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Hiking Trails of the Smokies
descriptions of every trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (excluding Quiet Walkways and Self-guiding Nature Trails).
- GenresReferenceNonfiction
575 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 23, 2015
Hiking Trails of the Smokies by the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, Don Defoe, Beth Giddens (Great Smoky Mountains Association 2003)(917.68)is one of the three great books about the hiking trails in the Great Smokies. I have hiked over 400 of the 800 miles of trails in the park, and I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone. (The other two great volumes are Top Trails Great Smoky Mountains National Park Must Do Hikes For Everyone by Johnny Molloy (Wilderness Press 2012) and Hiking Trails of the Great Smoky Mountains: A Comprehensive Guide by Kenneth W. Wise (University of Tennessee Press 1996). My rating: 8/10, finished 2010.
November 16, 2020
This is the definitive book on hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park and, for most people, is absolutely necessary for planning out a trip.
My biggest complaint is that there was not a great way to look up hikes in different areas of the park. With the trails listed in alphabetical order you will need to use a map (included or the nat geo map) to get a grasp on where trails start/end.
We used this on virtually every hike to understand our elevation and distance before taking off; Both of which were incredibly accurate.
I also recommend picking this up from the official sources at the park or online store so that your money goes right back to the park.
My biggest complaint is that there was not a great way to look up hikes in different areas of the park. With the trails listed in alphabetical order you will need to use a map (included or the nat geo map) to get a grasp on where trails start/end.
We used this on virtually every hike to understand our elevation and distance before taking off; Both of which were incredibly accurate.
I also recommend picking this up from the official sources at the park or online store so that your money goes right back to the park.
June 19, 2023
If you only own one trail guidebook to the GSMNP this is a strong candidate. Some hikers carry it with them. Includes a durable large format map of the Park. All trails are listed alphabetically making them easy to access. I like the elevation chart for every trail which also shows any stream crossings.
January 19, 2011
This is - by far - the best hiking book to buy for hiking the Smoky Mountains. I have many trails guide and this is my favorite.
The size is just right to carry in your back pack and the book is arranged in alphabetical order - so every trail is easy to find.
Trail write-ups are by different individuals who have hiked the trails they talk about many times and in many seasons. The format
for the book is good - with length, elevation, highlights, cautions and a good description given for every write-up.
If you plan to come to the Smokies to walk or hike the trails - get this book.
The size is just right to carry in your back pack and the book is arranged in alphabetical order - so every trail is easy to find.
Trail write-ups are by different individuals who have hiked the trails they talk about many times and in many seasons. The format
for the book is good - with length, elevation, highlights, cautions and a good description given for every write-up.
If you plan to come to the Smokies to walk or hike the trails - get this book.
January 10, 2009
This book was recommended by an employee at the Great Smoky bookstore. Each trail is described in great detail, and a chart at the beginning of the entry illustrates the elevation changes and sites to see along the trail. Details about trail history, specific challenges, and location of trailheads are included. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in visiting the Smokys and hiking, and am more than willing to lend out this stellar guide!
July 17, 2010
I had this on our trip through the Great Smoky Mountains... I would have to say it was invaluable. I'd buy it again. Just as a suggestions, tear out the page with the elevation changes for each days hike. It makes it 100 times easier to pinpoint yourself on a true map at any given time.
July 15, 2011
My nephew let me borrow his copy on our recent trip to the park. It was great for planning to short hike suitable for our three children. I read through the book and made a list of hikes to take them on when we return.
January 10, 2009
a great guide to the trails in the great smoky mountains national park. it even has the histories of the trails.
February 15, 2009
My bible when it comes to my mountain home.
July 12, 2012
Great book and great information. Comes with a great map to use. Great history on the trails as well, some of the info is dated. I would recommend it.
June 10, 2009
Hiking Trails of the Smokies by Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association Staff (1994)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews