Top 18 Books About The Appalachian Trail Updated 04 /2024

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Some of the most stunning scenery in America can be seen along the Appalachian Trail, which extends from Georgia to Maine. It's probably the best area to go hiking if you're planning on doing so. And if you're looking for an entertaining tour guide, look no further than Bill Bryson. Aside from a few bears, he explains the trail's history and environment and introduces us to some other brave souls he encounters on the way. "A Walk in the Woods" is already a classic and will make you crave the natural outdoors.)

Stumbling Thru by Digger Stolz

There has never been a thru-hiker before Walter's decision to do so against his will. Because he's out of shape and out of sorts, and because his wife has had enough, he's now gone. It's the classic "Hike or Die" situation! Walter sets out on the longest walk of his life because he can't think of anything else. Along the way, Walter encounters a diverse group of would-be thru-hikers. As they make their way north, this raucous group of hikers encounters all that the Appalachian Trail has to offer.

AWOL on the Applachian Trail by David Miller

David Miller quit his work, his family, and his friends in 2003 to trek the Appalachian Trail, a lifelong goal. On the Appalachian Trail, Miller chronicles his 2,172-mile journey from Georgia to Maine as AWOL on the Appalachian Trail. Throughout the book, the author paints a vivid picture for readers of the awe-inspiring landscapes, the solitude, and the life-altering experiences that can only be had when one's aspirations are pursued.

Walking with Spring by Earl Schaffer

Earl Shaffer had returned home from the Pacific War in April of 1948. His only option was to get some exercise, which he did with the most basic of gear. It took him four months from Georgia to Maine to finish the Appalachian Trail's single-journey trek, which he accomplished by bushwhacking frequently.

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery

When Emma Gatewood completed the full Appalachian Trail, she became the first woman to do so alone, and the first person of any gender to do so twice and three times. She was 65 at the time of her accomplishments. This is the first and only biography of the hiking superstar of the 1950s and 1960s, known as "Grandma Gatewood" by the press.

Becomming Odyssa by Jennifer Phar Davis

Jennifer is unsure of her future plans now that she has completed her undergraduate studies. Appalachian Trail, a 2175-mile footpath from Georgia to Maine, appeals to her. In spite of the skepticism of her family and friends, she sets off alone to trek the trail, thinking that the time alone will allow her the opportunity to ponder her future plans. The following four months will be the most physically and emotionally taxing of her life.. A college graduate full of confidence before her thru-hike, Jennifer is now learning the trail's ins and outs with each step. Unexpected kindness, generosity, and laughter abound on the trail. During times of crisis, she learns that she can rely on others for support.

Three Hundred Zeros by Dennis Blanchard

Dennis could never escape the allure of the Appalachian Trail, having grown up just a few miles from it. He was troubled by a commitment he made to his brother in the '60s. To fulfill his commitment, he finally started out in 2007 on the Appalachian Trail when he had no more excuses.

Skywalker: Close Encounters on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Walker

A middle-aged man who had never spent the night in the wild before embarking on an epic year-long trek over the Appalachian Mountains? After working in Chicago and London as a commodities trader, Bill Walker became obsessed with hiking the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail. It was in the spring of 2005 that he set out to complete this Georgia to northern Maine wilderness trek before winter set in. He quickly recognized that he had entered a completely new universe. Walker was known as "Skywalker" by his fellow hikers because of his towering stature, which stood at nearly 7 feet tall.

Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman

Having lost his wife to breast cancer, Paul Stutzman felt a pull inside of him to take on a new task or follow a long-held desire. Paul quit his job, drove to Georgia, and set out on the Appalachian Trail for the first time. What he discovered over the next four and a half months transformed his life, and it's certain to do the same for the people who read this book.

A Walk for Sunshine by Jeff Alt

Jeff Alt's 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail journey is loaded with tales of bears, bugs, blisters, skunk bed partners, and amusing food cravings, among other things.

It didn't matter if the weather was raining, freezing or sunny; Alt's walk was devoted to his brother, who has cerebral palsy.

Walking with Spring: The First Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail By Earl V. Shaffer

During World War II, Earl Shaffer's hiking partner was murdered on Iwo Jima, and he set off on a solo trek in 1948 in the wake of this tragedy. From the notes he took on the Trail, Shaffer eventually authored a book on the experience. As a memoir, this one is not for those who want to follow the author's emotional or psychological journey. Naturalistic and historical material are frequently interspersed throughout the book, which gives it a unique flavor.

AWOL on the Appalachian Trail By David Miller

David Miller set his sights on hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2003. While working as a computer programmer, Miller was denied the opportunity to take a leave of absence. When it comes to his six-month trek, he does more than just tell a tale. During Miller's trek, he introduces his readers to what it's like to live on the Trail. As a result, the book is both descriptive and educational. It's an introduction to the way of life of an A.T. thru-hiker, with all of its ups and downs and ups and downs.

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