Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in the North Georgia Mountains: Walks, Hikes & Backpacking Trips from Lookout Mountain to the Blue Ridge to the Chattooga Ri

I've been using this book for several years, and am just about half way through the hikes described in the book. Almost every hike I've done has been spectacular. The only 2 I've been a bit disappointed with was the Unicoi Bottoms loop (still recovering from a lot of storm damage), and the Sosebee Cove (not much of a hike... Calling it 0.5 miles was even stretching it). I have many other hiking books, several others for Georgia hiking. This one has, by far, the best layout, and the best descriptions. It's typically a fun read. The author will start describing the hike, and then go off and talk about the history, foliage or wildlife for several paragraphs. Much more intersting then some of the books that simply give you "turn left at the junction at 1.2 miles" type descriptions. Always clear and accurate directions to the trailhead, detailed information about the mileage, altitude change, and most importantly (to me) is the accurate topo maps detailing the trail (there IS one topo map error on hike 31, Locust Log Ridge/Arkaquah Trail. The top map is shifted to the left and is the wrong scale, and the trail path is not in the right place). The only thing I'd like to see added to the book, in these days of technology, it GPS coordinates of the trailhead. This has trails for all hiking experiences. From the previously mentioned 0.5 mile Sosebee Cove to the 22 mile Wild Rivers Route. There should be a hike for everyone in this. My original copy of this book is a bit in rough shape, after carrying it along with me for about 25 hikes. It's almost time for a fresh copy!

This book is very thorough with maps and elevations, but if you are just starting out you'll want something a little less daunting. Alot of the hikes in this book have elevations of 800 ft. and up. Now that might not sound like alot but it is when you're climbing it. But most of them start at state parks, and you really don't have to hike the WHOLE thing!

I purchased this book for my husband as a gift. He is a hiker and loves to drive up from Florida to Georgia to do so. The book has different types of hikes, ranges, times and descriptions. He is leaving in two weeks to use it for the first time. He has his routes mapped out and plans to have a good time. The book is very helpful in planning your hiking trips.

This book is EASILY the best hiking book for Georgia I've ever seen. In the past I've always mapped directions online before a hike so as not to get lost. I've finally found an author I trust to get things right. The directions in this book are always correct and easy to follow. Every hike is detailed to perfection, informative, and fun to read. On my first overnight backpacking trip years ago, I tore out the one page hike description from another hiking book and carried it with me. My friend and I had to guess where we were the entire trip as the hike description was so vague. There is nothing vague about this book!! The author takes you almost step by step through each hike and there is never a question as to where you are. This is PRICELESS for someone going on a solo hike - especially a woman hiking alone. I always get nervous and really appreciate knowing I'm not lost! Such a great book...