Customer Reviews

Mount Washington and the Presidential Range Trail Guide (AMC Hiking Guide Series)

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This book has lots of details about the region, but its advice about boots and backcountry hazards is, shall we say, incomplete. They imply that if you have strong ankles (I do) that you can wear "lightweight boots, somewhat more sturdy than sneakers" or even sneakers if your legs and ankles are strong. So I wore running shoes. The trails are rarely walkable paths but are more often "sight paths" between cairns across thousands of sharp and abrasive rocks- rougher than most trails I've encountered in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. Sturdy boots are therefore a must, but this book does not say so. Regarding the backcountry hazards, not a word is found about the high winds. On the 2nd day of summer, we found ourselves on an exposed ridge with hurricane force winds, fog, and 34 degrees. In some places we had to crawl else the wind would knock us over. If you're blown off the ridge, the steep slopes and cliffs of the ravines are there to "greet" you as you take your final plunge. A revision of this book is urgently needed- one that will provide proper warnings about this very dangerous area and that will give better advice about boots and other gear.