Appalachian Trail: A Photographic Tour (Photographic Tour (Random House))
At over twenty-one hundred miles, the Appalachian Trail is the world's longest footpath.  The scenic north-south trail connects fourteen states from Maine to Georgia and wanders through ridge lines, valley floors, wildflower meadows, isolated cow pastures, and over mountaintops including Clingmans Dome in North Carolina (6,643 feet) and Mount Washington in New Hampshire (6,288 feet).  The Appalachian Trail was created to provide "a refuge for contemplation in a natural setting," and another 40 percent through natural forests.  The remainder traverses state-owned land or for short stretches, towns or private property.A trek along the entire length of the trail generally takes a "thru hiker" five to six months.  And it is not an easy hike either.  It is a trudge through a varied terrain that includes rocks, ravines, and tree roots.  A hiker will take about five million or more strides to complete the trail, and under a considerable burden—even frugally stuffed backpacks weigh forty pounds.  WithAppalachian Trail: A Photographic Tour,the lens of photographer Carol M. Highsmith faithfully captures the sights and picturesque wonders of the trail that range from rest stops like the Johnny Reb Motel and Crafts Shop on North Carolina Route 28 to the colorful array of wildflowers that line the Appalachian Trail to the historic Harpers Ferry near the trail's mid-point.  These and many more points of interest await the reader. With its wonderful photos and informative text,Appalachian Trail:A Photographic Tourmakes an excellent gift for anyone who has visited or wishes to embark on their own trek through this national treasure.