Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in Massachusetts: A Year-Round Guide to Hikes and Walks from the Top of the Berkshires to the Tip of Cape Cod (Fourth Edition) (Explorer's 50 Hikes) [Paperback]

Brian White (Author), John Brady (Author)

Book Description

Series: Explorer's 50 Hikes | Publication Date: May 1, 2006

The most popular hiking guide to Massachusetts.

Massachusetts spans a splendid diversity of hiking terrain, and the fourth edition of Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in Massachusetts takes you to the state's most stunning locations. This guidebook introduces miles of terrain to hikers, birders, beachcombers and meanderers of all levels, including gentle walks suitable for the entire family, and rugged outings for experienced hikers.

As geologists, Brian White and John Brady add fresh depth with observations on the geology, plant, and animal lore included with each hike. Bartholomew's Cobble may be a brief 3-miler, but its fascinating history spans thousands of years. The Caratunk Wildlife Refuge is a mecca for birders, and the giant boulder maze left by glaciers long ago lend a sense enchantment to the hike. Fields of wildflowers, towering summits, deep forests, windswept beaches, and historical curiosities are among the treasures you'll encounter on these hikes. Black-and-white photographs and maps throughout

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Brian White, professor emeritus of geology at Smith College splits his time between Northampton, Massachusetts and Hamilton, New York.

John Brady, professor of geology at Smith College lives in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Countryman Press; Fourth Edition edition (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881507008
• ISBN-13: 978-0881507003
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #994,054 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Day Hikes, August 29, 2010

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Steve (HOLDEN, MA, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in Massachusetts: A Year-Round Guide to Hikes and Walks from the Top of the Berkshires to the Tip of Cape Cod (Fourth Edition) (Explorer's 50 Hikes) (Paperback)

Over the past year and a half, I've gone on between ten and twenty of the hikes featured in this book with my fiancee. For the most part, they have all been a blast and it's very refreshing to realize just how many awesome nature experiences are within a short drive of our house. It's fun to browse through this book the night before our hike and argue over which one to try next!

Each hike covered includes a map, some general info on the area, difficulty rating, time requirements, and a description of the hike. There's topical historical information, notes on especially cool wildlife/plants to look out for, and a few photographs. Most of the information is very well-presented, although in our experience the maps do vary in quality. I wouldn't worry about getting lost in the woods, but you may miss a turn or two while trying to figure out EXACTLY where you are on the map. Not a huge concern, but worth mentioning. Higher quality maps would definitely have earned this book the full five stars.

If you're a weekend hiker, someone who wants to take a cool walk with their dog, parents with restless kids, or just a person who loves being in the outdoors - I do not think you'll be disappointed with this book. There are hikes in here for everyone.