Looking for books on the history of the trail. Any suggestions?

[kadowookiee]

I've read a few books so far which have mostly been accounts of thru hikes (AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, Walkin' on the Happy Side of Misery, A Walk in the Woods). Now I'm looking for some history on the trail or maybe something more about the ecology of the trail. Basically I'd like to learn more about the trail and the areas it covers and not about thru hike attempts. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[Odd Man Out]

I've read a few books so far which have mostly been accounts of thru hikes (AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, Walkin' on the Happy Side of Misery, A Walk in the Woods). Now I'm looking for some history on the trail or maybe something more about the ecology of the trail. Basically I'd like to learn more about the trail and the areas it covers and not about thru hike attempts. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Perhaps this is what you are looking for? It has a very comprehensive history of the trail.

https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm?itemid=716&compid=1

31166
The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating America's Hiking Trail`
Retail Price: $50.00

By Brian B. King

In celebration of the Appalachian Trail's seventy-fifth anniversary, this 332-page hard-cover Appalachian Trail Conservancy book documents in text and photos the history, beauty, and significance of America's most iconic hiking trail. With fascinating essays on topics ranging from the trail's history to the day-by-day hiking experience, this book is perfect for anyone interested in conservation, outdoor recreation, or American history, and for all those who have hiked all or part of the A.T.

[kadowookiee]

That'll work. Thanks for the help. If anyone has any additional suggestions I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Odd Man Out]

That'll work. Thanks for the help. If anyone has any additional suggestions I'd greatly appreciate it.

It's a big coffee table kind of book with beautiful pics but also a great read. I got it for Christmas a while back.

[garlic08]

Here's (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1613747187/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=51185572282&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15813166363777553386&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_62v0t4ir4z_b)a decent one. It has a sort of "middle" history of the Trail.

[kadowookiee]

It's a big coffee table kind of book with beautiful pics but also a great read. I got it for Christmas a while back.

Ah dang. I like to read on the train to work. I think I'll still pick this up to read at home though.

[upstream]

Friendships of the trail (http://www.amazon.com/Friendships-Trail-History-Appalachian-1930-1980/dp/0877972680), also available new from GATC for 10 or from ATC for 16.95 has an excellent detailed history of the AT in Georgia. No other book I've found tells an accurate story about the Georgia AT, or the part between Bly Gap and the Smokies. It also goes on to tell the detailed history of the GATC, which may not interest you at all.

[CCCCAT]

Tom Johnson in Front Royal, VA is in the process of writing a book on the history of the AT. I got a shuttle from his wife Sharon and stayed at their house. You might want to contact him: [email protected]

[rickb]

Not a book, but of possible interest:

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/default-document-library/2011/04/16/Trail%20Years-%20A%20History%20of%20the%20Appalachian%20Trail%20 ConferenceCDCFD2F2022D.pdf?sfvrsn=0

[Mags]

An Appalachian Trail Reader.

I wrote an overview earlier:
http://www.pmags.com/overview-the-appalachian-trail-reader

TL;DR version: Excellent compilation of history, geology, poetry, culture, etc that makes up not only the Appalachian Trail but the corridor and culture surrounding the trail, too.
http://www.amazon.com/Appalachian-Trail-Reader-Official-Guides/dp/0195100905