Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States, by Glenn Scherer and Don Hopey. Stackpole Books, 1998. 372 pages, $19.95. ISBN 0811726665

Reviewed by John Morgan

This book is worth adding to the library of any Appalachian Trail hiker interested in the mid-Atlantic states. I thought the introductory section was mostly boiler plate covering a lot of territory but not really saying too much. Many references about where to get more information, but no real information as such, except a lot of cautions. However, this doesn't distract from the descriptions of the hikes, which is the basic reason for purchasing the book. Each hike is exceptionally well-described, including maps, elevation profiles, and a wonderful narrative of what to see and enjoy as you travel along each route. Starting with a recommended direction in which to hike each section, the descriptions cover such things as the time needed, elevation gained and lost, effort required, social and natural history, and early exit options. It truly is a hiker's friend!

One gets an excellent description of features encountered, including history, special features, viewsheds, and interesting comments on side trail options. The section trail maps and elevation profiles inform hikers of what to expect, so there should be no surprises.

If you are thinking about hiking the AT in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, this is a good book to own. I have fairly recently hiked this area and know I would have liked to have had this book before I did so. I'm sure I missed some of the historically significant features described here. Next time I travel this wonderful section of the AT I will have this book in my pack.