Lonely Planet Hiking in the USA

A great book for people who want to know what should be on their lifelong "to hike" list. I have found the maps to be very accurate, and the overall selection of hikes to be excellent. This book shouldn't be used alone - for many of the hikes, there are numerous variations that can be figured out with a more detailed, area specific guidebook, and a map, of course. Happy hiking!

This book is quite unique in terms of hiking selections and a valuable book for anyone who wants to experience some of the best of what the U.S. has to offer in terms of hiking and backpacking.One of the most unique aspects is that it focuses on a handful of the best hikes in the most scenic locations in the U.S., not just the best hikes in every state. Let's face it, the scenery in every state is not created equal! You would have to read 40 books and thousands of pages to try and figure out which hikes are the most most spectacular, the hikes most worth the effort that hiking and backpacking can demand. This is the only book I have come across that has done this for you and done a good job at selecting the some of the very best hikes. Another unique aspect is the hiking maps, which I found very easy to read with out knowing anything about maps. I am sure that topographic maps are more detailed and required for wilderness survival, but these mini trail maps are user friendly and easy to understand without having mapping knowledge. There are certainly many other great hikes in these and other locations, so I am hoping for a sequel. And also another edition that will follow the same format entitled "Hiking Our Planet!! Can I pre-order before it is written?

I have bought many hiking books that tell all about the suggested hikes. After reviewing this book, I felt that it was more than a guide to trails, it goes beyond the normal. It is a compact book that can be carried in your pack that includes a lot of resourceful information. It includes facts, flora & fauna, health & safety, and transportation from various locations. It also includes topo maps of each region (small scale), information of each hike from start to finish. This book also tells you whether you need a permit to hike or not.For those that would like to know about surrounding towns or places to stay or eat, it's all included. Each description of the various hikes were very descriptive to the point of making me feel as if I was already on the trail, ie. seeps where tadpoles reside and fresh mint grows in abundance. There is also a section that includes long-distance trails. For a book in it's first edition, I was well pleased. So much information in one book. Great job!