Customer Reviews

Paths Along The Hudson: A Guide to Walking and Biking

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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.

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.