Hiking Missouri

I want to get outside and explore after reading Lohraff's new book, Hiking Missouri. A good cookbook is a joy to read AND entices you to cook. This book is an excellent "recipe" for exploring Missouri. It was extremely enjoyable to read, with personal anecdotes and interesting historical and natural history facts. AND I can't wait to try some of the hikes - a perfect combination. This is also a user friendly book. The layout is easy to navigate, the boot icons are easily understood, and each trail description is specific and clearcut. The author writes in such a way as to instill confidence in the reader/hiker. Lohraff's passion for the outdoors and his knowledge of Missouri's natural communities are gifts to us all. Thank you. Now, I'm going to Get Outside!

I was very impressed with the author's first issue of "Hiking Missouri." The observations he made, based on his natural history background, easily oriented the hiker to what was special about the area, why it was special, and where to find it. His book on 102 hikes spread throughout Missouri had surpassed all previous publications by other authors for quality and detail until now. With this new edition, the author not only added 25 more interesting hikes, he also updated the hikes from his original book. This extra effort is extremely important because there is nothing more frustrating than using an outdated book where the information may not be as reliable due to trail changes or closures. My only nit about the book, and it is a small one, is that I wish the publisher had put the state map, with all the trail locations, ahead of the trail chart for a little easier orientation. The author has put a lot of time and effort in producing this definitive hiking guide to the state of Missouri. For those that want to have a quality outdoor experience, this book is a must.

Kevin Lohraff's "Hiking Missouri Second Edition" is one of the most easy-to-use and enjoyable hiking guides I've ever read. A handy trail finder with logical icons at the front of the book provides quick reference for selecting a trail. Each featured site contains detailed yet clean and straightforward maps and attractive photos, with wonderfully written descriptions of each site. With "Hiking Missouri," you not only have a great resource for years of enjoyable hiking, but in the author's voice, a hiking buddy--someone whose technical knowledge and sincere love of the natural wonders found along the trail are apparent on every page.

This wonderful book is "a must," not just for hikers but also for nature lovers. More than an accurate and detailed guide, the book affords readers lush visual imagery through the descriptions of a skilled writer who, without doubt, loves the trails he treads.

I have been enjoying canoeing, kayaking, and camping in Missouri all my life, but every page of this book told me something I didn't know about my favorite state. This book is guaranteed to make the reader start making trip plans. This is a great gift book because it is a catalyst to further adventure.