/r/DesirePath

Photograph via snooOG

Dedicated to the paths that humans prefer, rather than the paths that humans create.

Dedicated to the paths that humans prefer

Rather than the paths that humans create


Guidelines

Posts that do not follow these guidelines may be subject to removal at mod/community discretion.

Every post is required to be a picture of a path, discussion on the paths, or otherwise related to paths. (A path here shall be an area used to get between two or more points, the path must be used by a living thing).

  • Worn tracks don't necessarily constitute a desire path.
  • Avoid posts of animals in zoos.
  • Try to ensure your path is an apparent disregard for designated paths.

From Wikipedia

A desire path (also known as a desire line, social trail, goat track or bootleg trail) can be a path created as a consequence of foot or bicycle traffic. The path usually represents the shortest or most easily navigated route between an origin and destination. The width of the path and its erosion are indicators of the amount of use the path receives. Desire paths emerge as shortcuts where constructed ways take a circuitous route, or have gaps, or are lacking entirely.

Nature Conservation and Desire Paths:

Are you a hiking fan? Do you enjoy your national parks for their natural beauty?

Please consider the following: the use of these paths in nature conservation areas should be discouraged due to the harm to the vegetation. Additionally, people should stick to the predetermined trails for their safety—just because a path is there doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Desire paths in developed urban areas generally don't cause disruption to the ecosystem the same way they would in conservation sites.

PSA by u/ibettershutup


You are encouraged to find desire paths of your community and post pictures of them here.


Related Subreddits

/r/DesirePath

336,700 Subscribers

45

Well established

1 Comment
2024/09/18
13:44 UTC

1,089

I’m ecstatic. I no longer have to feel bad for using the shortcut.

They also planted the tree. Beautiful.

7 Comments
2024/09/18
01:40 UTC

192

Defiant path

2 Comments
2024/09/17
22:09 UTC

66

Tiny one in local playing fields🥹

I find small ones sooo cute!

0 Comments
2024/09/17
13:07 UTC

22

Boston Express Bus Station, Nashua NH

2 Comments
2024/09/17
11:52 UTC

23

Next to a school

0 Comments
2024/09/17
07:29 UTC

100

A path in my University, which is full of these.

2 Comments
2024/09/17
07:14 UTC

15

Desire path for bikers (mostly)

0 Comments
2024/09/17
05:56 UTC

34

Huge desire path to the Paris Beauvais Aeroport

0 Comments
2024/09/17
05:50 UTC

303

Dude walked through it just then

7 Comments
2024/09/16
22:15 UTC

47

Steeper, but faster at Byron Bay lighthouse (Australia)

2 Comments
2024/09/16
17:44 UTC

184

Corner was a bit too steep, wasn’t it?

1 Comment
2024/09/16
07:01 UTC

75

Cut that corner!

Gresham, Oregon.

1 Comment
2024/09/16
06:22 UTC

89

A found desired path on my run

3 Comments
2024/09/15
23:05 UTC

80

found one! (ignore my friend dropping his bread)

9 Comments
2024/09/15
22:07 UTC

24

Desire so strong to remove a segment of this wall

1 Comment
2024/09/15
21:42 UTC

71

Roof stones at work

6 Comments
2024/09/15
19:18 UTC

190

Sheep and their path, somewhere on the German north sea coast

1 Comment
2024/09/15
15:41 UTC

47

Subtle

Chile

0 Comments
2024/09/15
08:40 UTC

175

Desire path at my college campus

3 Comments
2024/09/15
04:37 UTC

56

beautiful one near my house

0 Comments
2024/09/14
22:11 UTC

33

who even wants to walk around corners??

0 Comments
2024/09/14
22:06 UTC

338

Just makes sense

Why go around the tree? Another smaller path for when first one gets muddy. Illinois

5 Comments
2024/09/14
14:19 UTC

61

The path me and my buddies made over the years going to and from the smoke spot under the bridge

1 Comment
2024/09/13
21:44 UTC

128

Small one

4 Comments
2024/09/13
19:12 UTC

69

Cute lil path

0 Comments
2024/09/13
17:48 UTC

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