Hiking South Carolina

Rating:
Summary: The most useful guide, by far, for hiking South Carolina!
Review: Falcon Guides' "Hiking South Carolina," by John Clark and John Dantzler, has it all: great maps, articulate and informative narratives, over 50 interesting photos, and a plethora of details that provide readers with everything they need to know to enjoy South Carolina's natural heritage. It even has an introduction by Judge Alex Sanders, President of the College of Charleston, whose unorthodox insight is humorous and informative.

As is the case with all Falcon Guides, the maps are superb. There are detailed maps of each of the book's 62 featured hikes, each with a locator map inset, plus an overview map of the Mountain Bridge Natural Area network of trails and a numbered, locator overview page that pinpoints on a single state map the location of each of the featured hikes.

The prose is well-written and informative, with descriptions of history, flora, and fauna, in addition to helpful directions to guide hikers and enable them to avoid problems with confusing trail indicators. The authors hiked all described trails over the past two years to insure the accuracy and timeliness of all information. "Hiking South Carolina" even has descriptions of recently completed segments of the new mountains-to-sea Palmetto Trail, plus an overview of this exciting project.

If you like details, this book is definitely for you. For each hike, it has superb directions to trailheads and information on distances, trail conditions, fees, rest rooms and other facilities, nearby lodging and amenities, and where to obtain additional information. The appendix contains a directory of over 300 trails, plus a comprehensive bibliography, phone numbers, web sites, hiker's checklist, and more.

As Chair of the South Carolina Sierra Club, this reviewer recommends "Hiking South Carolina" enthusiastically and without reservation.

Rating:
Summary: The most useful guide, by far, for hiking South Carolina!
Review: Falcon Guides' "Hiking South Carolina," by John Clark and John Dantzler, has it all: great maps, articulate and informative narratives, over 50 interesting photos, and a plethora of details that provide readers with everything they need to know to enjoy South Carolina's natural heritage. It even has an introduction by Judge Alex Sanders, President of the College of Charleston, whose unorthodox insight is humorous and informative.

As is the case with all Falcon Guides, the maps are superb. There are detailed maps of each of the book's 62 featured hikes, each with a locator map inset, plus an overview map of the Mountain Bridge Natural Area network of trails and a numbered, locator overview page that pinpoints on a single state map the location of each of the featured hikes.

The prose is well-written and informative, with descriptions of history, flora, and fauna, in addition to helpful directions to guide hikers and enable them to avoid problems with confusing trail indicators. The authors hiked all described trails over the past two years to insure the accuracy and timeliness of all information. "Hiking South Carolina" even has descriptions of recently completed segments of the new mountains-to-sea Palmetto Trail, plus an overview of this exciting project.

If you like details, this book is definitely for you. For each hike, it has superb directions to trailheads and information on distances, trail conditions, fees, rest rooms and other facilities, nearby lodging and amenities, and where to obtain additional information. The appendix contains a directory of over 300 trails, plus a comprehensive bibliography, phone numbers, web sites, hiker's checklist, and more.

As Chair of the South Carolina Sierra Club, this reviewer recommends "Hiking South Carolina" enthusiastically and without reservation.

Rating:
Summary: A new way of seeing South Carolina
Review: I've never though of South Carolina as being much of a state for hiking, but this book has changed my mind. South Carolina is full of trails! Several dozen of the best trails are described in detail. Flora, fauna, interesting features, the usual outdoor stuff, but eloquently depicted. Could use more photos, but you'll probably be taking plenty of your own at some of the gorgeous places listed here. As it is, the book small enough to fit easily into a rucksack. There are good, accurate maps. If a trail is especially difficult there is a graph to help you gauge your efforts - you can see how much is uphill, how much downhill, how much is level, etc. Helps a lot with the pacing. The back of the book has a list of ALL the trails in the state. There is a telephone number listed for each one so you can call for more information. Also has basic how-to information for beginning hikers. If you want to get out and see more of South Carolina, this is the way to do it! Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive, user-friendly guide to SC's best hikes.
Review: Our extensive hiking experience has taught us what information is most needed by both backpackers and casual dayhikers. Our long experience in South Carolina has taught us what is special about the natural wonders of the Palmetto State. We have put these experiences into the ideal user-friendly book for enjoying the trails of South Carolina. Hiking South Carolina provides all the information you need to enjoy our state's hundreds of miles of trails, but, if you want even more information, our book also tells you exactly where to find it.

We feature the state's 62 absolute top-notch hikes. The best thing about the trail descriptions is the map for each hike. We have clear, accurate maps for every featured trail, plus an overview state locator map to make it easy for readers to pinpoint trails in a given geographic area. Mountain trail descriptions also include elevation graphs to inform users about what to expect in terms of ups and downs.

In addition to basic information on length, trail conditions, degree of difficulty, special attractions, trailhead locations, flora and fauna, and similar stuff, we provide other important but frequently overlooked information - rest room and drinking water availability, nearby campsites, and where to find lodging and other amenities.

Our book is timely and accurate. We hiked all trails very recently, and all information has been verified with appropriate trail location managers. We include information on new trails, such as the Anne Close Springs Greenway and completed segments of the Palmetto Trail, as well as the Foothills Trail, the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, old rice plantations in the ACE Basin, Congaree Swamp National Monument, and many more.

Check out the pictures. We aren't professionals, but we think we did a pretty good job for learners.

The appendices include a great reading list, numerous information sources, a hiker's checklist, and basic information on over 300 South Carolina trails.

Also, check out the Foreward by Judge Alex Sanders, President of the College of Charleston, and learn perhaps more than you want to know about the worst outdoor advice he ever received.

Experiencing South Carolina's natural beauty and writing this book was great fun. We hope you enjoy reading and using Hiking South Carolina.

We will appreciate your constructive comments. We will be writing companion pieces, and we welcome your suggestions.

Rating:
Summary: What I've Been Looking For
Review: This guidebook has long been sorely needed. Great maps, great directions, full information. I have used it for several hikes and found it to be on the money. This is in contrast to the hiking guide I previously used, which was confusing and lacked adequate maps.

I have especially enjoyed learning about great hiking opportunities in the South Carolina Low Country, in addition to the tried and true mountain trails.

Rating:
Summary: What I've Been Looking For
Review: This guidebook has long been sorely needed. Great maps, great directions, full information. I have used it for several hikes and found it to be on the money. This is in contrast to the hiking guide I previously used, which was confusing and lacked adequate maps.

I have especially enjoyed learning about great hiking opportunities in the South Carolina Low Country, in addition to the tried and true mountain trails.