Adirondack Trails High Peaks Region (Forest Preserve, Vol. 1) (Forest Preserve Series, V. 1) [Paperback]

Tony Goodwin (Author), Neil S. Burdick (Editor)

Book Description

Release date: April 13, 2004 | Series: Forest Preserve Series, V. 1

Adirondack Trails: High Peaks Region
GHP

First published by ADK in 1934, this new 13th edition remains the essential guide to trails of the Adirondack High Peaks region. Includes the latest trail routes, designated campsite and lean-to locations, DEC regulations, and updated trail mileages. The latest edition of the High Peaks topographic trail map is included. Edited by Tony Goodwin and Neal Burdick. 13th ed. 300 pages, 5" x 7". Softcover (includes folding map).

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Adirondack Mountain Club; 13th edition (April 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931951055
• ISBN-13: 978-1931951050
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #158,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable guide August 18, 2006

By Alyssa A. Lappen TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

If you ever travel to the Adirondacks for hiking in the High Peaks, this little guide book, complete with fold-out map, is an absolute must. It's the 2004, 13th edition of the guide first put out in the 1930s.

I wasn't around back then, but I imagine the trails have changed a bit. They're maintained very well, for the most part, but the occasional tree-fall and rock slide does alter the landscape over time, so keeping your guides up to date is a good idea.

The large, very detailed map, of course, is wonderful. But other indispensable aspects of this little book are the exact locations of the trail heads, as well as descriptions of each trail, with accurate assessments of their difficulty--easy, moderate, or difficult.

This guide will help you find the trails most suited to your abilities, and enhance your wilderness experience many times over.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable content ; 13th edition very poorly packaged September 7, 2009

By J. Murray

The ADK's High Peaks Region guide has always been, and remains, THE indispensable tool for those exploring the Adirondacks High Peaks Region. The content is extremely informative, well written, and well organized. Thanks to the writers and editors over the years for providing such a book.

My main criticism is with the packaging of this 13th Edition.
Over the years, each subsequent edition of the book has become less and less hiker-friendly by increasing in cover size (height x width) while decreasing in page count/thickness. The package designers must be made aware that this is not a paperback novel to be read once in bed then discarded, but is a tool to be carried in one's pocket and consulted often in wilderness environments over many years.
The 13th Edition's larger height x width makes it impossible to fit in most pockets.

Additionally, while past editions have been sturdily stitch-bound, with rounded page corners, and a semi-stiff water-resistant cover, the 13th Edition is only adhesive-bound, square cornered, and sports a standard flimsy paperback cover. The result is that my new 13th Edition is showing significant wear after only ONE OUTING: curled, wrinkled and shredding cover; curling and ragged (square) page corners; glued-in pages already separating from the binding. My 11th and 12th Editions were carried for over a decade each on dozens of outings and both still look newer than my "brand new" 13th Edition.
The publishers have told me that the inferior construction was to minimize the price. As this book only gets revised every decade or so, I believe most of us would spend a bit more money for a sturdier version that will last a full 10 years.

My only criticism with the actual content is an editorial revision to the High Peaks List Appendix. While the new revision does contain a note that not all of the famous "original 46" peaks are actually over 4000 feet in elevation, there is no longer any indication of WHICH of those under-4000 peaks are members of the "46" list. Since this book is basically the "bible" of the 46'ers, it seems like a major omission. (by the way, they are Blake, Cliff, Nye, and Couchsachraga according to my 12th Edition)

In conclusion, if you plan to hike in the Adirondack High Peaks Region, buy this book, but hope that a reprint having a better thought-out package is released soon.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars As it claims-- the essential guide February 24, 2011

By Kellie

Amazon Verified Purchase

It's all here. If you're hiking in the Adirondacks, you're probably doing it in the High Peaks region. The guide is compact and includes a topographical map. It is not so compact that I actually want to carry it with me on a hike though--I like to travel really, really light. But, I suppose it would not be too much if you want to put it in your pack. The new edition is not as sturdy as my earlier edition.
Sometimes I found the index to be a bit confusing. You look for a trail head in the index and then are directed to about 7 different hikes. I'm probably not clear on what my confusion is and perhaps it is specific to me. That is a definite possibility.
The authors make a case for staying away from the more well traveled hikes. I wish that I had heeded their advice and skipped Mt. Marcy. The view was expansive at the top, and it was not too bad on the way up, but criminy-- the path is so root ridden and rutted that it killed my knees and feet on the way back. So heed my warning! There are plenty of hikes listed that provide much more solitude, have great views, and a less worn trail.
The authors are very clear in describing how well marked a trail is and if any bushwhacking is required.