Customer Reviews

New Jersey Walk Book: A Companion to the New York Walk Book

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Every serious New Jersey hiker must have this book. Full trail descriptions with full-color maps. Notes on geology, history, hiking tips. A good index and Jack Fagan has contributed many excellent sketches.

This is now a companion guide to the equally indispensable New York Walk Book: A Companion to the New Jersey Walk Book for New York hikers. Be sure you get the 2nd edition of the New Jersey Walk Book: A Companion to the New York Walk Book, which was released in 2004 and is substantially revised from the 1st edition released in 1988. (The 1988 edition is often still available and has some historical value; see New Jersey Walk Book.)

It is worthwhile checking the New York New Jersey Trail Conference website before undertaking any major hike in the region. The trails and access points don't stop changing just because a guidebook has been published.

The "Walk Book" was originally published in 1923 by the National Geographic Society; the next four editions were published by Doubleday; and the sixth and later editions have been published by the NYNJTC. The first five editions included trails in both New York and New Jersey. In 1988, the "Walk Book" was published by the NYNJTC and split in two, the New York version was called the 6th edition, and the New Jersey version, the 1st edition.

The "New York Times" published an interesting article on May 19, 1998 by Glenn Collins on the history of the Trail Conference and the "Walk Book". It extracted several passages from the 1923 "Walk Book" (which now sells for around $200 if you can find a copy):

"For protection against rain, pure rubber clothing is about the only reliable material; but in warm weather or after exertion it is uncomfortably hot. . . ."

"Boots or stout leggings will save many a bruised shin or ankle or torn stocking and trouser leg. Breeches for women, long worn in the Western outing clubs, are becoming more in vogue in the East and sensibly so. There are combinations of breeches with detachable skirts which are convenient for travel to and from the country or where city or country yokels may stare. . . ."

"A pack on the back is bound to cause heavy perspiration and wetting between the shoulder blades. Reed frames have been devised to hold the pack off the back and give circulation or air. . . ."

"Paper is as effective a protection against wind as leather, and many trampers regard a paper waistcoat, costing 50 cents, as indispensable for blustery weather. . . ."

"If you are ever out with Malcomson he will introduce his big Bermuda onion. You will crave a thick slice and you will never go tramping again without one. It adds horse power to one's legs after luncheon. . . ."

Things have changed a bit since 1923, but the trails are still a major benefit of living in this area.

Robert C. Ross 2008

First let me say that this guide has some well written descriptions of the various trails that pepper New Jersey. The best way to find this out is by reading the descriptions of hiking trails that you are most familiar with. And in my case, one of the many parks that I use is Cheesequake, and when I read the details on the "Green" trail, I was most impressed. It even notes where a downed tree from 2003 blocks the path at one point. So I have the utmost confidence that the descriptions of trails that I am not familiar with will be just as accurate. Unfortunately, when I read about Allaire State Park, whose trails I have yet to explore, there was only a brief description and not the same details as I found for Cheesequake. I was interested in what was written about Schooley's Mountain as I have trekked there and so wanted to see if it makes note of the rocky paths and even boulder runoffs that you need to scuttle over. However, all that is written is a few paragraphs about the history and how to get there. Also I was disappointed in the absence of trail maps for each of the parks that are in the book. There are a few maps in the back, but they are not what is needed. So, had the trail maps been included, and more details provided for many of the trails cited, then this volume would have been all comprehensive. You will however need to obtain additional information for yourself either via the web or visitors centers for many of the parks listed.
It is a very good guide to tell you where you can go, but could have done more with detailing what to do when you get there.
Recommended with reservations.