Backpacker Magazine's Guide to the Appalachian Trail: 2nd Edition [Paperback]

Jim Chase (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 19, 2005

Updated edition of the best-selling guide to the Appalachian Trail

Maps and mileages provided for every section of the trail

Fascinating information on trail history and geology

Whether you're just setting out for a day hike or are planning to trek all the way from Maine to Georgia, Backpacker Magazine's Guide to the Appalachian Trail is the definitive guide to the most famous footpath in the nation. Drawing on up-to-the-minute reports from hikers all along the length of the trail, it provides detailed descriptions of what terrain hikers can expect to find in any given section, along with information on local natural history and nearby towns and landmarks. Chapters on the geology of the trail and the history of its creation complete the picture, ensuring that this book will continue to be a well-worn resource for countless hikers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jim Chase has hiked or paddled in 47 states and most Canadian provinces and territories. He is a former editor at Backpacker, Skiing, and Cross Country Skier magazines, and his work has appeared in publications ranging from Outside to Modern Maturity. He lives in rural Maryland with his wife and two sons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 2 edition (April 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811731855
• ISBN-13: 978-0811731850
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #564,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Contains basic/summary info about the trail, February 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Backpacker's Magazine Guide to the Appalachian Trail (Paperback)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb History of the Trail and Section-Hiker's Guide, November 8, 2006

By 

A Reader "ccc" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Backpacker Magazine's Guide to the Appalachian Trail: 2nd Edition (Paperback)

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!

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars look to other sources, October 28, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Backpacker's Magazine Guide to the Appalachian Trail (Paperback)

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.