View Full Version : where to get maps/guides
I've decided to get the thru-hikers handbook...only I can't find a product called the "thru-hikers handbook" on the atc's website. Does it have a similar name? There's a "data book", a "companion" and a "planner." Is the planner the same as the old "handbook?"
Also, I thought I'd order the maps from www.atctrailstore.com (http://www.atctrailstore.com) as well, but they are awfully expensive. Does anyone who's done it before know if this is the best/only place to purchase maps and guides? Or have any advice on what to purchase beyond one guide and the appropriate maps?
-Thanks in advance!
Your best source for the official AT guide books and the maps included with them is ATC. I think you are too late for the discount they offer each year for the entire set, but I am not sure.
Buy your guide books from ATC. Support the Appalachian Trail with your purchase. Afterwards, you can sell them if you do not wish to keep them as many students do textbooks. You might be able to obtain a used set by starting a thread here indicating your desire.
The particular guide you mention is not published by ATC. You will need to obtain it elsewhere. Others, I'm sure, will post with information about it.
Also, I thought I'd order the maps from www.atctrailstore.com (http://www.atctrailstore.com) as well, but they are awfully expensive.The maps are worth the money that they charge. It looks like a lot for a set, but the maps have a lot of detail and each generally covers a small area.
Blissful
03-21-2008, 00:29
ATC - best maps
Books - ALDHA thru hiker companion (http://www.aldha.org/companyn.htm), the thru hiker handbook (http://www.trailplace.com/), appalachian pages (http://www.appalachianpages.com/)
Sometimes I'm amazed by how much good information can be posted almost instantaneously!
Thanks. I ask because I was reading "a walk in the woods" again and listening to BillBryson rail about how horrible the official ATC maps were, but that book is 15years old and it sounds like they've improved quite a bit since then. It sounds like the ATC package is the way to go...thanks for the help everyone!
Jack Tarlin
03-22-2008, 17:48
The ATC maps were fine in 1996 when Bryson was hiking. (Tho you're right, quite a few of them have been improved since then)
Bryson's complaints about them were as justified as most of his other complaints;, i.e., not very. In any case, they weren't horrible.
And you didn't mention when you were hiking......the ATC has all of their Guides and Maps available at a special price in the fall (you save even more if you're a member of the ATC). And one can frequently find new or barely used maps available on E-Bay, and sometimes, you can find them here as well.
I need the GA-NC maps and they're not available from ATC - says they'll be out "by the 3rd week of March".
Should be any day now I guess.