Forest Under My Fingernails: Reflections And Encounters on the Long Trail

by Walt McLaughlin

Forest Under My Fingernails is a beautifully written book about a 267 mile, 33 day backpacking trip. At different times gently introspective, humorous, and thought-provoking, this book explores the changes we go through as we gradually immerse ourselves in the deep woods, and the different rhythms we experience there. Walt's work is relatively unknown, but we regard him as one of the most eloquent nature authors and poets writing today.

Genres: Memoir, Nature, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Dawn Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little gem of a book detailing the author's experiences and interactions while hiking Vermont's 273 mile Long Trail. Illustrated with black and white watercolors.

[Traczie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short journal that brought me back to the trail. It was a nice refresher and brought back some memories from my thru hike that I had forgotten.

[Basil Greymantle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet the author in Baldhead Shelter on the Cohos trail, he sent me this book as a gift, just so you know.

I enjoyed reading this book and his style of writing. This is not a how to book or a guide to hiking the VT Long Trail. It is more like reading a journal or diary. The emtions and reflections of someone who enjoys the forest for its own sake, not just the big views from the peaks. He does mention obstacles to overcome from weather, the trail, his health and equipment. He mentions some of the people he meets. None of these things over shadow that this is a reflection of his time hiking for a month on a wilderness trail. It certainly makes me want to get back out there myself, maybe even my own thru hike of the VT LT.
Basil (TomJA)

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 'woodswalker's' trek on the Long Trail. He allows himself to take the time to see and appreciate the beauty nature has to offer. " I inhale the freedom of the hills, exhale all paltry concerns." I have been fortunate to have been on hikes where it is impossible to feel "anything but fully alive".

[Terryann Saint]

Read in less than three hours...leisurely enjoyed and could not put down...just loved it.