Essential Guide to Hiking in the United States

Provides a wealth of information on the sport of hiking, lists 387 hiking areas state-by-state, and rates the major trails according to terrain, visual beauty, and degree of difficulty

Cook, selected as the best leader for hiking and wilderness tours in the East by New York magazine, offers this guidebook. The first section is a sensible, succinct primer for the hiking novice containing all the information a beginning day-hiker needs. More experienced patrons will, however, prefer to use books containing advice on advanced hiking and backpacking. The second part should be a first source when fielding questions about trails and where to hike; it is the most complete and up-to-date directory of American trails available. It lists, state by state, long-distance trails as well as the best hiking resources (i.e., private and public organizations knowledgeable about trails). Cook acknowledges probable omissions; those few this reviewer recognized are either trails in progress or elusive organizations. Recommended.
- Paula M. Strain, MLS, Rockville, Md.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.