I'm looking for a good book on the Appalachian trail dose anyone no of a good one

i decided that im taking einstein's relativity book on my next hike. Its small (180 pages) and i could spend months reading it without getting bored (itll be marked to hell and back though).

EDIT: i totally read that post wrong, i thought you meant a good book to read while on the trail... Back to your question, i guess the guide books are what your looking for? http://www.atctrailstore.org/

I'm looking for a good book on the Appalachian trail dose anyone no of a good one

"Walkin' on the Happy side of Misery" by JR 'Model T' Tate

I always go back to it when I need a good laugh and dose of Trail memories.
The way JR wrights always reminds me of my grand-pa and the way he'd tell a story about the Missoura woods.

I second Model T's book. GREAT read.

I also enjoyed reading one that came out last year. 'The Road More or Less Traveled' by Otis and Roberts. Funnier than Bryson's book, but a lot more accurate depiction of the trail experience.

Walking With Spring, haven't read it but heard that it is good

AWOL on the Appalachian Trail
Skywalker
A Walk in the Woods

Walking With Spring, haven't read it but heard that it is good

I have, and you heard correctly! It was fascinating to read his description of places I've been (and will be), and note the changes. Such as the removal of firetowers....bummer!

even cowgirls get the blues -- or any of tom robbins books are pretty fun to read along the trail. not sure if you're asking for AT specific books or just a good book to read along the way.

Walking Home!!! Great book!!!!!!!!!

Anything by Edward Abbey....

Dead Men Hike No Trails - Rick McKinney

Through Hiker's Eyes by Lawrence "Baro" Alexander

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner: Alan Sillitoe
Not a bit of actual hiking in it but the themes are related. Also it is excellent writing and short and not about the thing you are doing at that exact moment so the whole "escape" actually works.

cold mountain is really good, and it's semi hiking related.

Mine...if I ever get it done and get a publisher. ha ha :)

Mine...if I ever get it done and get a publisher. ha ha :)

you can self publish like jr tate or web publish, which is becoming more popular and has earned a few some recognition and bucks after the old line publishers turn them down

I'm looking for a good book on the Appalachian trail dose anyone no of a good one
"A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson, has probably got more people out there than any other. Funny but motivating. The reader will figure ' I can do better than that' !

I like:

On the Beaten Path by Robert Alden Rubin - well-written and poetic
There are Mountains to Climb by Jean Deeds - some very funny stories

Both are AT thru-hike journals and very enjoyable.

In addition to those mentioned above, I recommend "A Season on the AT" by Lynn Setzer. Month by month and the author interviewed alot of thrus from the season of rain in 1996. If you are taking something on the trail, may I suggest a book on the state your are hiking in? Or an author from that state? "Killer Angels" for Pennsylvania. "Cold Mountain" for Virginia or North Carolina. "Deliverance" for Georgia. I don't mean the last one to be a jab, despite all the jokes, it is an excellent novel and read. "Gone with the Wind" is an excellent trail book since it takes awhile to read it and is in paperback. Maine has some good ones also. Tennessee? Your choices are also endless. Enjoy.

Walking the Appalachian Trail, by Larry Luxembourg

first book I read about the AT

AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE by David Brill. I have quite a collection of AT books and all that have been mentioned are good reads...JR's and Brysons are great stories, Luxembourg's is full of interesting facts and history.
The Brill book just hit me with the feelings that I actually got on my thrus.

geek

Hey thanks alot you all ive read some of thease i'll look up the rest

happyhiking all

"Walkin' on the Happy side of Misery" by JR 'Model T' Tate
I always go back to it when I need a good laugh and dose of Trail memories.
The way JR wrights always reminds me of my grand-pa and the way he'd tell a story about the Missoura woods.


I SECOND that recommendation!

you can get the book at: www.ModelT.net
or from Amazon.com
or from "Model-T" himself...he'll be @ TRAIL DAYS 2009 selling a few books @ the outfitter store!:D

ALSO, I'll be hiking w/ "Model-T". & "Jigsaw" Harpers Ferry,WV to Swatara Gap, Pa May 2-14

The Last American Man, Elizabeth Gilbert!
Whiteblaze Fever
A Journey North

I just finished reading "A Season on the Appalachian Trail" by Lynn Setzer, it is a year long journey of the 1996 thru-hikers and I found it fun to read and it really gives you a feel of being on the trail.

I just finished The Barefoot Sisters: Southbound. It is book one of two I think, as they apparently Flip-flopped.

It was a little hard to get into because they switch back and forth between the sisters as the narrator. But, once I could recognize who was talking without having to flip backwards to see the name, it flowed pretty good and was a pretty good read. I recommend it.

I am presently reading How to hike the AT by Michelle Ray. It is written by a woman from a backpackers perspective. A phenomenal read if you want a nice perspective on hiking the AT. I recommend it. I've also read As Far as the eye can see. A good read as well. This is the story of one guy on the AT. I recommend this one also. I've also read Larry Luxenbergs book Walking the Appalachian Trail. Wanna learn a bit early trail history as well as attitudes and perspectives of numerous thru hikers. I definately recommend this book as well, The last book I've read on the AT is A walk in the Woods. This book is about two guys on the AT and the comedy of errors that follow. This is a decent book, but it is the one I would be least likely to read again. That being said, I enjoy the other three enough to go to again and again. As well, I've heard nothing but good things about Walking with Spring. Although it is not an AT book I also recommend Into the Wild. This is the true story of a young man who was an Ivy school graduate who, upon geaduation, left town and left behind all that he had ever known to live as a homeless guy wondering the entire country for two years only to die in the Alaakan wilderness. One of the best books ever in my humble opinion. If you have a true sense of adventure, this is it.

This isnt an AT book but a great trail book is Dharma Bums by Kerouac

A Journey North by Adrienne Hall
Walking with Pacience by Jarrett Krentzel

A second nod to Awol on the Appalachian Trail. An excellent read, IMO.

Another great read, although not AT related, is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE by David Brill. I have quite a collection of AT books and all that have been mentioned are good reads...JR's and Brysons are great stories, Luxembourg's is full of interesting facts and history.
The Brill book just hit me with the feelings that I actually got on my thrus.

geek

I second this one!! it's actually the first book i ever read about the Trail shortly before deciding to head out on my first thru....

I've read alot of the books that have come out, but for some reason that one hits home a little differently than the rest.

Pillars of the Earth