Books and Maps

[Volleydoll18]

I am looking for some advice on which references to use along the trail. I am looking for a book to bring for information as I Hike the AT. Should I use the AMC guides per state, or are their better options that may cost less than each book separately?

[A-Train]

You can purchase maps for each section from the ATC, without buying the corresponding state guidebooks, which IMO give extraneous info that you don't need.

I would also buy either The Thru-hikers handbook, or the Data book AND companion from the ATC (appalachiantrail.org).

You should be all set with that info. good luck!

[Jack Tarlin]

VDoll:

If you go to the "Ultimate Trail Store" section of the Appalachian Trail Conference website (www.atconf.org) you'll see how to get the maps and books that you need.

If you decide to order Dan Bruce's "Thru-Hiker's Handbook," the 2005 edition can be ordered at www.trailplace.com

Tho they contain a great deal of interesting information, very few thru-hikers carry the individual state/section Guidebooks with them; as A-Train previously pointed out, most folks either carry Bruce's book, or they use a combination of the current "A.T. Data Book" and the "Thru-Hiker's Companion" which also is issued and up-dated every year. If you wish to see what the Companion looks like, you can examine the 2004 On-Line edition at www.aldha.org

[Flash Hand]

Just want to pitch in this, 2005 edition of ALDHA's Thru-Hiker's Companion and ATC's Appalachian Trail Data book already arrived. They are awesome!

Flash Hand

[Volleydoll18]

Thanks for your help. I'll check these out. You've been a great help.