I love books! What books do you recommend for preparing to hike the trail?
lady-eowyn
What books? - Appalachian Trail
system
#3
On the Beaten Path is my current favorite. As Far as the Eye Can See, is also excellent.
Blue Jay
system
#4
I agree with “On The Beaten Path.” I think it’s the best written book I’ve read on the AT. “A Walk In The Woods” was entertaining, but man, it just pissed me off at the end. I haven’t read this “As Far As The Eye Can See.” Perhaps I’ll have to check it out.
C-Giddy
system
#5
For over-all, general information about backpacking and hiking…“Beyond Backpacking” by Ray Jardine.
For specifically the AT, simply read the AT journals on this site. You will find plenty of good information about the AT. Why buy the cow when you can get the milk free?
Nutty-buddy
system
#6
Most books on the AT are basically journals. Good reading, but don’t really answer many of the questions people have who are planning a long distance hiking.
So, I’d suggest that you start by buying the AT Data Book. Then, AT maps or maybe maps and guides.
Next, maybe a how to book, like the Christopher Whalen"s Workbook for planning thru-hikes, or Logue’s Appalachian Trail Backpacker, or Jan Curran’s Appalachain Trail how to prepare for and hike it. You might also look at Roland Mueser’s Long Distance Hiking.
With all that, you will have information overload and need to sort out different opinions.
That should get your started.
Peaks
system
#7
are Larry Luxemburg’s and Lynn Setzer’s books. They are not journals, but are discussions of thruhiking based on lots of conversations with thruhikers. Lynn followed the hikers of one year (1996, I think, but I’m not positive). Both are very good. As to journals, I enjoyed Walking on the Happy Side of Misery, which was my most recent AT book. It gives a very good picture of thruhiker reality. On line there are a lot of good journals - a classic is “Then the Hail Came” at http://www.skwc.com/exile/Hail-nf.html. You might also be interested in the Thruhiking Papers at http://trailwise.circumtech.com/thruhikingpapers/
Spirit Walker
system
#8
There are several approaches to prepare for a hike. One is to get the basics about walking in the woods. What do you bring, how to pack, how to get in condition, etc., so that the stay in the woods will be comfortable and safe.
The second approach in preparation for the AT is to read the planning books that abound.
Third is the record of those who have actually attempted a thru-hike. Big Red has a good one on this medium. Currently Jan Lightfoot (or is it Litefoot?) tells it well. George Steffanos in “Then The Hail Came” talks about some of the struggles a thru-walker experiences in regard to hydration and cash. His long distance mileage was beyond what many can do.
I have not seen a step by step journal yet. I mean a list of gear; some instructional experience regarding packing, camp set up, cooking, care of injured limbs and such, and equipment disappointment or satisfaction.
Skylander
Jack
system
#9
Lady Eowyn,
A good book about the AT that is often overlooked today is THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL: Wilderness on the Doorstep by Ann and Myron Sutton. Published 1967, still relevant today, and a good read, especially if you are a nature lover. Enjoy!
Old Woods Loafer