Customer Reviews

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Baltimore: Including Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties

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

 

 

First, I love the book 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Washington DC and would highly recommend it. Based on my experience with that book, written by a different author, I was looking forward to trying out the hikes in this one. After trying out a few of the hikes, I must say that I cannot be more disappointed. The writers instructions for the hikes left out many critical details. One of the hikes I picked at random, was #55 in Patapsco Valley State Park. This hike, like the others, left out critical details to complete the hike as described successfully. My friends and I ended up forging our own path because of the uselessness of what the author wrote. Furthermore, hike #55 has the hikers cross not just one, but two bridges which are unsafe for pedestrians to cross. The description of hike #55 even uses the, unfortunately, accurate phrase 'admittedly, it isn't very pleasant' to describe one part of the hike. It is my opinion that if one has to use a phrase like this, that one should rethink the hike entirely as hikes are supposed to be pleasant.

Please, save your money and avoid this book.

I have found this to be a nice guide. It details a variety of hikes within the city and outside of it. This includes directions, contactinformation, and GPS coordinates . It could stand some improvements. The directions for the Double Rock Park trail is unclear for the return, but then the trail is not well marked and it may also have to do with the copyright date. The map for Lake Roland trail is way off the mark. Part of that is due to copyright date, and the southern end is closed off, but 85 is shown on the wrong side of Falls Road. Get the guide but verify with the DNR or other resources to help you keep on track.

I think both reviews above are correct. The book has absolutely inspired me to explore my own region. It's really changed my outlook and my health. However, there are times when the author's instructions are hard to grasp (especially when they seem to conflict with trail maps and signs -- and I think the map for the hike I took yesterday was just plain wrong.) I have already recommended (or bought) this book for several friends and all have been excited to know about it.

Hi! We've been hiking the area for many decades and I'd like to thank the author for pointing out hikes unknown to us. Several have taken us through beautiful terrain and views. The downside of this book is the directions. For example, the hike where you are to park just over the Liberty Bridge on 32 North explains you should park, cross 32, and pickup the trail down the hill. You need to either walk north (uphill) to pick it up or better drive an additional 1/4 mile and park on the left next to the trail. The hike was beautiful. We were delayed 15 minutes finding the trailhead. Also one of the fireroad turns was missed though we'll have to do it again to discover if it was the directions in the book or our having misinterpreted them that was the culprit. All-in-all it's worth the money to discover the new hikes and get almost correct directions.

New to the Baltimore area....had been struggling to find good day hikes...looked online, etc. -could find references to parks, etc. but couldn't find a good source to tell me which places had trails and if they had trails which ones were the good ones. This book clearly explains what is out there and gives clear descriptions & directions.

While this book does outline quite a few hikes around and in Baltimore, it is hard to follow the author's instructions. Too much narrative mixed in with the directions and turns. Would be nice for an outline of turn by turn directions without all the descriptions and narratives. Not so user friendly when trying to find your way.

I like that the book will get you there with its directions, phone numbers, and pictures. The maps of the trails leaves a little to be desired though. Overall, this is an outstanding resource.

We're relatively new to the area, and were looking for some ideas on getting out, and back to nature. This book is well written, and gives great ideas for trails throughout MD.
We're enjoying it very much!

Whether you like to take scenic strolls with your toddler or hike with the true pioneer spirit of the rugged individualist, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Baltimore, by Evan Balkan, is your new must-have pocket guide. From his first-hand hiking experiences, Balkan's guide offers a comprehensive compilation of short essays that lead the hiker down paths of delightful discovery through the widly trampled trails and hidden treasures found in and adjacent to "Charm City."