About Roots Rated

RootsRated.com was founded in 2012 by Dawson Wheeler, Co-Owner of Rock/Creek, Horny Toad Activewear, Mark McKnight, and Fynn Glover. Frustrated, while on a nationwide roadtrip, by an inability to find good information for the best local things to do, Fynn was inspired to create a tool that would simplify the way people discover and access the most memorable outdoor recreation. Every time he got to a new city, he wished he could ask a local to recommend the best places to go trail running, or kayaking, or rock climbing. Fynn started sketching some ideas, and after getting outdoor industry leaders Dawson, Horny Toad, and Mark on board, we began our journey to build a better way to tap into the very best of local outdoor recreation. The first thing we did was partner with the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance--an alliance of only the best independent specialty outdoor retailers around the country. Now we’re working to provide people with the best local trail runs, hiking trails, paddling routes, bike rides, rock climbing, and more in select cities across the country--always according to local grassroots experts.

Our site inclues:

• Exclusive access to the best hikes, climbs, rides, trail runs, paddling routes & more
• Location- and activity-based recommendations
• Curated by Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retailers

Our site does not include:

• Mediocre crowd-sourced reviews
• Thousands of unedited posts to wade through
• Out-of-date information

We’re obsessed with providing active locals and travelers with the most authentic local knowledge of a city’s outdoor identity.