Customer Reviews

The Sierra Club Guide to the Ancient Forests of the Northeast

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This is probably the most startling book on old growth you will read. You'll be delighted and amazed that there are so many old growth sites in the heavily populated and ecologically disturbed Northeast. I have used this book as a hiking guide for the past year or so, and it has led me to wondrous discoveries, but also heartbreaking surprises.

The introduction is very informative, and (along with a good field guide) makes a great primer for the budding amateur naturalist. The writing style is quite enthusiastic. Both authors obviously love the Northeast's forests. My only complaint is that the directions and trail descriptions can be confusing sometimes; but all are accurate enough to get the job done.

Many of the sites described here are as entrancing as they ever were. Unfortunately, and even though the copyright of this book is 2004, many sites have been seriously degraded since the time the descriptions were written. Kelly's Run in Pennsylvania and Wawayanda State Park in New Jersey were obviously lush, dark hemlock groves when the authors visited them, but are now being reduced to forest boneyards by the wooly adelgid pest (introduced from Asia).

On the other hand, there are sites included here that are as majestic as ever and are mentioned in no other 'trail guide' that I am aware of. More than a few of the included sites are simply astounding!

This book would rate 5 stars if all of the information was completely up-to-date, but it's a sign of our times that this would be impossible. From alien fungi and sap-sucking insects to acid deposition from the air, what precious little is left of our ancient forests is under attack. If ancient forests inspire you and you want to experience what few remain, then this book will prove to be an indispensible tool.