America's Great Hiking Trails: Appalachian, Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, North Country, Ice Age, Potomac Heritage, Florida, Natchez Trace, Arizona, Pacific Northwest, New England Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards -- 2014 GOLD Winner for Adventure & RecreationSociety of American Travel Writers Eastern Chapter -- Gold AwardSociety of American Travel Writers Foundation -- 2015 Lowell Thomas Travel Award for Best Travel Book A hiker’s dream bucket list is embodied in this lavishly illustrated celebration of more than 50,000 miles of America’s most iconic trails. Celebrating the forty most important trails in America, this volume takes the reader through forty-nine states and eight national parks. Literally tens of millions of tourists and hikers visit these trails each year, some of which wind through the country’s most scenic natural wonders and virtually every major ecosystem in America. Each featured trail has its own section, complete with a map and photo gallery, and the reader explores what makes it one of the most magnificent hiking experiences anywhere in the world. Trail histories accompany detailed hiker-friendly descriptions that highlight the most scenic spots, with suggestions for shorter weekend and day hikes. The stunning photographs take the reader on a visual adventure conducted by Bart Smith, the first person to hike all eleven National Scenic Trails from end to end. America’s Great Hiking Trails is perfect for anyone interested in outdoor recreation and conservation.
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Rizzoli (September 23, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0789327414
ISBN-13: 978-0789327413
Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 1.4 x 10.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #151,829 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #171 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Hunting & Fishing > Fishing #208 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Reference #404 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Hiking & Camping > Excursion Guides
How can you dislike this book? Ok, there are a few inaccuracies in the text. I'll say that upfront. Berger gets the numbers of PCT hikers wrong: she estimates about 500 attempt the trail, but even as of the time of this book it was actually nearly triple that. I found a few other minor cavils too, but what do you expect of a book that attempts to document the current state of all of our country's National Scenic Trails? Doing full justice to any one of these trails is a full year project, minimum, and doing all of them perfectly is probably close to impossible.But I mention noting minor faults for a reason; it is because, unlike the vast majority of coffee table books, this one is imminently readable. So much so that I read every word. How many books like this can one say that for? And of course the photos are stunning. If you don't finish this book with an expanded bucket list, you have no soul. I found myself wanting to hike the Ice Age Trail and New England trails, routes I hardly knew about, after reading this book.The real treasure of this volume though are the stories of the many dreamers who conceived of and built these trails: from BentonMacKay to his many modern heirs who conceived of grand trails and then found others to help them build them. None of these trails were built by the government: all truly represent the power of community involvement. Even today, when the National Trails Act provides some measure of federal protection, these trails receive their maintenance and the bulk of their funding from hikers. Ultimately, this is a story of how communities can create positive changes in our world. And it comes beautifully written and photographed. Highly recommended!
A stunning book, filled with amazing photography by the only person to have actually through-hiked all 11 National Scenic Trails! The text is equally compelling and again by a true hiker (she has through-hiked the AT, PCT, and CDT!) Plus Bill McKibben and maps! I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to get out on any of these trails, in part or in whole, and have all the treasured memories awaiting them at home.
Good summaries of the 15 National Scenic trails with lots of great photos. Also gives short summaries of other trails that would be of interest to anyone interested in hiking a variety of America's trails whether for the experience of the experience or to visit an area of special historical or ecological importance.
This fabulous book has arrived four years before the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the National Trails System. I hope that every hiker will read America's Great Hiking Trails. Karen Berger's text is inspiring and poetic. Bart Smith's photos make me want to shoulder my backpack to begin hiking all eleven national scenic trails (which feat he was the first person to accomplish.) These trails are America's great hidden treasure. And Karen Berger and Bart Smith have presented them with all the skill and love that they deserve.
Wow. Beautiful pictures, beautiful writing. When I look forward to future adventures, I generally tend to think of foreign lands outside of the United States. This book is so inspiring. I just recently got introduced to the long distance hiking world and have been so excited to plan my first through hike on the PCT. After reading this book, now I can't decide! :) There are so many spectacular options, all worthy of careful consideration, in addition to the PCT. One thing I do know... my next adventures will definitely be taking place on home soil :). Thank you Karen!
I got it as an xmas gift. I love it! It's so beautiful! Makes me happy every time i open this book. Amazing photography.
coffee table book - expected more of a trail guide
Bought as a birthday gift for my adult aged daughter, she and her husband love to hike and do so often. She has loved this book.
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