home page Bibliography of books about hiking in the New York City area (a work in progress)

The links below will take you to the pages on Amazon.com where you can purchase the books listed. The listing of the books below is for informational purposes and does not imply an endorsement (unless otherwise stated).
50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley Second Edition by Stella Green and H. Neil Zimmerman -
This is probably the most popular book listed here. If you buy are looking to buy one book then this is the one that I would recommend.
50 Hikes in New Jersey Third Edition by Bruce Scofield, Stella Green and H. Neil Zimmerman - Another classic by same team that has done other books listed here.
50 Hikes in Connecticut Fifth Edition by Gerry and Sue Hardy
60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: New York City Second Edition by Christopher & Catherine Brooks
AMC's Best Day Hikes in the Catskills and Hudson Valley: Four-Season Guide to 60 of the Best Trails from New York City to Albany by Peter Kick
Best Hikes With Children in the Catskills and Hudson River Valley Second Edition by Cynthia & Thomas Lewis  - I repeatedly get contacted about suitable hikes for families and while I have never used this book, hopefully it will be useful for those hiking with children.
Best Hikes with Children in New Jersey Second Edition by Arline Zatz - See comment for previous book.
Best Hikes With Dogs: New York City & Beyond by Tammy L. McCarley - I repeatedly get asked about where it is legal and appropriate to hike with dogs and while I have never used this book, I hope it is of help to those wishing to hike with their dog(s).
Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey Fifth Edition by Bruce Scofield - The fact that this is the fifth edition of this book is a good sign!
The Complete Walker IV by Colin Fletcher and Chip Rawlins - This book has been called "The Hiker's Bible" - a very highly recommended general book about hiking and backpacking.
Day Walker Second Edition by the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference
Hiking the Jersey Highlands: Wilderness in Your Backyard First Edition by George Petty
Hiking New Jersey: A Guide to 50 of the Garden State's Greatest Hiking Adventures by Paul E. DeCoste & Paul E. DeCoste
Hiking New York Second Edition by Rhonda & George Ostertag
Hiking the Road to Ruins: Day Trips and Camping Adventures to Iron Mines, Old Military Sites, and Things Abandoned in the New York City Area...and Beyond by David A. Steinberg
Nature Walks in New Jersey by Glenn Scherer
New Jersey Walk Book Second Edition by Daniel Chazin - This is a reference book about all the trails in New Jersey maintained and/or mapped by the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference.  It provides detailed notes about each trail as well as maps.
New York Walk Book Seventh Edition revised by the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference - This is a reference book about all the trails in New York maintained and/or mapped by the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference.  It provides detailed notes about each trail as well as maps.
Take a Hike New York City: Hikes Within Two Hours of Manhattan by Skip Card
Weekend Walks in Dutchess & Putnam Counties Second Edition by Peggy Turco
 
General Hiking
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson - A very entertaining account of one man's attempt to walk the entire length of the Appalachian Trail.
Be Expert with Map and Compass by Bjorn Kjellstrom and Carina Kjellstrom Elgin - Has an emphasis on orienteering.
The Complete Walker IV by Colin Fletcher and Chip Rawlins - This book has been called "The Hiker's Bible" - a very highly recommended general book about hiking and backpacking.
Medicine for Mountaineering: And Other Wilderness Activitites by James A. Wilkerson - Best read after you take a Wilderness First Aid class (which I highly recommended!) unless you are a medical professional (in which case you won't be as intimidated as a novice would be by this book).  Might be overkill for dayhiking but it probably can't hurt to be over educated in this area.
Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking by Stephen W. Hinch - I've been using a map & compass and a GPS for fair while and I learned much more than I expected from this book.
The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail by Andrew Skurka
 
Maps:
- The New York - New Jersey Trail Conference - A non-profit that works to create and maintain hiking trails in the New York City area and publishes excellent trail/hiking maps that are usually the only ones used (for good reason!) by hikers in this area. Their maps (and many of the books listed above) are available for sale directly from them via their website. Highly recommended!
 
WARNING/DISCLAIMER: Hiking can be dangerous and the information furnished above and in the books listed may contain errors! The listing of the books above does not necessarily imply an endorsement.

Comments: Michael_Brochstein@MABsystems.com

Last updated:  May 23, 2012

Copyright © 2012 Michael Brochstein. All rights reserved.