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12.08.09
TOP 5:
New England Outdoors Books
All good adventurers have a shelf of outdoors books that
inspire them to get outside. From essays to guidebooks, here are five of our
region's best. (To purchase any of these - or more New England outdoors books
- check out our new Books section.)
 5.
A Walk
In The Woods
by Bill Bryson
Sure, maybe only part of Bryson's book takes part in New England. But
this story about his experience on the Appalachian Trail - the world's
longest continuous footpath, which just happens to have its best parts
in New England - is a funny, inspiring must-read for any hiker.
 4.
Not Without Peril
by Nicholas Howe
An excellent journalist who grew up in the shadow of Mount Washington,
Howe examines 150 years of exploration and tragedy in New Hampshire's
Presidential Range by profiling 22 unlucky adventurers. From the bizarre
to the chilling, these tales both entertain and caution readers.
 3.
AMC White Mountains Guide
by Stephen D. Smith
As the Northeast's greatest mountain range, the White's offer challenges
for anyone - from beginners to world-class mountaineers. And as such,
this is THE essential guide for anyone who wants to enjoy the New
England outdoors.
 2.
Forest And Crag: A History
Of Hiking, Trail Blazing And Adventure In The Northeast Mountains
by Guy and Laura Waterman
Looking like a textbook, the sheer bulk of Forest And Crag might
scare off potential readers. But those brave enough to tackle it are
rewarded with its surprisingly easy readability and great stories. The
book examines the exploration and evolution of the region's ranges, from
first ascents on the Northeast's major peaks, to the creation of major
trails, to the changing role of recreation in the mountains. People who
love the Northeast's mountains and trails will find this book
fascinating.
 1.
Walden
by Henry David Thoreau
Duh. Of course the Number One New England outdoors book is Thoreau's
Walden. It's only the most important work of nonfiction in American
literature, the original Man vs. Wild, and the greatest story of
experiencing the New England outdoors ever told. If you haven't read it
since high school, read it again.
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