The Hiker Off the Trail
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A local teenager who knows every turn of the mountain trail guides a lost hiker safely back to the parking lot.
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Zeke hikes the mountain trail near his house every week. He knows every turn and every marker on the path. Today he sees a woman sitting on a rock. She looks tired, and her map is upside down.
"Are you lost?" Zeke asks.
"A little," the woman says. "My name is Astra." "I left the main trail an hour ago," she says.
Zeke looks at her map and turns it around. "You are close to the trail," he says. "Follow me. I know a shortcut back," he says.
Astra stands up and picks up her bag. They walk through the trees together.
Zeke points out a small stream to cross. "Step on the flat rocks," he tells her.
Astra follows his steps carefully across the water. Soon they reach the main trail again.
"There's the marker I remember," Astra says with a smile.
Zeke checks his watch and looks at the sky. "The parking lot is just down this hill," he says.
They walk down together and reach the cars. Astra opens her trunk and pulls out a water bottle. "Take this. Thank you for your help," she says.
Zeke takes the water and waves goodbye. He turns back up the trail toward home.
