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Rating: 
Summary: One of five great books about an amazing trail!
Review: From David Emblidge -- Book Producer PO Box 915 Gt. Barrington, MA 01230Producers of the series, EXPLORING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL For Stackpole Books How EXPLORING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL works & Why these books differ from all other AT guides These lively hiking companions combine narratives about day and overnight hikes with color topo maps, trail profiles (so you can see what climbing you're getting into!), and detailed itineraries that work going north or south. All between the covers of one portable paperback. The regions / volumes are: Southern Appalachians The Virginias Mid-Atlantic Southern New England Northern New England Hikes for all abilities and ambitions, from kids, to robust thru-hikers, to seniors. Narratives give detailed descriptions of social and natural history found along the Appalachian Trail. Birds, wildflowers, geology, how the forest works, plus historic sites near the trail, and stories about colorful people who made the AT a reality. What distinguishes these books from others about the AT? They are not just dry data about mileages and elevations but are consistently interesting, well researched narratives laced with useful insider advice. -- Walking with Hikes in the Southern Appalachians, you can find your way into a tunnel of blooming rhododendrons in the Tennessee highlands. -- You can admire the handiwork of the Civilian Conservation Corps in North Carolina's Great Smoky Mts. National Park. -- Or marvel at long distance views from atop the "balds" at over 5,000 feet and get an explanation of these unusual botanical zones. -- Or hear the story of how the original AT was meant to start at another Georgia mountain altogether, not at Springer Mt. EXPLORING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL also provides essential information on what to wear, eat, and bring along for maximum comfort and safety on the AT. A great guide about how to have an interesting, safe time on the trail. Reviews From David Emblidge, developer of the Exploring the Appalachian Trail series, representing the authors: VOL. 1, HIKES IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS "When I first saw these books, my immediate reaction was, 'why has it taken so long for someone to come up with this?' I think there's been a real need for these books for quite a while. ...these guides will add a lot to your hikes and to your planning. I highly recommend them." - Keystone Trails Association Newsletter About specific books in the series EXPLORING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians "The most helpful of AT 'bibles.' "I can't think of a handier guide for anyone 'just passing through' the 450 AT miles in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee." "Gove is an experienced hiker, a wonderful writer, a curious and careful observer of people and events, but she is, above all, a naturalist." - Ina Hughs, Knoxville News-Sentinel Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States "If you're a walker who likes to stop and smell the roses, this is the Trail guide for you. An amazing amount of information is packed into this portable volume." --Jean LeBlanc, Appalachian Trailway News "One could almost hike the trail with book in hand and need no other map or guide." -- Pennsylvania Hikes in Southern New England "For those who have never experienced the Appalachian Trail, or for those who are interested in discovering new sections, this book is an eloquent, detailed and sprightly introduction." -- Bernard Drew, The Berkshire Eagle "No matter the age, attitude or sense of adventure, for hikers this may be the perfect guidebook." "A series of excellent maps is provided." -Lorraine Lauzon, The Paper
Rating: 
Summary: Exploring The Appalachian Trail: Georgia, North Carolina, Te
Review: I checked this book out of my local library and found it to be the most informative book on the AT. The sections of the AT that I have personally hiked were very well covered in this book.It is very difficult to find accurate maps with tons of land marks and information the terrain. As well as a well thought out itinerary so you may better gauge your time and enjoy the trail, rather than worrying about where you are going to find water and shelter. So now I'm on amazon.com to buy this book to use on my next visit to the AT.
Rating: 
Summary: A guide beyond the day hiker
Review: I used this book to plan my first trip to the AT with a group of Boy Scouts. It was extremely useful in selecting my route. Especially useful was the trail summary in the beginning of each chapter. Also equally useful was the hike itinerary, giving distances between significant points. I found, however, the linear trail profile to be slightly misleading on a few sections of the trail. (More useful was the profile found in The Appalachian Trail Official Map from the Appalachian Trail conference.) This day hike book was perfect for my 5 day trip because each hike begins where the other left off. This was vital in my planning and I would highly recommend it for anyone needing a detailed description of the trail. Oh, and don't forget your hand lens. :)
Rating: 
Summary: not for the out of stater
Review: I'm probably spoiled by the AMC guides for New England, but I found this book to be somewhat uninvting and lacking in some key areas. The maps weren't all that great they clearly aren't for a guy from the north east who's trying to find his way through the red dirt maze that is North Georgia. Directions to the trailheads could be markedly improved, as some (particularly the ones I used) use forest service roads that park rangers (let alone easily purchased maps) don't know well. The copy and descriptions are good once I got to the trailhead, and organized linearly along the trail. I really enjoyed the plots of trail elevation over distance.
Rating:
Summary: not for the out of stater
Review: I'm probably spoiled by the AMC guides for New England, but I found this book to be somewhat uninvting and lacking in some key areas. The maps weren't all that great they clearly aren't for a guy from the north east who's trying to find his way through the red dirt maze that is North Georgia. Directions to the trailheads could be markedly improved, as some (particularly the ones I used) use forest service roads that park rangers (let alone easily purchased maps) don't know well. The copy and descriptions are good once I got to the trailhead, and organized linearly along the trail. I really enjoyed the plots of trail elevation over distance.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, planning a day hike is EASY...
Review: If you're planning to hike a small day or two-day section of the Appalachian trail in or around NC, this is the book for you. I wanted to hike a small section of the trail, but I only had two days and had to finish at a very specific point. I used the book to help me plan the hike and it was amazingly easy; none of the obstacles I expected caused problems. The hike went off without a hitch, thanks to the brilliantly organized hiking guide. Aside from the planning aspect, the topographical maps were priceless along the trail. I considered doing the hike without a planning book, but I'm thankful that I used such a quality source.
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