forest Service

Step back into the rugged "Stetson-hat era" of American forestry with Kenneth D. Swan's vivid memoir and photography collection. From 1911 to 1947, Swan's career captures the spirit and challenges of forest rangers who rode horseback through Montana, northern Idaho, and western South Dakota, shaping the wild landscapes we cherish today.

• Authentic, first-person accounts of patrolling, firefighting, trail-building, and timber cruising in the early 20th century
• Rare, iconic photographs showcasing backcountry life, remote ranger stations, and pioneering smokejumpers
• Insights into the Civilian Conservation Corps and home front hardships during WWII
• A rich historical portrait of America's conservation roots and the evolving Forest Service mission

For readers fascinated by wilderness, history, and the untold stories of America's forests, this new edition is a gateway to the bygone era of intrepid rangers and wild frontiers.