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Motorcycle Book Store > Motorcycle books beginning with B
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Backpacker Magazine's Guide to the Appalachian Trail |
Author: Jim Chase
Published: 2005-04 |
List price: $19.95
Our price: $15.96
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Usually ships in 24 hours
As of: July 04th, 2008 02:54:22 AM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 Superb History of the Trail and Section-Hiker's Guide
This well-written book is not only useful, but it's also fun to read. The author obviously did a ton of research on the formation of the trail, its founders, and its purpose -- a linear park system accessible to city-dwellers on the east coast.
Mr. Chase includes a lot of useful information about sections of the AT, but this book is not one you'd use in place of a map or a trail guide. Instead, it characterizes the sections state-by-state, giving readers an idea of the feel of the terrain and what it's like to hike each part. It's really useful when picking a section for a trip, and to give hikers some very satisfying background information on the guys who thought up our beloved AT! The newly updated edition of the book also improved on the information included in the older version.
If you just want a trail guide, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a book that puts the AT in context and helps pick areas for dayhikes or longer section hikes, this is the book for you!
 look to other sources
You would be better served to get "The Appalachian Trail: A Visitor's Companion." It is more up to date, gives just as much information about the route of the AT in just one of its chapters and then goes on to tell you almost everything you would want to know about the natural world through which the trail passes.
 Contains basic/summary info about the trail
In preparation for my own thru-hike of the Appalachian trail, I am systematically reading as many books on this subject as I can. Jim Chase provides basic/summary information of what one can expect along the trail. Each chapter describes a section of the trail, providing background on the geology, history, and features of each section. Does not contain any photographs, other than the cover. Maps are rudimentary, but give you the basic idea. The author sometimes provides tips and solutions to specific challenges along the trail, but these are few and far between. I was constantly frustrated over the fact that the book describes the trail from North to South, while the majority of thru-hikers travel South to North. Then again, it never promised to be a Thru-Hiker's guide. I recommend this book as a good starting point for those just learning about the Appalachian Trail. If you are looking for more detailed information about each section of the trail, you will need to consult the other references available.
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