Backpacker Magazine's Guide to the Appalachian Trail

Rating:
Summary: Contains basic/summary info about the trail
Review: In preparation for my own thru-hike of the Appalachian trail, I am systematically reading as many books on this subject as I can. Jim Chase provides basic/summary information of what one can expect along the trail. Each chapter describes a section of the trail, providing background on the geology, history, and features of each section. Does not contain any photographs, other than the cover. Maps are rudimentary, but give you the basic idea. The author sometimes provides tips and solutions to specific challenges along the trail, but these are few and far between. I was constantly frustrated over the fact that the book describes the trail from North to South, while the majority of thru-hikers travel South to North. Then again, it never promised to be a Thru-Hiker's guide. I recommend this book as a good starting point for those just learning about the Appalachian Trail. If you are looking for more detailed information about each section of the trail, you will need to consult the other references available.

Rating:
Summary: look to other sources
Review: You would be better served to get "The Appalachian Trail: A Visitor's Companion." It is more up to date, gives just as much information about the route of the AT in just one of its chapters and then goes on to tell you almost everything you would want to know about the natural world through which the trail passes.