Hiking the Triple Crown : Appalachian Trail – Pacific Crest Trail – Continental Divide Trail – How to Hike America’s Longest Trails

Although the maps give only a general idea of the trails described (the hiker will want buy detailed topographic maps and a more in-depth local guide when actually performing the hike), this book provides an appetite-whetting overview of the trails. It is most useful as a reference for the art of successfully hiking long trails. Berger (an author of several backpacking books) discusses the many details of good preparation in detail, including the dangers involved in long hikes, whether physical or environmental. The sidebar quotations by other authors reinforce her commonsense advice on how to pack light and stay dry. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)