North Carolina Hiking Trails, 4th

This book has gone with me from Manteo to Murphy and I find it to be the most comprehensive guide book I have ever used for NC. Along with a good topo map, which Mr.de Hart recommends, this book has prepared me for every twist and turn I've hiked in NC; Pisgah NF, Uwharrie, Linville, Wilson Creek Wilderness Area, etc. It is also a great reference for letting me know which trails will suit my nephew (18yrs old) and my daughter (8yrs old). It's a great tool for planning hikes depending on what you want to see; take the route with the most waterfalls, highest waterfalls, best overlooks, most remote location, flora, campsites, etc. I've only gotten lost one time while using this comprehensive and detailed guide and that was due to a poorly marked spur and not the book. In fact, Mr.de Hart often mentions trails that are poorly marked so you can be on the lookout. Indispensable for me.

I live in western North Carolina and have only used the book for the trails in this area. I hike several times per week and have found the 3rd edition and this book indespensible. This book is an exhaustive compendium of our trails and is very precise in it's directions. I have used Randy Johnson's book, James Bannon's book and the book published by the Great Smokey Mountains Natural History Association. For my purposes, Mr. de Hart's book is far superior. I think that the organization of the new edition is a great improvement. I can easily find trails in a particular area and decide from the book which is right for me on a given day. This is an excellent guide that has spent hundreds of miles in my pack.