The Essential Guide to Nature Walking in the United States [Paperback]

Charles Cook (Author)

Book Description

Series: Essential Guide to Nature Walking in the United States | Publication Date: January 1997

The most comprehensive guide available, featuring 500 of the best places in this country for nonstrenuous walks in nature.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The U.S. is a walking wonderland, if you know where to go. Charles Cook does know and is generously willing to share the goods, with 2,500 of the finest trails in over 500 areas throughout the United States. Nonstrenuous walks in nature, unadulterated by screeching buses, hot tar, and exhaust fumes, are laid out state by state in an easy-to-use format. For each, Cook tells the sort of geography, fauna, and flora to expect, what trails are there, how long they are, and how difficult, plus how to get there. Cook also provides the basics, with advice on what to carry and wear, ecomindedness, and how to walk comfortably and safely. From bitterbrush and chokecherry in Idaho's Caribou National Forest to hickory and waterfalls in Arkansas's Ouachita National Forest, there's a beautiful, quiet, serene world out there just waiting for a good walk. --Stephanie Gold

From Library Journal

Cook (The Essential Guide to Hiking in the U.S., LJ 11/1/91) explains not only where to walk (different from hiking) but how to walk. In Part 1, which is short but engagingly written, he covers walking rewards, what to take with you and what to wear, how to be safe, and the joys and benefits of making walking a daily part of life. In Part 2, Cook devotes a chapter to each of the 50 states, providing a map, ten recommended areas for easy to moderate walks (usually found in state parks, wildlife refuges, and state or national forests), and addresses for other suitable nature walk areas. Cook's descriptions are brief but include the address (an especially useful aspect of this book); a general comment on the flora, fauna, notable features, and/or terrain; and a listing of the recommended trails. Suitable for public libraries and those in need of natural sites directories.
Nancy J. Moeckel, Miami Univ. Lib., Oxford, Ohio
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Owl Books (NY); 1st edition (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805041117
• ISBN-13: 978-0805041118
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #534,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars The first part of the book was wonderful for me, November 23, 2009

By 

A. Hester "Anna, book guru" (Alabama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Essential Guide to Nature Walking in the United States (Paperback)

I checked this book out from my local public library while doing a research paper on the benefits of nature walking. The first part of the book is very well written. Charles gives 10 reasons to walk in nature:
1-her love gives us an instantaneous lift
2-natural areas are better places to walk than most cities (cleaner air, pleasanter sounds, etc.)
3-it's relaxing, calming and de-stressing
4-there are many interesting plants and animals in nature to study and observe
5-the changing texture of the earth is better than the overly predictable sidewalk
6-not knowing what you'll encounter each time keeps you alert and feeling fully alive
7-in nature you have more chances to develop self sufficiency and self reliance
8-"nature offers a nonlinear universe that allows you to take a vacation from human design and thought"--in it you can achieve clarity
9-Nature gives you sanity by inspiring, enriching, healing, and soothing you
10-walking in nature helps you feel whole, rooted, and connected to the planet

Now the second part goes though every state and gives a few walking trails for each. I didn't care for that section much, because it seemed to be hit and miss if there is actually a trail he mentioned around you. Your best bet is to look online to find trails, and then you might could even print out some maps while your at it! I would recommend this book just on the merit of the intro though, he truly has a passion for walking in nature and knows what he's talking about.