Appalachian Trail Books, Films, Posters, Products, and Websites

Appalachian Trail Data Book - 2012

by: Daniel D. Chazin

Amazon Price: $3.24 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $3.80

Sometimes termed the bible of A.T. hiking, each year's Data Book consolidates the most basic information from 11 detailed guidebooks into a lightweight table of distances between major Appalachian Trail shelters, road-crossings, and features. It is divided according to the guidebook volumes (one state or two or, for Virginia, parts of a state) and updated each December to account for Trail relocations, new (or removed) shelters, and other changes. In addition to codes for lodging, food, water, and other essentials, the Data Book is keyed to both the individual guidebook sections and to the separate maps. Day-hikers and long-distance hikers alike rely on this volume for armchair planning as well as on-the-trail orientation. This also is the source for the ever-changing official answer to, How long is the trail? Officially for 2010, it's 2,179.1 miles.

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Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion-2012

by: Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association

Amazon Price: $9.41 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $9.65

This book gives long-distance A.T. hikers the basic information they need for a five- to six-month trek but also leaves "space" for the adventure of finding out the extras for themselves. This basic information concentrates on services and food in towns and shelter and water locations on the trail, with a little history slipped in here and there. With research by more than three dozen thru-hiker volunteers in 14 states, backed by first-hand information from the Trail's volunteer and staff maintainers and managers, the "Companion" includes extensive tabular information from the "A.T. Data Book." Sized for easy packing in a quart-sized resealable baggie. Purchased mainly by current thru-hikers, it is also sought out by section-hikers.

The Appalachian Trail : How to Prepare for & Hike It

by: Jan D. Curran

Amazon Price: $9.15 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $3.45

One reviewer writes, "The book provides a general overview of the many issues that face Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. It is well-organized, beginning with the trail's history, moving through planning and equipment/food, injuries and first aid, etc. Also covered are animal issues, sanitation and etiquette. The final chapter lists some information about portions of the trail which might be interesting to those who only wish to hike certain pieces of the trail. Most useful are the appendices, which provide necessary information about equipment manufacturers, Post Offices near the trail, ATC trail-maintaining clubs and maps."

The Best of the Appalachian Trail: Day Hikes

by: Victoria Logue, Frank Logue, Leonard Adkins

Amazon Price: $9.74 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $9.23

For hikers that love to backpack, but can only get out on a trail a day at a time, The Best of the Appalachian Trail Day Hikes is the ideal guide. Day hikes in all fourteen states the Appalachian Trail passes through are described in brief including the following:

*Maine's Chairback Mountain
*New York's Lemon Squeezer
*Pennsylvania's Chimney Rocks
*Virginia's Cold Mountain
*Tennessee's Laurel Fork Gorge and Falls
*Georgia's Blood Mountain

A Guide to Car-Hiking The Appalachian Trail

by: James Duffus

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $9.35

Each site lists tourist information sources (phone numbers and/or websites) and where appropriate short hikes are described. The guide is also intended to help parents introduce their children to some modest hiking and to encourage active people of all ages who love nature and the outdoors to sample parts of the Appalachian Trail - a portion at a time - perhaps as a life-time achievement.

The guide will be helpful to anyone hiking the trail with vehicle support by family or friends.

The Appalachian Trail Food Planner: Recipes and Menus for a 2,000-Mile Hike

by: Lou Adsmond

Amazon Price: $12.26 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $12.49

Appalachian Trail long-distance hikers need 4,000 or more calories a day to maintain enough enough energy to carry themselves and their gear over all those mountains and miles. Lou Adsmond wanted to make it work for her husband and son, and she did. Here are her schedules for food 'mail drops', recipes and directions for on-the-trail preparation and cooking. The latter are on small cut-out tabs that can be dropped inside Ziploc bags full of ingredients. It's a 2,178-mile course of meals.

AWOL on the Appalachian Trail

by: David Miller

Amazon Price: $24.87 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $13.82

In 2003, software engineer David Miller left his job, family, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. "AWOL on the Appalachian Trail" is Miller's account of this thru-hike from Georgia to Maine. Readers are treated to rich descriptions of the valleys and mountains, the isolation and reverie, the inspiration that fueled his quest, and the life-changing moments that can only be experienced when dreams are pursued. While this book is chock full of introspection and perseverance, it also provides useful passages about safety and gear. This is not only a travel guide but a beautifully written and highly personal view into one man's adventure and what it means to make a lifelong vision come true.

Walking with Spring

by: Earl V. Shaffer

Amazon Price: $5.03 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $4.70

A hiking legend, Earl Shaffer in 1948 came home from the South Pacific and set out to prove the then-little-known Appalachian Trail, which had been neglected during the war, could be walked in a single continuous journey. This is his own lyrical account of that walk, undertaken in part to try to shake off World War II combat, during which he lost his best friend. Illustrated with his own photographs, this book has inspired thousands to attempt similar "thru-hikes." In 1965, Schaffer walked the trail the other way, and, in 1998 at age 79, he did it again...on a trail far different from the one he basically rediscovered at mid-century, one that was more difficult than he liked as he neared his eighth decade.

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Official Guides to the Appalachian Trail)

by: Bill Bryson

Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $0.01

This is a fun, entertaining and informative read ... even if some of it is fiction. There were quite a few hikers I ran into on the trail who said it was this book that had inspired them to come out and give long-distance A.T. hiking a try.

Walking the Appalachian Trail

by: Larry Luxenberg

Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $1.22

One reviewer wrote: "Along with the details of planning for my upcoming thru-hike,it is great to pick this book up and instead of dealing with technicalities I can just take my mind to the finer aspects of trail life, which is nice when I'm not planning. It is one of the few books I have ever started and actually finished all the way through before getting bored. -Contains vivid accounts of famous and not so famous thru hikes of the past, some humorous and some touching, and offers an unbiased view of just enjoying the trail regardless of all variables."

Just Passin' Thru: A Vintage Store, the Appalachian Trail, and a Cast of Unforgettable Characters

by: Winton Porter

Amazon Price: $6.91 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $5.10

A reviewer writes, "I loved "Just Passin' Through..." Although I am not a thru hiker, I have hiked portions of the AT many times and share Mr. Porter's great love for the outdoors, quiet spaces and the quirky folks you meet on the trail. I especially enjoyed reading about his love for and commitment to his family and his appreciation for the little pleasures that make up the beauty of our natural world. All hikers will enjoy this book. Wherever you hike around the country, you will understand Mr. Porter's observations, stories, sense of humor and sense of wonder."

Underfoot: A Geologic Guide to the Appalachian Trail

by: V. Collins Chew

Amazon Price: $8.90 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $4.68

With simplified maps, amateur geologist Chew, who hiked the entire trail over a 10-year period, provides background on the features and their development. (This book was professionally reviewed before publication.)

Walkin' with the Ghost Whisperers: Lore and Legends of the Appalachian Trail

by: Junius R. Tate

Amazon Price: $20.71 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $14.99

Reviewer Windtalker writes, "As my wife and I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2006, there were innumerable times when we came upon a relic from the past, and sensing that there was a memorable story behind it, wondered what that story might be. From the memorial for hermit, Nick Grindsatff, fashioned from the rubble of his old cabin to the Civil War significance of the Shelton graves, J.R. Tate's extensively researched stories serve to fill in those historic gaps that we A.T. hikers walk by, year after year."

TREK - A Journey on the Appalachian Trail

Amazon Price: $23.95 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $32.24

TREK runs an hour and forty minutes, and is said to be one of the most accurate and up to date portrayals of the life of a thru hiker and the Appalachian Trail as it is today.

2000 Miles to Maine: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail

Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $15.00

"2000 Miles to Maine" is perfect for trail enthusiasts and those planning thru hikes, as well as the armchair set who want to get a fascinating glimpse of trail life and culture. A mother lode of information on trip planning, gear selection and the day to day realities of life on the trail.

Appalachian Trail Reflections

Amazon Price: $18.00 (as of 05/27/2012)

Through the creative eye of photographer, and A.T. thru-hiker, Georgia Harris, you are taken on a journey through the sights and sounds of the trail and through the changing of the seasons. Each photo is presented against a soundtrack of soothing natural sounds and Native American flute music composed and performed by her husband, and A.T. hiking partner, Randy Motz.

Southbounders

Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 05/27/2012)
Used Price: $23.13

Southbounders follows a young-lady named Olivia taking time off of college, to backpack the Appalachian Trail. She is obviously going against the flow, as flashback scenes show her parents as being completely unsupportive of said hike. She goes against the flow even more by choosing to hike south, whereas the most popular way of hiking is north.

The Appalacian Trail: 2012 Wall Calendar

by: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Amazon Price: $13.97 (as of 05/27/2012)

This wall calendar -- the only one officially published by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy -- explores the highlights of this famous footpath with 12 spectacular images by professional photographers.

2012 Appalachian Trail Wall calendar

by: Moseley Road Inc.

Available from third-party sellers.

This 16-month calendar includes major holidays, moon phases, and daily grids for listing appointments and reminders.