Nature of the Appalachian Trail: Your Guide to Wildlife, Plants, and Geology

by Leonard M. Adkins

Hike the AT, and Get to Know Its Nature The Appalachian Trail’s soaring elevations and precipitous terrain are complemented by lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and some of the most beautiful views in the world. You can conquer part or all of the AT on foot. Along the way, immerse yourself in its nature. Leonard M. Adkins has thru-hiked the AT five times, and he has spent countless hours studying it. Now, he’s sharing his expertise with you. Nature of the Appalachian Trail is an overview of more than 2,000 miles worth of information! There’s no need to shoulder dozens of different books in your backpack. This comprehensive naturalist’s guide includes a look at the mountains’ history, a study of the land’s geology, and detailed information about the trail’s birds, mammals, trees, flowers, reptiles, amphibians, and more. Inside you’ll
Nature of the Appalachian Trail is your visitor’s companion to unbroken forest from Georgia to Maine. It is applicable to the states of Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 13, 2021

Reviews

[Vanessa Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will be section hiking the entire Appalachian Trail over the next few years so when I saw this book in my local outdoor store I was excited to give it a read. The book tries to be half reference guide half non-fiction history story, and unfortunately leaves me wanting more from both.

The history of the AT in the first chapter and how the mountains were formed in the third chapter were both interesting. The second chapter going through the trail step by step was so painstakingly detailed listing every single bald and mountain and rock you'll pass, that it doesn't mean much unless you're actually hiking that section. The rest of the chapters detail the forests, plants, and animals you might see, but they are half rambling stories with reference cards scattered throughout. As far as I can tell the reference cards for the plants aren't in alphabetical or geographical order, so it will be challenging to flip through the book while I'm hiking to figure out what I'm seeing. The charts at the end of the book for fall color and flowers I think will be helpful while I'm hiking.

I will bring this book with me for my first section hike this month and we'll see how often I actually use it. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately don't find it very interesting as a history/non-fiction book about the trail, and not helpful as a reference guide.