Essential Guide to Nature Walking in the United States,
by Charles Cook. Henry Holt and Company, 1997. 274 pp., $19.95, paperback. ISBN
0805041117
Charles Cook's Nature Walking surveys several thousand
trails throughout the fifty states with descriptions of five hundred of the best natural
areas in which they can be found. The book is well-organized and arranged by state with
individual maps showing the location of the various preserves, state parks and
sanctuaries. Each of the locations include a basic description of the terrain and wildlife
along with an address and phone number so that readers can contact the area for more
detailed information and specific trail maps.
As the title states this is a general guide to nature walking so the
trails suggested are short, mainly under three miles and in the easy to moderate range.
This makes it useful for someone looking for a break from a long car ride to another
destination or as an introduction to a state or area one may not be familiar with. More
experienced hikers may also find it handy as a starting point for further research.
The author includes a brief section on the practical and philosophical
aspects of walking which I'm sure walkers are already well-acquainted with. This book is a
good all-around reference in an easy-to-use format which can form the basis for a lifetime
of exploring the seashores, canyons, forests and valleys found in the U.S.
Reviewed by Nancy Z. Leck, September/October
1998
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