CDT - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

I’m a first timer. Be gentle!
Looking for the best and most up to date guide book(s) for a South to North hike on the CDT.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

Levi

#2

Google Jonathon Ley. He publishes a set of maps on CD that just about every uses. Also, Google Pacific Crest Trail Society. They offer a set of guidebooks that everyone also uses. Finally I recommend Yogi’s Town Guide for the CDT. Again Google.

However, if this is your first thru hike, I strongly recommend either the PCT or the AT. It’s not a beginner’s trail.

Handlebar

#3

Multi-part series - “Guide to the Continental Divide Trail” by James R. Wolf, pubished by the Continental Divide Trail Society.

Matt

#4

I second all the advice above–Ley maps to carry on trail, the “coffee table books” for planning and dreaming, Wolf’s books for trail-ready written data, Yogi’s guide for towns and planning. And yes, get some serious experience elsewhere, first.

And there is a separate forum for this topic!

Garlic

#5

I carried them all started out with the society stuff got Ley maps and the association books. I think the Ley maps with the offical cdt guide book associalion are yourt best bets

Larry

#6

I am currently on the trail and initially purchased the Wolf Guides, Ley maps, and all of the other maps. The Ley maps are a must, and Jonathan does a great job with them. I ended up not using the Wolf guides at all, and just used the Ley maps and TI, and BM maps in NM, CO and the National Parks. This is just the system that worked for me.

CDT

#7

Does anyone have a list of which T.I. and B.L.M. maps are needed for the C.D.T.??

adventure seeker

#8

I used spiriteagle’s site for a good list. I will alsp be looking to unload some of my maps when I get home, for a very reduced price if you are interested in any of them.

ellie

#9

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I apologize for being in the wrong forum! Thanks again!!

Levi

#10

which maps are best to carry on the cdt?
do i need all of the ones suggested on spirit eagles site plus jonothan leys cds??
what’s a ballpark figure on the cost of a full compliment of necessary maps to hike the trail?
ellie, will you contact me after your hike about me possibly buying the maps you’re willing to sell?
thanks

adventure seeker

#11

The Ley maps for the trail and DeLorme maps for off-trail re-supply have guided me succesfully through New Mexico and southern Colorado. If you can find a high-resolution printer, the Ley maps look outstanding!

Matt

#12

The CDTA has had a gps mapping crew out in Colorado all summer. A new set of detailed Colorado maps and a pocket guide are scheduled for release in the spring. The maps will be in a Mapbook format like the one currently available for the Colorado Trail, which also includes detailed gps data. (www.coloradotrail.org) Buying the Mapbooks should be far less expensive than getting all the individual maps.

bearcreek

#13

Except J Leys maps are free (with a donation for the map CD if you feel nice…and you should) AND have alt routes.

Will the CDTA maps have the alt routes? (e.g. the more scenic hike in the Winds vs the designated horse-friendly valley route? The James Peak route vs the the other horse friendly valley route? The Gila? The Indian Peaks?)

Paul Mags

#14

Realized I was replying to a CDT topic in the AT room.

Perhaps we should move this thread? :slight_smile:

Paul Mags

#15

Paul and all. I have restarted this thread in CDT.

bearcreek