Hiking, Cycling, and Canoeing in Maryland: A Family Guide [Paperback]

Professor Bryan MacKay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1995

A guide to family-oriented outdoor recreation in the US state of Maryland's parks, preserves and waterways. It features locations throughout the state chosen for their scenic beauty and interesting natural history. This book provides detailed descriptions of 23 walks, 16 bicycle rides and 19 canoe trips that are suitable for families with children and for people new to these outdoor activities. For each trip, there is general information on the natural history and ecology of the site along with a short essay that focuses on a topic of special interest, such as an important conservation issue. There are maps and detailed directions for each outing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"From Nassawango to Middle Youghiogheny, from Sugarloaf to Soldiers Delight, here is more Maryland that you could embrace in a summer. Mr. MacKay knows the state, and he is particularly good on birds, animals, flowers, fish -- and biopollution." -- James H. Bready, Baltimore Sun

"Bryan MacKay, a University of Maryland Baltimore County biology professor, compiles detailed directions and descriptions for 23 walks, 16 bike rides, and 19 canoe trips -- in locations from Assateague to Harford County." -- Baltimore Magazine

"I spend a lot of time exploring the Old Line State and this is one of the finest outdoor-oriented guidebooks to that state I've ever come across... MacKay tells you where to go, what to see ad do across the very varied state of Maryland. He has done his homework. Well-written, the book includes excellent maps, line drawings, and numerous sidebars on the wonders of wandering in the state." -- Paul Sullivan, Fredericksberg Free Lance-Star

Review

From Nassawango to Middle Youghiogheny, from Sugarloaf to Soldiers Delight, here is more Maryland that you could embrace in a summer. Mr. MacKay knows the state, and he is particularly good on birds, animals, flowers, fish—and biopollution.

(James H. Bready Baltimore Sun )

I spend a lot of time exploring the Old Line State and this is one of the finest outdoor-oriented guidebooks to that state I've ever come across... MacKay tells you where to go, what to see and do across the very varied state of Maryland. He has done his homework. Well-written, the book includes excellent maps, line drawings, and numerous sidebars on the wonders of wandering in the state.

(Paul Sullivan Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press (February 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801850355
• ISBN-13: 978-0801850356
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,802,094 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My copy is wearing thin, June 16, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Hiking, Cycling, and Canoeing in Maryland: A Family Guide (Paperback)

I first purchased this book a few years ago and have used it so often that I may have to invest in a new copy. As a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and Marylander, I was surprised at how many little known gems Mr. MacKay packed into this one book. The trip descriptions are accurate and complete; directions are easy to understand; and the natural history info is authoritative, sharply observed, and truly fascinating. It's the best Maryland guidebook of its kind. Thank you Mr. MacKay. I've recommended it to so many new paddlers, cyclists, hikers, and out-of-towners that I should probably get a commission...

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Cycling in Baltimore: A Family Guide, July 13, 2002

By 

M. Freeman "cold-shot" (East Coast, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hiking, Cycling, and Canoeing in Maryland: A Family Guide (Paperback)

From the standpoint of a cyclist who doesn't live near Baltimore, this book is no help at all. It offers a description of 16 bike rides, most of them near Baltimore or Anne Arundel county, and a few rides in Pennsylvania and Virginia. This may be helpful for anyone near the city, but I feel calling it a guide for Maryland is misleading.....However, their descriptions do go into great detail about directions, what kind of traffic you can expect, and the wildlife you may encounter. There are about 10 pages for each trail described.

If you're looking for good biking near the city then I highly recommend this book.....

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last!, August 27, 2001

By 

cherylc "csc92" (germantown, md USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hiking, Cycling, and Canoeing in Maryland: A Family Guide (Paperback)

At last a perfect guide for hiking and biking in Maryland! I don't have children but found this book to be a great resource for the short hikes and bike trips I enjoy with my husband. We went to the Cranesville swamp and had a difficult time finding information. This guide had the trails, directions, and plenty of interesting info on the natural history and ecology of the sites. I have used it for two of the other sites and have dogged-eared several more. I find it to be the perfect companion.