The only illustrated book officially published with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Appalachian Trail explores this legendary footpath in detail: with a foreword by Bill Bryson and filled with more than 300 spectacular contemporary images, as well as unpublished historical photos, documents, and maps from the ATC archives. Once inspired by this wonderful celebration of the A.T., readers can plan their own hike using the removable and full-size copy of the official National Park Service's map of the entire Appalachian Trail included inside each book. In celebration of the Appalachian Trail's seventy-fifth anniversary, this official book documents in text and photos the history, beauty, and significance of America's most iconic hiking trail. With fascinating essays on topics ranging from the trail's history to the day-by-day hiking experience, this book is perfect for anyone interested in conservation, outdoor recreation, or American history, and for all those who dream of one day becoming thru-hikers themselves. Completed in 1937 by a small cadre of volunteers, the Appalachian Trail spans fourteen states, from Maine to Georgia, and is more than 2,000 miles long. Now, seventy-five years after its completion, the A.T. remains America's premier hiking trail and is known as "the people's path." Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the trail for a variety of reasons, whether to reconnect with nature and see its beauty and wildlife, or to challenge oneself-for two miles or 2,000. Out of three million annual visitors, almost 2,000 attempt each year to earn the distinction of "thru-hiker" by walking all five million footsteps in one continuous journey.

The Appalachian Trail spans fourteen states from Maine to Georgia and is more than 2,000 miles long. Now, eighty years after its completion, the A.T. remains America s premier hiking trail and is known as the People s Path. This beautifully illustrated book officially published with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy highlights this legendary footpath with more than 170 spectacular contemporary images taken by the foremost hiking photographer in America. The photographs allow readers to experience the trail as if their boots were on the path passing by the iconic white trail blazers, taking in the surrounding wilderness at scenic overlooks, meeting other hikers at lean-tos or shelters, and freezing at the sight of a black bear, moose, or other majestic wildlife. This book is perfect for anyone interested in conservation, outdoor recreation, or American history, or for those who dream of one day becoming thru-hikers themselves.