Hikers can always put in a few miles at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but before they get outside and enjoy the rugged wilds of state and county parks surrounding New York City, they will want to explore this guide. Using sweat and shoe-leather research and precise, entertaining narrative, authors Christopher and Catherine Brooks have written the premier guide to the best day hikes in the greater New York City metro area. Unbounded by state lines, the trails awaiting hikers in 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: New York City include pleasant walks in New Jersey's Allaire State Park in Farmingdale, challenging hikes in Connecticut's Devil's Den Preserve near Weston, and, of course, scenic sections of the Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain State Park.
• Matt Heid → Appalachian Mountain Club Books 2008
This new guide from the publishers of the Best Day Hikes series provides a comprehensive look at what you need to plan a memorable backpacking trip in a region known for its rugged terrain. You’ll explore the wildest, least-traveled trails on 33 trips that are rated by difficulty—from Easy to Epic. You’ll read about nine wilderness areas, eight state forests, four state parks, two national forests, and a variety of other protected landscapes. Each trip description includes regional locator and trip maps, as well as photos of the area taken by author Matt Heid. Heid maximizes your wilderness experience by selecting loop hikes, conveniently eliminating the need to cross roads or shuttle a car. Overnight options—including camp sites and lean-tos—are also listed, as well as tips on safety and gear to better prepare you for a challenging and rewarding backcountry adventure.
• Rene Laubach → Appalachian Mountain Club Books 2007
This new guide from the experts at the Appalachian Mountain Club leads beginner and experienced hikers alike along 50 of Connecticut’s most spectacular trails, from short family nature walks to long day hikes that reward with magnificent views. Inside, readers will find 50 detailed trail descriptions with maps, Nature Notes on the region’s flora and fauna, and more. Readers will also learn the best trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and find other opportunities for outdoor adventure. AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Connecticut is an essential four-season reference for visitors and locals, new and experienced hikers, and everyone in between who wants to explore the state’s hidden pockets of wilderness.
• Cynthia Copeland Lewis → Mountaineers Books 302007
Search for frogs and turtles in a pond, stay in a cabin, visit a nature center, see waterfalls, or discover abundant wildlife. These are just a few of the new hikes families (and anyone looking for an easy outing) will enjoy in these completely redone guidebooks. Each outing highlights points of interest and opportunities for learning about nature on the trail. The hikes range in length from 1 to more than 5 miles round-trip, are rated easy to difficult for children, and feature optional turn-around points for tired feet.
10 b/w photos 65 maps Complete descriptions of 170 great day hikes on the AT Easy-to-read topographic maps and elevation profiles for each hike Plants, wildlife, and historical points to see along the way From the spruce forests of Tennessee and the leafy gorges of Virginia to the rolling Pennsylvania hills and the rocky heights of New England, the Appalachian Trail offers 2,200 miles of hiking opportunities. The five books in this series present accurate, detailed information for 170 day hikes (and a few overnighters), all recommended by AT experts. Where to start and finish, water sources and shelters, early exit options, and what to expect on the trail itself are described. Specially commissioned easy-to-read-and-use topographic maps and elevation profiles accompany each recommended hike; mileage data, the best direction to travel, route difficulty, and sources for additional maps and information are also included. Each book points out natural and historical featuresplants, trees, animals, landforms, bridges, vistasthat make the recommended hikes special.
Lace up your boots and sample some of the best trails in New England. Explore beaches and sand dunes at seashores in eastern Massachusetts. Trek through verdant forests in south-central Connecticut. Amble along secluded rivers and bays at wildlife sanctuaries in Rhode Island, or take in the views from the mountaintops in the northern Berkshires of Massachusetts. Veteran hikers and outdoor writers Rhonda and George Ostertag will introduce you to these trails and more. Use this guide for: up-to-date trail information; accurate directions to popular as well as less-traveled trails; difficulty ratings for each hike; detailed trail maps; zero-impact camping tips. Whether you are a day-tripper or long-distance hiker, old hand or novice, you'll find trails suited to every ability and interest in southern New England. (6 x 9, 336 pages, b&w photos, maps, charts)
Although New England contains three of the four most densely populated states in the country, there are still numerous natural sites to be explored in this beautiful area, and this detailed guide catalogs the most unique and scenic mountains. From Mount Katahdin in Maine to the peaks above the coastline, the finest hikes are included here, along with beautiful photographs of the land and precise directions and descriptions.
Explore the natural beauty of the Nutmeg State on the Connecticut Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails System and within the state's many parks and nature preserves. From quiet trails in Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill to beach strolls at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve in Groton to scenic outlooks on Bear Mountain in Salisbury, these fifty-nine sure-to-please walks include both coastal and forest trials, and many are perfect for families with children. In this guide you'll find a detailed map for each walk, clear directions for locating and following each trail, suggestions on what to wear and what to bring, informal notes on geology, vegetation, and wildlife, and information on park hours, admission charges, facilities and more! (5 X 7, 192 pages, maps)