AMC White Mountain Guide, 27th: Hiking Trails in the White Mountain National Forest (Paperback)

~ Gene Daniell (Editor), Steven D. Smith (Editor) "Caution: Mt. Washington has a well-earned reputation as the most dangerous small mountain in the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: trail diverges right, fine outlook ledge, blowdown patch, Brook Trail, Crawford Path, Dry River (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

If it's not quite gospel, it's darn close. No space is wasted: no photos, and no nonsense. Just reliable and accurate information.  -- National Outdoor Book Award Work of Significance

Product Description

The bible for hikers since 1907, AMC's White Mountain Guide is the most trusted guide to hiking trails in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine. This latest edition features the most up-to-date descriptions available of more than 500 trails in the White Mountain National Forest. In addition, the guide's summary of easy-to-moderate hikes, list of 4000-footers, plus information on Leave No Trace principles make this guide indispensable for every New Hampshire hiker. More than just trail descriptions, the 27th edition includes: *6 pull-out full-color maps created using GPS technology *distances, times, and elevations *trip planning *what to carry *campgrounds, huts, and shelters *fire regulations *backcountry hazards *White Mountain National Forest information *extensive information on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire's highest peak

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Product Details

• Paperback: 624 pages
• Publisher: Appalachian Mountain Club Books; 27th edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1929173229
• ISBN-13: 978-1929173228
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #683,983 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bible got Better, July 9, 2003

By	Ken Margolin (Newton, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Anyone who has been hiking the White Mountains of New England since the 1970s, is likely to have kept their orange hardcover AMC "White Mounain Guide," like a family heirloom. Since its inception, the Guide has provided detailed, largely editorial-free, descriptions of all the many trails of the white mountains. For novice hikers, it is absoulutely indispensable for its advice on practical hiking pleasures and perils - it should not leave the pack. For experienced hikers, the Guide provides all information needed to plan White Mountain excursions ranging from half-day beginner hikes to multi-day backpacks. The trail descriptions should be viewed as overviews, not all-telling. At times, a trail seemingly modest from the book description, will be rocky and arduously steep. Other times, an innocuous-sounding trial will provide breathtaking views. Some curse this as a short-coming, while others, this reviewer included, appreciate the fact that reading the book does not diminish the surprises of the trail. The directions to the trailheads are remarkably accurate, as are the essential descriptions of major trail junctions, as well as trails and peaks on which extra care should be taken. The maps, while not minute topographical maps, are extremely useful, more so with compass skills, but quite practical even without them. The organization is improved over the 26th version - especially the recommended easy and moderate hikes at the end of each mountain region's trail descriptions. Worthwhile to complete one's White Mountain hiking library, are the AMC Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide and AMC Maine Mountain Guide.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deserves 10 Stars...Essential book for Hikers!, September 20, 2004

By	Tracy Talley "Book Addict" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is by far the 'hiking bible'. Every trail you can think of in this jampacked 500+ page book with 4 maps is here! Little hikes to backpacking hikes for days and days...its all here.
The details are rich and very accurate. The levels of difficulty I found very on the mark.
I used this book to plan my first hike up Mt. Washington via, Tuckerman Ravine and it was invaluable. It was very accurate and when I reached the top, I felt if I hadn't had this book, I never would've tried this scenic and challenging trail. I would've missed out and taken the less interesting Jewell Trail!
We went back and did it again a month later using this book and took the Ammonoosuc Trail and my goodness...was I glad we did. The scenery was breathtaking...
We've done probably about 50 or so trails from this book so far and they were ALL very detailed and informative, with info on difficulty which I like very much.
The book gives alternate trails to the same places and where the AMC huts are and shelter. Mileages and information on dangerous spots. Even whether to try it in slippery conditions.
Don't hike without it!

Tracy Talley~@

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Leave Home Without It!, June 19, 2004

By	S. Fedoruk - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Whether you're planning a backpacking trip through the Presidentials or a series of family oriented dayhikes, this book is a neccessity. I just returned from a week long camping trip in the White Mountains and this book never left my side. It includes 100's of detailed trail descriptions as well as suggested hikes for different abilities and the maps for each region. In addition, the introduction includes some very useful information about the park.

One problem I had with this book is that the difficulty of the trails is sometimes understated. This is not really the books fault as difficulty ratings are very subjective. I would highly recommend looking at the maps in conjunction with the trail descriptions to understand the elevation changes. I'm from Maryland and did not fully understand what a 4000 ft. elevation change in 4 miles meant until I got up there (it's not fun and could be dangerous to someone not in good shape). I cannot stress enough that if this book says something is difficult or dangerous, it most certainly is. It might be prudent to talk to a ranger about a certain trail if you are unsure BEFORE you attempt it.

One other fault with the book is that it does not tell you which parking areas require a pass. The best advice for this is to just spend the 5 dollars on the week long pass to avoid the 100 dollar fine.