Appalachian Trail Data Book (2018) Paperback – December 1, 2017

Despite some disappointing reviews this book should never get anything less than 5 stars! Maybe 4 stars since it is southbound only and needs more phone numbers, but not a very big deal at all, just a slight annoyance.It is compact (unlike other hikers who carry a library of books with them: wow, but true), and has much needed information in it, such asdesignated campsiteswaterPlaces to get suppliesofficial lodging (beds and more)distancePlaces to eat on the trailP.O. on the trailA bunch of notes, such as a list of the LNT rules, some safety guidelines, etcMajor distances are already added for you. There is some addition and subtraction needed to reverse from Northbound to Southbound, but again, addition/subtraction is NO big deal at all. That is a page I never use anyway. The major distances are usually marked with a sign on the trail, so this is a page I rip out before I leave. I rip out many unneeded pages before I leave, and burn the pages I have already used. In its entirety the book weighs less than 4oz With nothing ripped out it is about 1/4"x7x5WebsitesAn emergency phone numberA very basic overview mapAnd probably things I missed too in this super easy to carry book. I would pretty much think this book is essential for you are on the trail, and if you want to look at some distance planning ahead of time.I do not like the kindle version, cuz I am constantly looking at it, even while I walk. This book does not require batteries, and my technology stuff stays out of the weather in my pack.The 2018 version is likely only slightly different than me waiting for 2019 to release, so not an issue.Please do not misunderstand me, the other Official Appalachian guide books are key. I own them all. I do not buy them every AT hike though, but this one I do. It is cheap enough to get a newer one. The others I plan with, read, etc. I do not bring them with me (maybe a few notes), yet this is the one and only book I bring.PS. I hiked From Georgia to Harper's Ferry in 2003, thru hiked form Georgia to Katahdin in 2007, and am going to attempt another thru hike starting March 29, 2019. Each time this book was in a bag in my pocket and not the backpack (I can't reach any of the pockets easily :( )Summery: Must have book

Helps me a lot planning my hikes. I am a weekend outdoorsman and a Boy Scout leader and highly recommend this book for planning. Use this and any laptop or smart phone and you be able to plan your hike adventure really well. It talk about access from roads, shelter, water ,elevations, miles, camp area, and for me the most important it tells you who take care of that part of trail. put that on your search or fb, you be able to contact somebody before your trip and confirm information, for me is a yearly most.....

I did the White Mountains with this book and it was excellent. AT is well marked and it'd suffice to know only about campgrounds and basecamps to refill food and other essential items. This excellent guide book had everything to minimize the use of the smartphone by a significant amount. Also, this book helped a lot in planning section hikes.

I really don't know what I was expecting from this book, but it just didn't fit my needs. To sparse on the data. If you just need to know where the major points are on the trail, this will work, but not much else.

Perfect! Just what we needed to plan our AT trip. Chock full of useful information. In my opinion, it's a priceless addition to planning the hike.

This is a must have if you are planning any length of trip on the AT. Fantastic size, and tons of info. Won’t head out without it.

This book is helping me plan my hike! If you are planning on hiking the trail this book is a must.

Has awesome data and information, goes a long great with map or guide book. It make my hike a lot better, and is pretty accurate.