This comprehensive trail guide describes hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing routes on more than 200 miles of trails in New York State's legendary Shawangunk Mountain Range. The 50-mile-long Shawangunk Ridge features some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery in the Northeast. This well-known landform is located less than 90 miles from New York City and less than a day's drive from more than 40 million people. Much of the ridge is open to the public as preserve land and state park. The combination of beauty, countless recreational possibilities, and easy access make this one of the Northeast region's most popular weekend and vacation destinations. It is estimated that nearly half a million people visit the Shawangunks every year. Many come to hike, mountain bike, or cross-country ski the more than 200 miles of trails that crisscross the ridge. Now Jeffrey Perls has created this comprehensive handbook and guide, detailing how to get there and what to do on nearly every mile of trail. The Shawangunks Trail Companion is the first and only book to provide both a thorough description of the landform as well as a complete guide to its trails.

Explore the beautiful Hudson River, from New York City to Albany. "Paths Along the Hudson is at once a hiking guide that details the salient features encountered along the way, and a Baedeker to the geography, geology, history and ecology of the Hudson, as seen from the paths that trace two shores. It's the kind of book that you can peruse in your den prior to hitting the trail or stow in your backpack as a resource to be consulted as you wind your way north. Also, if you've never hiked seriously before, Perls' book contains several excellent introductory sections to the gear, footwear and clothing necessary for enjoyable trekking."-The Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ) Jeffrey Perls brings together the culture, history, nature, and recreational activities along the Hudson River in one convenient guidebook. He not only maps out walks and bike trails, both urban and rural, but also introduces readers to the landscape, geology, history, and culture of the Hudson Valley region. Paths along the Hudson provides a practical and geographically comprehensive guide to exploring the area on foot and by bike. The trail routes bring readers as close to the river as possible and guide them to rewarding vistas, nature preserves, and historic landmarks. What you will learn in Paths along the Hudson: .How to find beautiful, practically unknown areas accessible by New York City public transportation. .Where is the most magnificent trail along the Hudson, with woodlands, beaches, cliffs, and forests? In New Jersey. .What you will need to make your explorations enjoyable, safe, and fun for everyone from the serious hiker to parents and kids. .The cultural and social history of the entire region. Jeffrey Perls is a twenty-year resident of the Hudson Valley. He is a mental health therapist, environmental activist, and outings leader.