About Outdoor Paths:

Purpose: 
As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to hike and paddle throughout many parts of our nation's backcountry and find those "special places." I decided to start the Outdoor Paths Map Store to share my love of visiting our wild places. I am committed to providing the best maps and guidebooks to help you in planning your next adventure and finding your own "special place."

Providing you with guidebooks and maps, however, is only part of the job. Outdoor Paths is also committed to using our backcountry responsibly and in making your experiences safe and enjoyable ones. Please visit the Links page for a list of organizations that provide additional information, education, and/or training to help you plan your travels.  

Besides focusing on outdoor pursuits, The Outdoor Paths Map Store also stocks a wide variety of wall maps, thematic maps, international maps, as well as road maps and atlases. We also have a growing book section that includes not only your favorite guidebooks but also travel guides, books on the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway, field guides, and kids books while the narratives page gives you an armchair perspective of some great adventures.

Being located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, we also have a great selection of books focusing on Southern Literature and History.

We want to hear from you. E-mail us with your comments or suggestions (larry@outdoorpaths.com) or just to share your favorite outdoor "special place" or experience.

Happy trails, 
           Larry Odoski 

Why The Turtle As Our Logo?
Symbolically, the Turtle has been representative of the earth and is our guide to respecting its many resources while also teaching us perseverance and patience.

One of the great creation stories in Native American literature tells of the time when there was only water and no place for the people and animals to live. Turtle, the water mother, made a great sacrifice and let the first people pack mud on her back that grew and became known as Turtle Island, the land we now live on.  Thus, many Native Americans call the North American Continent Turtle Island. 

During our travels on the various "outdoor paths" of the world, we should heed the message of the Turtle and slow down so that we may enjoy and appreciate all that is around us. 

Books About Turtle Island: 
To learn more about the legends of Turtle Island, the symbolic teachings of the animals, and other Native American Mythology refer to the following books:

A Dictionary of Creation Myths. David Adams Leeming, Margaret Adams Leeming (Contributor) / Paperback / Published 1996

Dictionary of Native American Mythology (Oxford Paperback Reference).  Sam D. Gill, Irene F. Sullivan (Contributor) / Paperback / Published 1994 

Living Stories of the Cherokee.  Barbara R. Duncan (Editor), Davey Arch (Editor) / Paperback / Published 1998

The Sacred Tree: Reflections on Native American Spirituality.  Judie Bopp, et al Paperback Published 1985

Spirits of the Earth : A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, and Ceremonies. Bobby Lake-Thom, Robert Lake-Thom / Paperback / August 1997

Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons. Joseph Bruchac, et al Paperback / Published 1997

Tunkashila: From the Birth of Turtle Island to the Blood of Wounded Knee. Gerald Hausman / Paperback / Published 1994 

Turtle Island Alphabet : A Lexicon of Native American Symbols and Culture.  Gerald Hausman, N. Scott Momaday (Introduction) / Paperback Reprint edition, May 1993

Zuni Fetishes: Using Native American Objects for Meditation, Reflection, and Insight. Hal Zina, Ph.D. Bennett, Timothy