Customer Reviews

Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts-Connecticut

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Following a general introductory part, the guidebook gives a description of each section of the AT in MA and CT (a trail section is roughly a 10 mile or so segment, generally cut by notable roads). The description consists of two portions: general and historic information (nearby towns, sites, camping, etc.) and trail description. The latter is a list of mileage points and directions. While it is very dry, it provides precisely the information one needs for hiking the AT. The water-resistant (plastic-like) maps are very detailed. A rather unusual feature is charts showing elevation change versus distance traveled.

In principle, either the maps or the book are sufficient to follow the trail, though each conveys useful additional information. Some people might perhaps find the two way too detailed and narrowly focused. In contrast to more comprehensive guidebooks (such as the White Mountain Guide), it describes little more than the AT (a few side trails are described), but in my view it does a fantastic job at what it sets out to. I have used this guidebook in MA and generally found it to be very accurate, even though it is 8 years old.

This book tells you what you need to know to hike the trail over these sections. The maps are accurate. It even includes sections on flora, fauna and geology of the region and hinking saftey.

This is simple. The book is so so. There are definitely better guides that give you info on backpacking in CT and Mass. The only reason you should buy this product is for the maps. The maps are AWESOME! The detail is excelent and the map paper is water resistant. The book is lackluster and dull. The David Emblidge guide is much better and explains the trail with far more detail. Again, I don't plan on using this book but will absolutely use the maps. I give the maps five stars and the book 2-3 stars.