Paths Along The Hudson: A Guide to Walking and Biking [Paperback]

Jeffrey Perls (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1999

Explore the beautiful Hudson River, from New York City to Albany. "Paths Along the Hudson is at once a hiking guide that details the salient features encountered along the way, and a Baedeker to the geography, geology, history and ecology of the Hudson, as seen from the paths that trace two shores. It's the kind of book that you can peruse in your den prior to hitting the trail or stow in your backpack as a resource to be consulted as you wind your way north. Also, if you've never hiked seriously before, Perls' book contains several excellent introductory sections to the gear, footwear and clothing necessary for enjoyable trekking."-The Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ) Jeffrey Perls brings together the culture, history, nature, and recreational activities along the Hudson River in one convenient guidebook. He not only maps out walks and bike trails, both urban and rural, but also introduces readers to the landscape, geology, history, and culture of the Hudson Valley region. Paths along the Hudson provides a practical and geographically comprehensive guide to exploring the area on foot and by bike. The trail routes bring readers as close to the river as possible and guide them to rewarding vistas, nature preserves, and historic landmarks. What you will learn in Paths along the Hudson: . How to find beautiful, practically unknown areas accessible by New York City public transportation. . Where is the most magnificent trail along the Hudson, with woodlands, beaches, cliffs, and forests? In New Jersey. . What you will need to make your explorations enjoyable, safe, and fun for everyone from the serious hiker to parents and kids. . The cultural and social history of the entire region. Jeffrey Perls is a twenty-year resident of the Hudson Valley. He is a mental health therapist, environmental activist, and outings leader.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Whether you are an ardent hiker or prefer to enjoy the great outdoors from your living-room armchair, Jeffrey Perls has written the essential guidebook on one of the most majestic natural areas of the eastern United States- the Hudson River.

From the rugged topography of the Hudson Highlands Gorge to the crowded towers of Manhattan, the Hudson has been an inspiration for writers, artists, and countless others who have enjoyed the many wonders of the river. The area surrounding the Hudson Valley has played a pivotal part in our country's development, from its strategic role in the American Revolution to its heritage as the nation's primary entry point for immigrants to this country. The river also supports an incredibly rich diversity of flora and fauna, from the bald eagle to the short-nosed sturgeon.

Perls brings together the culture, history, nature, and recreational activities along the Hudson river in one convenient guidebook. He not only maps out walks and bike trails, both urban and rural, but also introduces readers to the landscape, geology, history, and culture of the Hudson Valley region. Paths along the Hudson provides a practical and geographically comprehensive guide to exploring the area on foot and by bike. The trail routes bring readers as close to the river as possible and guide them to rewarding vistas, nature preserves, and historic landmarks.

What you will learn in Paths along the Hudson:
- How to find beautiful, practically unknown areas accessible by New York City public transportation
- Where is the most magnificent trail along the Hudson, with woodlands, beaches, cliffs, and forests? In New Jersey
- What you will need to make your explorations enjoyable, safe, and fun for everyone from the serious hiker to parents and kids.
- The cultural and social history of the entire region

About the Author

Jeffrey Perls is a freelance writer, environmental activist, and outings leader.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813526574
• ISBN-13: 978-0813526577
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,517,714 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Resource, February 8, 2000

By 

Nancy A. Ebel (Saugerties, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paths Along The Hudson: A Guide to Walking and Biking (Paperback)

Paths along the Hudson by Jeffrey Perls is an exhaustively researched guide for both residents and visitors to the Hudson Valley. The book includes detailed maps and descriptions of Hudson River access points as diverse as the teeming streets of Manhattan, the redoubts of West Point, and the rolling fields of Dutchess County. It highlights not only the well-known attractions in the region, but also draws the hiker or bicyclist into the numerous, little known pockets of nature that dot the shores of the river. Dense with information, Paths offers a how-to section for beginners and incorporates the modern economy and ecology in the context of the region's natural and social history.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only one you'll need!, May 24, 2000

By 

S. J. Kasdin "Kas" (High Falls, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paths Along The Hudson: A Guide to Walking and Biking (Paperback)

Anyone can write a "turn left at the oak tree and see the pretty view" kind of guidebook, and there's plenty of that here. Every interesting trail, path and viewpoint from the Battery to Albany is here...but there's so much more in this wonderful book.

I've never just started a guidebook at page one and read it straight through, but that's what I did with this one.

I can't imagine anyone more knowledgeable about the Hudson valley than the author, nor anyone able to share that information in a more entertaining way. Aside from telling you where to go, this book is full of fascinating information on the geology, landscape, wildlife and the cultural and political history of the area; plus practical tips on backpacking and biking, what to wear and bring, kids and pets...everything.

If you're going to spend any time in the Hudson valley, this book is all you'll need.