50 Hikes in Massachusetts: A Year-Round Guide to Hikes and Walks from the Top of the Berkshires to the Tip of Cape Cod (50 Hikes in Louisiana: Walks, Hikes, & Backpacks in the Bayou State) [Paperback]

Brian White (Author), John Brady (Author)

Book Description

Series: 50 Hikes in Louisiana: Walks, Hikes, & Backpacks in the Bayou State | Publication Date: January 2003

Massachusetts is home to a splendid diversity of hiking terrain. Follow the footsteps of the "hermit of Gloucester," who lived in a log cabin in Ravenswood Park from 1884-1917; observe cormorants, herons, egrets, gallinules, and kingfishers on windswept Plum Island; climb the Appalachian Trail up Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts; or take a wildflower walk along deserted woods roads in Conway State Park. This third edition includes three new hikes and takes you over more than 200 miles of trail. There are gentle walks for families with young children, moderately strenuous day hikes, and rugged outings for experienced hikers. Throughout, the authors provide knowledgeable commentary on the natural, geological, and human history of the region. Each hike is illustrated with a topographical map and includes complete information on: trailhead access, mileage and elevation gain and difficulty. In this edition, the authors have included GPS coordinates that locate the trailhead of each hike. An overview chart at the beginning of the book provides information at a glance to help you choose your destination.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Well written . . . the selection of hikes is broad . . . excellent. -- Charles W. Burnham, past president, Appalachian Mountain Club

About the Author

John Brady and Brian White, professors of geology at Smith College, have led geological field trips, hikes, and outings in Massachusetts for many years. They live in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Backcountry Guides; 3rd edition (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881504548
• ISBN-13: 978-0881504545
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,721,511 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 50 HIKES IN MASSACHUSETTS, August 31, 2005

By 

Marvin R. Cox - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 50 Hikes in Massachusetts: A Year-Round Guide to Hikes and Walks from the Top of the Berkshires to the Tip of Cape Cod (50 Hikes in Louisiana: Walks, Hikes, & Backpacks in the Bayou State) (Paperback)

The three stars are in appreciation of the books identification of hikes I would never have found on my own. It also has useful maps for locating the hikes, and provided helpful information for the one hike I have taken with its help. This was the first hike listed in the book, to the top of Mt. Alander.

The less than perfect score reflects serious deficiencies in the guide to this hike. First, poetic descriptions of landscape and wildlife obscured important directions. Second, there was no indication of the actual distance between the landmarks buried in the descriptions.

The most serious deficiency has to do with directions to the summit. These were very brief and gave way to an extensive and ecstatic account of the views from the top. The trail to the top forks, and there was no indication in the guide of which fork to take. The right fork I took led away from the views so ecstatically described. The most serious problem was the absence of any indication of how to get down from the summit. Trying to retrace my steps, I came upon a sign pointing to landmarks in New York State. Fortunately I ran into two experienced hikers who pointed out the best line of descent and got us back on the trail to the parking area in Massachusetts.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great ideas, Lousy execution, August 12, 2007

By 

R. Banerjee "rqb" (Boston,ma) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 50 Hikes in Massachusetts: A Year-Round Guide to Hikes and Walks from the Top of the Berkshires to the Tip of Cape Cod (50 Hikes in Louisiana: Walks, Hikes, & Backpacks in the Bayou State) (Paperback)

I agree with the previous reviewers comments.

The book provides great ideas for hikes, and has informative text on the geology of the area, and even points you toward scenic trailheads. But the directions are lousy and convoluted. I have gotten seriously lost trying to follow.

I'd advise people to buy this book, but when the authors' directions get difficult, backtrace your way to your car rather than relying on them. Better to walk the same trail twice than to get totally lost!

Good hikes in here, though.