Pacific Crest Trail expects more hikers thanks to movie

More hikers are expected on the Pacific Crest Trail this year thanks to the movie Wild, according to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, which preserves and promotes the trail.

The book Wild, which has been a best-seller for nearly two years, led to a small increase in inquiries about the trail, "but the movie seems to have had a much bigger effect", says Jack Haskel, trail information specialist for the Pacific Crest Trail Association. "This past December, compared to last year, our website traffic went up 300 percent."

Requests have also increased for permits for long-distance hikes on the trail.