Appalachian Trail Guide to Shenandoah National Park Paperback – August 1, 2012

Then do Shenandoah National Park. When I began planning an extended Appalachian Trail section hike, my initial plan was to start in Pennsylvania and go as far north as I could. My uncle, a two time thru hiker, both north and south bound, discouraged me from that and suggested I should do more in Virginia and Maryland, the former for the scenery, and the latter for the history. Both are extremely popular section hikes in and of themselves, but if you have to choose, pick Shenandoah. The park features some of the most extensive wilderness on the east coast. And no, the bear that graces the cover of this book is not just there for show. You are more likely to encounter bears here than almost anywhere else on the Appalachian Trail. Far more frightening than the Bruins, you are also likely to meet zealous park rangers intent on enforcing the wilderness regulations. And one of the most important reasons to purchase this book if you are section hiking is to familiarize yourself with these same regulations and keep out of trouble with both varieties of bears.But there are other reasons this is a good purchase. The book comes with three full color water proof maps, each of which details a district within the park: south, central, and north. The book also proves a very detailed description of the AT route in the park, and doubles as a general park hiking guide, describing the many side trails you will encounter on your journey through one of the east's most spectacular parks. Indeed, one of the main benefits of section hiking is that it gives you more time to explore than thru hikers, with their tight schedules for reaching Maine, can afford. Of course, thru hikers also cannot afford the weight of a little book like this for a section of trail that most will take a week or less to complete. So they don't carry it. In an age of ultra light backpacking this is understandable. But it's also a little sad, because data books don't convey the rich natural and human history of a place like Shenandoah National Park and this book does. So if you want to enjoy a great section of trail, take this book and accompanying maps, and plan a great adventure. And even if you are thru hiking, you may want to read this guide before or after, if not during, your hike.

Just received this and was surprised to find the "pull out maps" are actually full size, highly detailed topo maps with a lot of great trail-related info. Further, the maps appear to be printed on waterproof paper, though I have not done the experiment yet. Between the book plus the maps, I think this is a bargain. The book appears to be pretty interesting in itself, though I have not read the whole thing yet.

This is a terrific trail guide to the Appalachian Trail. My daughter and I have hiked a number of various areas of the trial, so we are familiar with it, but this book/guide puts it all into a nice, go-to location to find the information that is needed to know about a particular trail and area.

Great little book - didn’t need the big section on the side trails however. The maps are well worth the price alone.

2 Stars for 2 Strikes. Would Like to have AT guide for The Shenandoah National Park, But received trail Guide for New Hampshire -Vermont. I explained my Problem and Replacement was sent and I Received My second New-Hampshire Vermont trail Guide today. Now I have two copies to return and No Shenandoah guide. What a waste of time.

I'm planning to hike the Shenandoah National Park section of the AT this year. This book has been the perfect guide to prep for the shelters, terrain, wildlife and (hopefully) anything I'll encounter. It's also compact enough to take with me.

Wonder information to plan hiking trip. Quality product. Helpful guide

Topo Maps were detailed and waterproof. Book was good and very helpful. Would highly recommend it to those hiking the AT.