New Jersey Walk Book: A companion to the New York Walk Book [Paperback]

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Sta (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1998

Indispensable regional reference books for the hiker. Full trail descriptions with full-color maps. Also geology, history, hiking tips, much more. The Hikers' "bible" since 1923. Index, magnificent sketches.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: New York New Jersey Trail; 1st edition (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880775050
• ISBN-13: 978-1880775059
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,470,651 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, September 30, 2002

By 

Raymond C. Hodgkiss (Pompton Lakes, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Jersey Walk Book: A companion to the New York Walk Book (Paperback)

This book is a great. I've used it a number of times, and consider it one of my favorite outdoor guides to NJ. It tells you everything you need to know about a variety of trails: who uses the trail (mountain bikes, horses, hiking-only, etc.), directions to get to the trail, and where you can park (if that isn't obvious). If you are just starting-out exploring "Outdoor New Jersey" you cannot be without this book.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable resource, October 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: New Jersey Walk Book: A companion to the New York Walk Book (Paperback)

A real gem of a book - one of those that everyone with even a remote interest in its subject matter should own. I'd give it five stars if there were more maps.

4.0 out of 5 stars An essential guide book now significantly updated, January 21, 2008

By 

Robert C. Ross (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Jersey Walk Book: A companion to the New York Walk Book (Paperback)

Every serious New Jersey hiker must have the most current version of this guidebook. This 1988 edition marks the split of the New York and New Jersey volumes in two; previous editions included both states.

The current edition is New Jersey Walk Book: A Companion to the New York Walk Book; it was published in 2004.

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. Collect this 1988 volume for its historical interest; purchase the revised 2004 edition and use it to hike some great New Jersey trails.

Robert C. Ross 2008