20 Best Books For Hikers (2023 Update)

Includes a spectrum of hikes recommended by national park service supervisors, mountaineers, wildlife biologists, and other travel experts as well as "if you go" information to act as a starting point for planning a trip to each destination. in addition to many hikes in the u.s. (particularly in national parks) are recommendations for hikes in alberta's banff national park; southern patagonia in argentina; the overland track in australia/tasmania; lunana snowman trek in bhutan; kalahari desert in botswana; the three gorges in china; colombia's lost city; the vanoise national park (alps) and pays basque areas of france; yr wyddfa, scafell, and ben nevis in great britain; torfajokull in iceland; italy's amalfi coast; japan's nakasendo trail; mexico's el triunfo biosphere reserve; the high atlas of morocco; namibia's naukluft trail; the annapurna sanctuary in nepal; the milford and routeburn tracks of new zealand-queenstown; nova scotia's cape breton highlands; the al hajar, oman; pakistan's snow lake; peru's inca trail; volcanoes national park in rwanda; mount triglav in slovenia; sweden's king's trail; switzerland's haute route; tanzania's mt. kilimanjaro; the kangshung valley and lhasa in tibet; and turkey's lycian coast.

After losing his wife to breast cancer, paul stutzman decided to make some big changes. he quit his job of seventeen years and embarked upon a thru-hike of the appalachian trail, a 2,176-mile stretch of varying terrain spanning fourteen states. during his nearly five-month-long hike, he battled brutal trail conditions and overwhelming loneliness, but also enjoyed spectacular scenery and trail camaraderie.with breathtaking descriptions and humorous anecdotes from his travels, stutzman reveals how immersing himself in nature and befriending fellow hikers helped him recover from a devastating loss. somewhere between georgia and maine, he realized that god had been with him every step of the way, and on a famous path through the wilderness, he found his own path to peace and freedom.

“leonard’s durable tome (seriously, the cover is rubber) is stuffed with so many tips about surviving in the wild, you’ll be able to leave your smartphone behind.” —entertainment weekly, best new books this easy introduction to outdoor life will ensure that even a novice won’t get lost in the woods while finding an activity he loves to do in the great outdoors–whether it’s hiking a 14er or camping on ice. with 400 strategies for engaging in the outdoors, and expert tips and tricks, surviving the great outdoors makes mother nature easier to understand than ever before. brendan leonard, writer, filmmaker, and outdoor adventurer, shows the reader how rewarding it can be to live life away from the computer and get outside. from mountain climbing, to skiing, sledding, and sailing, leonard shows that you don’t need to be a risk taker to enjoy the outdoors. and if the reader does find himself at the point of man vs. nature, leonard shares survival skills from how to bandage a wound and read a topographical map, to how to drive on sand and remove a tick from your skin—all organized thematically and written in short takeaway entries with helpful line drawings. bound in a uniquely rugged (and waterproof!)

Concise descriptions and detailed maps for eighty-seven easy-to-follow trails in texas that allow hikers of all levels to enjoy beautiful views, get fit in the outdoors, and learn about the region's history. hiking texas provides the latest information to plan a customized trip: common and lesser-known hikes, full-color photos, maps, detailed trail descriptions, and trailhead gps, insightful hike overviews, details on distance, difficulty, canine compatibility, and more, from the rugged guadalupe mountains in the west and the deep canyons of the red river in the panhandle to the lakes in the lush eastern landscape, the texas backcountry is as spacious and diverse as the lone star state itself. find hikes suited to every ability. experience the thrill of hiking in solitude surrounded by wildlife. discover swimming holes, spectacular views, and more. laurence parent is a freelance photographer and writer specializing in landscape, travel, and nature subjects. he has written forty-five books, including seven falconguides. he lived for many years in central texas. falcon is the premier publisher of outdoor recreation guidebooks in north america. written by and for outdoor enthusiasts, these guides-chock-full of color photos and maps-not only provide you with the skills you need but also take you along with our authoritative local experts on these experiences of a lifetime. book jacket.

It explains the basics of long-distance hiking as well as logistics, such as what gear is carried, how hikers eat, where they sleep, and how they know where to go. this supportive guide addresses safety concerns from extreme weather conditions to illnesses and injuries, while teaching the reader about the culture and community surrounding our long-distance trails. hiking from home outlines ways to stay in touch and eases concerns that arise when communication is lacking. this guide provides useful suggestions on how to remain supportive from before the hike begins to long after it is over, with additional resources included for significant others who are in a relationship with the hiker. throughout the book quotes from previous hikers and supporters keep the reader engaged, with opinions, tips, and suggestions from perspectives of all ages and backgrounds. hiking from home: a long-distance hiking guide for family and friends is an essential read for anyone who wants to better understand long-distance hiking.

In april 1948, the 11-year-old appalachian trail from maine to georgia was pretty much a wreck: volunteer maintainers who hadn't been called to combat couldn't get rationed gasoline to get out there to keep it clear. in april 1948, so, pretty much, was earl shaffer, self-dubbed the crazy one. he had come home from war in the pacific where he had lost the dearest friend of his life. he needed to walk it off, and he did with the most primitive of gear. in four months, he walked with the merging spring from georgia to maine, bushwhacking to find the route more often than not-becoming the first to report a complete, single-journey trek on this footpath of more than 2,000 miles. more than 7,000 have since followed in his footsteps. these reflections on and from his first of three thru-hikes are often lyrical, full of history and local legend and his own quiet insights on life in the woods in a much different era all around.

Inspiration and information to help you plan (and dream about) your next big trek.this book will help you realize your dreams of hiking among the world's highest peaks and most scenic canyons, discovering wilderness far from the clamor of civilization, encountering rare birds and animals, glorying in sunsets over glacier-clad ranges, and feeling the joy and achievement of hiking some of the world's most spectacular trails. peter potterfield has selected the great hikes of the world from personal experience, having hiked and photographed hundreds of trails to arrive at this selection. the adventures described range from weekend overnights to four-day hut trips to epic journeys that take a few weeks out and back. none requires technical mountaineering skill. features include details on trail conditions, levels of difficulty, best seasons, approach strategies, hazards, and maps. hikes include: john muir trail, california; wonder lake to mcgonagall pass, alaska; tour de la vanoise, french alps; kungsleden, swedish lapland; k2 base camp; grand canyon rim to rim; mount kilimanjaro; cerro fitz roy, argentina; and shackleton's crossing, south georgia.

How to plan and prepare for a long-distance hike on the appalachian trail includes information on trail nutrition, culture, first aid, gear, weather conditions, and more expert advice from an experienced long-distance hiker along with useful information for any long-distance trek other appalachian trail guidebooks tell you about notable scenery, trail history, or changes in terrain. this one tells you exactly what you need to know to prepare for and complete a long-distance hike on the a.t.

Derick lugo had never been hiking. he didn't even know if he liked being outside all that much. he certainly couldn't imagine going more than a day without manicuring his goatee. but with a job overseas cut short and no immediate plans, this fixture of the greater new york comedy circuit began to think about what he might do with months of free time and no commitments. he had heard of the appalachian trail and knew of its potential for danger and adventure, but he had never seriously considered attempting to hike all 2,192 miles of it. then again, what could go wrong for a young black man from the city trekking solo through the east coast backwoods? the unlikely thru-hiker is the story of how an unknowing ambassador of one of the at's least common demographics, unfamiliar with both the outdoors and thru-hiking culture, sets off with an extremely overweight pack and a willfully can-do attitude to conquer the infamous trail. what follows are eye-opening lessons on preparation, humility, race relations, and nature's wild unpredictability. but this isn't a hard-nosed memoir of discouragement or intolerance. what sets lugo apart from the typical walk in the woods is his refusal to let any challenge squash his inner pollyanna. through it all, he perseveres with humor, tenacity, and an unshakeable commitment to grooming–earning him the trail name "mr. fabulous"–that sees him from springer mountain in georgia to katahdin in maine.

Welcome to the world of the appalachian trail. every year, thousands of pilgrims arrive at georgia's springer mountain and set off with hopes of reaching mt. katahdin in maine. roughly ten percent ever complete the journey.it's more than likely that in the at's long, storied history, walter is the first person to thru-hike against his will. he is out-of-shape, out-of-sorts and, now that his wife has decided enough is enough, he's out of the house too. it's that classic scenario: hike or else! since the poor, morose walter can't figure an 'else' he sets off on the longest walk of his life.while braving the great eastern woods, walter meets an eclectic cast of hopeful thru-hikers. as they journey northward, this rollicking band suffers through every hardship that america's premiere hiking trail can throw at them. it isn't long before walter is looking at life through new eyes and just maybe for the first time in forever, starting to feel better about the world and his place in it.but no way is that alone going to be enough to get him to maine.

This ultimate hiker's bucket list, from the celebrated appalachian trail to micronesia's off-the-beaten-path six waterfalls hike, treks through 100 energizing experiences for all levels. filled with beautiful national geographic photography, wisdom from expert hikers like andrew skurka, need-to-know travel information, and practical wildlife-spotting tips, this inspirational guide offers the planet's best experiences for hikers and sightseers. from short day hikes–california's sierra high route, lake agnes teahouse in alberta, norway's mt. skala–to multiday excursions like mt. meru in tanzania and multi-week treks (egypt's sinai trail, bhutan's snowman trek, and the bibbulum track in australia), you'll find a hike that matches your interests and skill level. crossing all continents and climates (from the jungles of costa rica to the ice fields in alaska's kenai fjords national parks), as well as experiences (a wine route through switzerland or moose spotting on the teton crest trail in wyoming, ) there is a trail for everyone in these pages. so pack your gear and lace your boots: this comprehensive and innovative guide will lead you to experience the best hikes of your life!

Tips based on the authors' extensive on-the-ground experiences interest in hiking and long-distance trails continues to boom in adventure ready, renowned hikers katie salty gerber and heather anish anderson take what they've learned both on the trail and through teaching their online classes to a new level: preparing long-distance hikers for all the challenges–physical, emotional, and mental–they may encounter while on the trail for weeks or months. this clear and comprehensive guide sets backpackers up for success with detailed information about everything from the basics of gear selection, navigation, safety, and trip planning to nutritional and physical preparation and body resiliency to how to readjust after returning home. worksheets and checklists make it easy to stay on top of all the planning a long-distance hike requires, while thoughtful prompts to address the why of your adventure help to keep you motivated. adventure ready empowers both men and women to create goals, face challenges, and be stronger and smarter on the trail.

In whistler's way, bill monk's second and much-anticipated book, the intrepid 60 year-old tackles the wildly gorgeous pacific crest trail, 2,653 miles from the mexican border to british columbia, from sea level to a nosebleed-inducing 13,153 feet, a truly life-changing trek. bill brings readers along on his epic journey, describing every detail of five long months filled with breathtaking views, heart-stopping danger, and unrelenting adventure, testing his physical and mental stamina to the limit. readers will be delighted that he is joined by his friend scooby for the first couple of months. people who have hiked or plan on hiking the pacific crest trail, lovers of nature, and those who want know what it's like to accomplish a seemingly insurmountable goal will relish this uplifting story, which paints a magnificent portrait of the outdoors and what it's like to fully immerse oneself in nature's glorious, awe-inspiring, and occasionally very challenging beauty.

The thru-hikers secret is a compilation of knowledge with a singular goal: to help you achieve a joyful thru-hike of the appalachian trail. the journey can provide new perspectives, renewal for life and even reorder one's priorities. a thru-hike is to live large, to live simply and step beyond the timid existence of suburbia. backpacking for months from georgia to maine, however, can be far from a smooth journey. to understand all that a thru-hike entails before it is hiked is practically impossible, and yet many hikers set out on this grand adventure without a lick of experience. of the couple of thousand who begin their journey on the at each season, only a few hundred will find the rhythm of trail life and complete the 2000 miles of mountain forests. to put it simply: not making it is normal. the greater their transition from "cityness" to the hiking wilderness, the better the odds of succeeding favor them. the tangible events – rain, cold, heat, elevation gains, insects, sunshine, cool breezes, fresh air and mileage will be joined in lock step with the intangible ones – joy, elation, melancholy and despair. it is these intangible, emotional dynamics that tend to unravel many hikers' resolve of becoming a thru-hiker. my past career in advertising and having a knack for simplifying the complicated provided me with a unique perspective to turn the enormity of an at hike into simple strategies: secrets. hikers will be armed not just with information, but a go-to resource of answers before most will even know the questions. as the secrets are revealed, hikers will learn what will happen and how to manage the vast texture that is an at thru-hike. joining the secrets are more than 130 images to add richness to the communication. i am "postcard" after all. this journey of discovery starts on the first page, continues 'til tread touches trail and travels with you to the ending terminus. from the first hour, first day, week and month, you'll move forward with greater confidence knowing you have a proven mentor. in it, joining my personal day-to-day account of life on the trail was a how-to section named "have more smiles in your miles". many had told me they'd read this time and again before they'd head out on an adventure. after my second thru-hike, my knowledge grew and so another, more comprehensive book idea emerged, one dedicated solely to at preparation – the thru-hikers secret. where hiking two days may result in adversity, a thru-hike absolutely, positively will deliver it at a level of ten. wonderfully though, decisions before and during your hike found in these pages may help to avoid "come off the trail" moments while helping you find more smiles in your miles.

Everything you need to know to complete your thru-hike. the at is a life changing experience and an amazing accomplishment. half of the battle is proper preparation. this book is everything i wish i would have known before setting off on my thru-hike. complete with personal tips and experiences. learn how to budget wisely, save money and not waste cash. know how to allocate 6 months of your time and plan your exit. master your gear with a massive guide on everything from your spork to your tent. understand clothing, layering and materials. hear about what life is really like on the trail. know which direction to go, when and why. familiarize yourself with a state by state breakdown of the trail. learn how to mentally prepare an optimistic framework for the "i-wanna-quit-days". understand the physical demands and methods to prevent injury. prepare yourself for the nutritional needs with food ideas and favorite meal plans. know the real dangers on the at. "female needs" section from at record-holder heather 'anish' anderson. and a whole lot more…

The ridges and valleys of the appalachians once were the frontier of colonial america. today their centerline is the appalachian national scenic trail, a hiking and backpacking beacon to the world. in between, its route became one of many routes to freedom for the enslaved in the south and mid-atlantic states and then a series of mountaintop battlefields. some argue it began here, with john brown's raid on the armory at harpers ferry, the psychological halfway point of the legendary footpath.hiking through history documents battle sites along the trail from east tennessee to the retreat lines from gettysburg, underground railroad sites from harpers ferry north to maine, and a singular trailside network of farms bought postwar by former slaves in central virginia, their ruins still visible. each site is illustrated with period photographs and a suggested hike, complete with four-color map and detailed description.in the four years of the civil war, hundreds died atop denuded ridges along what is now a peaceful, forested path for recreatrion and reflection. the intent of this volume is to provide to hikers a sense of what happened here more than 150 years ago and provoke them to reimagine the scenery and think about their past as americans.foreword by brian b. king.

Supreme long-distance hiker andrew skurka shares his hard-earned knowledge in this essential guide to backpacking gear and skills. described by national geographic as “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet,” and named “adventurer of the year” by outside and “person of the year” by backpacker, skurka recounts what he's learned from more than 30,000 miles of long-distance adventures, most recently a 4,700-mile 6-month loop around alaska and canada's yukon.whether you're a first-time backpacker, an occasional weekend warrior or a seasoned long-distance trekker, you'll love this guide. learn exactly what you need to carry – both on your back and between your ears – for all seasons and circumstances through a show-and-tell of clothing, footwear, backpacks, shelter and sleep systems, and more, as well as through detailed articles on foot care, campsite selection and hiking efficiency. skurka's practical and priceless recommendations give you all the tools and techniques you'll need to hit the trail.

In the ultimate guide to hiking, readers interested in the outdoors are provided with time-tested advice on hiking and backpacking in the wilderness. some practical tips include: how to choose the best gear – how to set up a campsite – how to interact safely with wildlife – how to properly read a map – how to forecast the weather – learning practical navigation skills – and so much more!

In the ultimate guide to hiking, readers interested in the outdoors are provided with time-tested advice on hiking and backpacking in the wilderness. some practical tips include: how to choose the best gear – how to set up a campsite – how to interact safely with wildlife – how to properly read a map – how to forecast the weather – learning practical navigation skills – and so much more!

Walking in the rugged terrain of hills is a challenging experience, but also a rewarding one. this is the perfect book for anyone who wants to enjoy an exhilarating walk in the hills, and features: *a comprehensive selection of expert advice on topics including buying the best walking equipment, planning a trip, navigating a route, and what to do in case of emergencies *a durable, ready-to-go format that fits perfectly into a backpack pocket *an attractive, inspirational style with great-looking color photos that capture the beauty of the hills with all this and more, this book is made for walking!