The 20 Best Appalachian Trail Books
The Appalachian Trail is a national treasure that has been the subject of many books.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) stretches across 2200 miles and through 14 states. Hundreds of books have been written about the Appalachian Trail, perhaps thousands. The best books about hiking the Appalachian Trail can be difficult to find among the deluge, which is why we did the digging for you.
Here we have put together a list of the best books about hiking the AT including guidebooks, memoirs, and coffee table books. You’ll find the best books for planning your hike, the most endearing and exciting stories, and the most beautiful photo books featuring the most awesome sights along the trail.
Our top picks are stellar reads that highlight the majesty of the Appalachian Trail. Further below we have listed many more fantastic books that will serve as great followups after you’ve read through our top picks.
The Best Appalachian Trail Book Overall
Editor’s Choice
It’s better because…
Published with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Loaded with archival images and contemporary photos.
Interesting essays and trail stories.
Official National Park Service trail map is included.
- Review Score 97%
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The 5 Best Books about Hiking the Appalachian Trail
These are our five favorite books about the Appalachian Trail. Each has received numerous chart-topping reviews and has unique traits that make them stand out from the rest. Read on to see our detailed reviews of each book below.
Category | Picture | Product | Overall Rating* | Price |
Best AT Book Overall |  | The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating America's Hiking Trail | 97 |  |
Best AT Coffee Table Book |  | The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-Tos, and Huts | 99 | |
Best AT Memoir Book |  | The Unlikey Thru-Hiker | 98 | |
Best AT Guide Book |  | Appalachian Trail: Thru Hikers' Companion | 96 | |
Best AT Book for Kids |  | Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail | 99 | |
*Ratings are based on Amazon customer reviews at the time of publication and can change.
The Best Appalachian Trail Book Overall
A true celebration of the AT with historical and contemporary photos.
Best AT Book Overall: The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating America’s Hiking Trail
Pros
Well-written and impactful essays.
Spectacular historic and contemporary photography.
Packaged with an official trail map.
Cons
Heavy reading. Some of the essays are dense reads.
What is the best book on hiking the Appalachian Trail? The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating America’s Hiking Trail. If you were to read only one book about the Appalachian Trail, make it this one. It’s rich with interesting essays and beautiful photos both contemporary and historic.
This book is a combination coffee table book, travel guide, and a history lesson. The essays put together by Appalachian Trail Conservancy senior staff member Brian King showcase his exceptional knowledge of, and undying love for, the trail and its surroundings.
Each page contains highlights of the trail’s history. Whether it be an interesting story about its creation, a quote from an enthusiastic trail supporter, an endearing photo, or a press document, each contribution draws the reader’s attention and adds another piece of the puzzle that is the AT’s history.
All of this leads to a modern look at the trail as it exists today. The stunning photos and fun anecdotes provide a glimpse of what a hiker can expect to find on the trail, while the history provides insight and context that will only serve to improve a hiker’s experience.
A foreword has been written by Bill Bryson, author of the acclaimed A Walk in the Woods memoir that details his own long-distance hike on the AT. An official National Park Service trail map has been included as well.
The Best Appalachian Trail Coffee Table Book
A comprehensive shelter-to-shelter guide and a great read.
Best AT Coffee Table Book: The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-Tos, and Huts
Pros
Incredibly detailed photos, documents, and information.
Easy to read map segments included.
Shelter etiquette and other helpful pieces of advice.
Cons
None unless you are completely disinterested in AT shelters.
Outstanding because of its detailed cataloging of the AT’s iconic shelters, The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-Tos, and Huts will be absolutely fascinating to anyone who holds any interest in the trail.
It’s difficult to put a finger on this book, because it does many things exceptionally well. Yes, it is an excellent coffee table book. And it is a terrific hiking guide book, and a history book, and it’ll appeal to backcountry survivalist engineers, although that last group is likely to be quite a small segment of readers.
But yes, you could consider this to be a unique hiking guide book. Even thru-hikers will find a ton of valuable information in its pages. Each state is represented with an easy-to-read map of the trail that highlights the all-important shelters.
Each shelter is detailed in the book with its amenities, elevation, trail location, history, and whatever else you could ever wish to know. These shelters are vital resting points that exist all along the Appalachian Trail. Thru-hikers and weekend backpackers alike will use them on a regular basis throughout their journeys.
This book was a close contender for our top overall pick, and we’re sure that some people will like it even better than our top pick. The amount of detail and effort that went into making this amazing book is staggering.
The Best Appalachian Trail Memoir Book
A fresh perspective on thru-hiking culture starring a likeable fellow.
Best AT Memoir Book: The Unlikely Thru-Hiker
Pros
Introspective and full of humor.
Written by a great storyteller with a keen eye for detail.
You’ll learn from the author’s mistakes, as he humbly did.
Cons
Though the perspective is refreshing, the premise is old hat.
A Brooklyn urbanite who frequents the New York City comedy scene loses his job and decides to embark upon a life-altering journey. The Unlikely Thru-Hiker is the tale of man who had no business hiking the entirety of the Appalachian Trail, that is not until he decided it was what he wanted to do.
Derick Lugo, aka Mr. Fabulous or Fabz, describes himself as a groomaholic. His commitment to looking good earned him his stylish trail name, and he did let 2200 miles of dirt and dusty trail dissuade him from maintaining his immaculate hygiene.
Having never backpacked before, Derick learned many valuable lessons early on in his thru-hike. After hailing a cab in New York and telling the driver to take him to the terminus of the Appalachian Trail, he quickly realized that his pack was too heavy and his expectations were to be wholly subverted.
His story is an introspective, humbling experience rife with humor, ambition, and a beguiling exploration of the human spirit. As much as one would expect to find isolation and loneliness on such a long adventure, Derick proves that community and companionship are there for those who seek it.
The Best Appalachian Trail Guide Book
This official guide book has been regularly updated for over 25 years.
Best AT Guide Book: Appalachian Trail: Thru Hikers’ Companion
Pros
Published in collaboration with the ATC and the ALDHA
Elevation profiles, maps, detailed tables, and more.
Includes important information from the AT Data Book.
Cons
Data heavy and difficult to decipher in parts.
The Appalachian Trail: Thru Hikers’ Companion is the ultimate book for aspiring thru-hikers and long-distance section hikers of the AT. The pages within contain everything you need to know to plan your route on the Appalachian Trail.
This is the official guide book for the trail that was created in collaboration with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association. Numerous volumes have been published over the last quarter of a century.
This edition has been fact-chacked by over three dozen recent thru-hikers for accuracy. Future editions will also be available when they are published by following the product links we have provided for this edition.
Information from the AT Data Book has been added to this guide book as well. You’ll find everything you need for a long-distance trek on the Appalachian Trail from elevation profiles to shelter locations and even relevant town info such as Post Office addresses.
Day hikers may not find too enough information in this book relevant to their needs. For day hikers, we suggest looking at the other guides we have listed below, specifically the Drive & Hike Appalachian Trail guide book.
The Best Appalachian Trail Book for Kids
A legendary hiker’s tale turned into an adorable children’s book.
Best Appalachian Trail Book for Kids: Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail
Pros
Vibrant watercolor and colored pencil illustrations.
Recounts the true story of the first female AT thru-hiker.
An inspirational story for youn children, especially girls.
Cons
It’s a long story and a lot of pages. Small children won’t have the attention span for the whole thing.
After a hard life as a a neglected child, a mother of 11, a tobacco farmer, and a wife to an abusive husband, Emma Rowena Gatewood told her children that she was going for a walk. Little did they know, though, that she was setting off on the journey of a lifetime.
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail doesn’t delve into the dark aspects of Gatewood’s life that led her to the trail. You can find that story elsewhere. This children’s book focuses solely on her hike and her notoriety as the first woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.
Through colorful illustrations and detailed, yet cartoony, maps, this book showcases the many wonderful things that can be seen and found along the trail. It’s a joy to flip through for the illustrations alone, though the story itself is remarkable.
The book will expose young children to the joys of nature. It’ll also show the value of hard work, setting ambitious goals, and being brave.
It is rated for children in school years of kindergaten through second grade, We think kids a few years older will also appreciate it, perhaps moreso, and adults will enjoy their first read through as well.
Why You Should Buy an Appalachian Trail Book
There are many reasons why you would want to purchase an Appalachian Trail book. Maybe you’re an aspiring hiker, or perhaps you want to relive some of your fondest memories of the trail from your younger days.
Whatever your reason, there is sure to be an Appalachian Trail book that is perfect for you. Think about why you are interested in an AT book, and then figure out what style of book you want to read. We’ve put together some advice below that will help you decide.
Those interested in reading about America’s other National Scenic Trails will enjoy our take on the best books about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
Tips and Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing an AT book.
- Memoir, guide book, or coffee table book. Aspiring long-distance hikers should probably read one or two of each of these styles of books to get a full picture. Most everyone else probably has a set expectation from the book they are about to purchase. Grab a memoir if you’re interested in a hiker’s personal journey. Pick up a guide book if you want specific logistics about day hikes, trail towns, or for planning an entire-thru hike. A coffee table book is ideal for guests as it will be full of beautiful images and short reads.
- Publication date. The publication date is an indication of how relevant the content may be. This is especially important for guide books. Those who are planning a long hike will want the latest information they can get their hands on, whereas history buffs and trail enthusiasts will be more interested in how the trail has changed over the years.
- Perspective. The author’s perspective can have a profound impact on how the trail is portrayed. Young or old, white or black, fit or disabled— each of these factors into the story, the logistics, and the struggles of hiking the AT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a guide book to hike the AT?
It’s best to prepare for hiking the Appalachian Trail by reading a guide book or two, but it is definitely not required. These days people use apps like Gaia GPS or Guthook’s Guide to The Appalachian Trail for trip planning and on-the-trail logistics.
Do AT memoirs tell you everything you need to know about the trail?
Appalachian Trail hiking memoirs provide perspective and insight on what it is like to hike the trail. They tend to offer little in the way of logistics, but some of these memoirs do contain varying amounts of logistical planning. It’s best to read a memoir and pair it with a good guide book, as well as an AT hiking app, to develop a more well-rounded knowledge base.
What books should I read if I liked A Walk in the Woods?
If you enjoyed A Walk in the Woods, you’ll likely enjoy any of the other memoirs on our list here. Hiking Through and Where’s the Next Shelter?, in particular, are similar in their stories and character antics.
What is the best guide book for day hikers?
Our favorite resource for AT day hikers is the Drive & Hike Appalachian Trail guide book. It has extensive info on the trail’s best hikes, the trail towns, and the roads that’ll get you to those fantastic places.
More Great Appalachian Trail Books
We’ve listed 15 more books about hiking the Appalachian Trail that we think you’ll love. Though they didn’t receive a top recommendation, they’re still great reads and come highly recommended by readers.
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Appalachian Trail Coffee Table Books
Appalachian Odyssey
Gorgeous photos, fun stories, and solid trail advice
Author Jeffrey H. Ryan didn’t thru-hike the AT in a single season. Rather, his journey across the AT spanned three decades. He took his time on the trail and saw it as no thru-hiker ever could.
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Hiker Trash
A hodgepodge of illustrations, photos, and trail registers
Composed of beautiful illustrations, wonderful pictures, and random excerpts taken from the trail logs found along the Appalachian Trail, this book portrays the story of the trail in a way that no other book does.
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Human-Powered Poetry from the Appalachian Trail
Poems and pictures
One part coffee table book and another part memoir, this unique poetry book shows, rather than tells, the author’s journey through rhythym, rhyme, and some great photos.
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Wildflowers of the Appalachian Trail
Spectacular photos and detailed descriptions
This is a fantastic book for a very specific audience. If you like wildflowers, there’s not better Appalachian Trail book for you.
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Appalachian Trail Guide Books
Appalachian Trials
A psychological and emotional guide book
Author and AT thru-hiker Zach Davis argues that people are preparing for long-distance hikes in the wrong way. Here he hopes to help potential thru-hikers prepare for the journey by strengthening their minds rather than their bodies.
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Chicas on the Appalachian Trail
A female-focused hiking guide
This book tackles the issues and answers the questions that female long-distance hikers face. The author also interviewed 12 other female hikers to get their input on how women can prepare for an awesome thru-hike.
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Drive & Hike Appalachian Trail
Explore the trail on wheels
Why walk the entire AT when you can skip over the long slogs and take in the highlights? This book gives offers great roadside trail advice and is a great source for day hikes across the AT.
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How to Hike the Appalachian Trail
Plan for before, during, and after your thru-hike
A detailed guide focusing on all aspects of a thru-hike, including the months of preparation before and having a solid exit plan for after. It also features a female-needs section written by AT record holder Heather ‘Anish’ Anderson.
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Take A Thru-Hike
A detailed guide paired with helpful videos
Author Jessica ‘Dixie’ Mills has put together a detailed thru-hiking guide for the AT, but she also has many videos on YouTube where she doles out sage advice and details her hikes through entertaining vlogs.
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Pacific Crest Trail Memoirs
A Walk in the Woods
A best-selling misadventure
A Walk in the Woods is an entertaining read that became a bestseller and was turned into a hit a movie. There’s a lot to love in these pages, but it is also a bit self-indulgent on the author’s part.
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AWOL on the Appalachian Trail
A daily travel log
Leaving his career behind, the author jumps into a life-changing journey. He proposes that you look not at his journey as one to duplicate, but that each person hikes their own hike.
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Hiking Through
A man pursues a dream after a devastating loss
After losing his wife to cancer, author Paul Stutzman decided to take on a difficult challenge and to live out one of his lifelong dreams. Through nature and companionship he found healing out on the trail.
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Sole Searching on the Appalachian Trail
A retiree's take on thru-hiking
Newly retired and never having backpacked before, author Sam Ducharme loads up at REI, gets on a plane to Georgia, and decides to walk home to New England.
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Waking Up On the Appalachian Trail
A veteran seeks answers on the trail
Author Nate Hankes seeks to discover a new identity now that he has left the military life behind. It’s a coming-of-age story of a man that saw too much when he was too young.
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Where's the Next Shelter?
An adventure story starring three misfits
Somehow a retired marine, foreign cartoonist, and a cheeky college grad team up as a trio set to conquer the Appalachian Trail. Both hilarity and peril ensue.
