The best 35 Hiking books

Balancing on Blue by Keith Foskett is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's journey along the Appalachian Trail. Foskett shares his experiences, challenges, and personal growth as he hikes over 2,000 miles, offering a unique perspective on the beauty and hardships of long-distance hiking. With vivid storytelling and insightful reflections, this book is a must-read for outdoor enthusiasts and armchair adventurers alike.

A Walk for Sunshine by Jeff Alt is an inspiring true story about one man's journey to fulfill a promise. Determined to raise money for a home for disabled children, Alt sets out to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. Along the way, he encounters challenges, meets interesting characters, and discovers the power of the human spirit. This heartwarming memoir will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps even inspire you to embark on your own adventure.

Braving It by James Campbell is a captivating memoir that chronicles a father-daughter adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. Faced with the challenges of nature, the bond between the author and his teenage daughter is tested and strengthened as they navigate the rugged terrain, encounter wildlife, and learn valuable life lessons along the way. It is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the beauty of the natural world.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place is a gripping memoir by Aron Ralston, recounting his harrowing experience of being trapped by a boulder in a remote canyon in Utah. Ralston takes us on a journey of survival, recounting the physical and emotional challenges he faced during his six-day ordeal. Filled with raw honesty and resilience, this book is an inspiring tale of human determination in the face of adversity.

Colorado's Fourteeners by Gerry Roach is a comprehensive guide to climbing the 58 peaks in Colorado that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation. It provides detailed route descriptions, maps, and valuable insights for both novice and experienced hikers. Whether you're planning to conquer one or all of these majestic mountains, this book is an essential resource for any outdoor enthusiast.

AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is a memoir by David Miller that chronicles his incredible journey hiking the 2,172-mile Appalachian Trail. Filled with adventure, self-discovery, and breathtaking descriptions of the natural world, Miller takes readers along as he leaves behind his ordinary life to embark on this extraordinary adventure. A captivating and inspiring read for anyone who dreams of escaping into the wild.

Almost Somewhere is a captivating memoir by Suzanne Roberts that chronicles her transformative journey along the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Through vivid descriptions and introspective musings, Roberts delves into themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of the wilderness. This book will inspire you to embark on your own adventure and reflect on the beauty of the natural world.

The Last Englishman by Keith Foskett is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's incredible journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. Foskett takes you on a gripping adventure as he hikes through stunning landscapes, battles extreme weather conditions, and encounters fascinating characters along the way. This book is a testament to the power of determination and the beauty of the great outdoors.

Three Hundred Zeroes by Dennis R. Blanchard is a gripping memoir that chronicles the author's incredible journey along the Appalachian Trail. Filled with humor, heartache, and stunning descriptions of the natural world, Blanchard takes us on a 2,200-mile adventure as he seeks to fulfill a lifelong dream. This book is a testament to the power of determination and the beauty of the human spirit.

The Thousand-Mile Summer by Colin Fletcher is a captivating account of the author's solo hike through the Grand Canyon. With vivid descriptions and insightful reflections, Fletcher takes us on a journey of self-discovery and appreciation for the natural world.

Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart is a captivating memoir by Carrot Quinn that takes you on an incredible journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. Filled with raw emotion and stunning descriptions of the natural world, Quinn shares the physical and mental challenges she faced during her 2,650-mile hike. This book is a testament to the power of determination and the transformative experience of long-distance hiking.

Where's the Next Shelter? is a captivating memoir by Gary Sizer that chronicles his journey along the Appalachian Trail. Filled with humor, introspection, and breathtaking descriptions of the natural world, Sizer takes us on an unforgettable adventure as he explores the challenges and rewards of long-distance hiking.

The Pursuit of Endurance by Jennifer Pharr Davis is a captivating exploration of the power of perseverance and determination. Through her own experiences as a record-setting long-distance hiker, Davis delves into the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that come with endurance pursuits. She weaves in inspiring stories of other endurance athletes and offers valuable insights into how we can cultivate resilience in our own lives.

Eiger Dreams is a collection of essays by Jon Krakauer that delves into the world of extreme mountaineering. Through gripping and personal accounts, Krakauer explores the allure and the dangers of climbing some of the world's most challenging peaks, including the notorious Eiger in the Swiss Alps. From exhilarating triumphs to tragic losses, this book offers a captivating insight into the minds of those who pursue the ultimate adventure.

No Shortcuts to the Top is a memoir by renowned mountaineer Ed Viesturs, co-written with David Roberts. It chronicles Viesturs's quest to become the first American to climb all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks without the use of supplemental oxygen. Through gripping accounts of his expeditions and personal reflections, the book offers insight into the mindset and determination required to achieve such a remarkable feat.

On the Beaten Path by Robert Alden Rubin is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's transformative journey along the Appalachian Trail. Filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world and insightful reflections on life, this book will inspire you to embrace adventure and seek out your own path.

Buried in the Sky by Peter Zuckerman and Amanda Padoan is a gripping account of the 2008 K2 disaster. It tells the tragic story of the deadliest day in modern mountaineering history, and the incredible survival and rescue efforts that followed. Through interviews and meticulous research, the book offers a unique perspective on the challenges and risks faced by climbers in the world's most dangerous mountains.

The Man Who Walked Through Time by Colin Fletcher is a gripping account of the author's solo journey through the Grand Canyon. As he immerses himself in the breathtaking landscape, Fletcher reflects on the passage of time and the impact of human intervention on the natural world. This timeless book offers a unique blend of adventure, introspection, and environmental advocacy.

Following Atticus is a heartwarming memoir by Tom Ryan that chronicles his transformative journey with his miniature schnauzer, Atticus. Together, they set out to climb all forty-eight peaks of New Hampshire's White Mountains. Through their adventures, Ryan learns valuable life lessons and discovers the deep bond between man and dog. It's a tale of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Happiness for Beginners is a novel by Katherine Center that follows the story of a woman named Helen who signs up for a wilderness survival course in an attempt to find herself after a difficult divorce. Filled with humor, heart, and self-discovery, the book explores the idea that sometimes you have to get lost in order to find your way.

Just Passin' Thru by Winton Porter is a captivating memoir that takes you on a journey along the Appalachian Trail. Porter shares his experiences as the owner of a hiker hostel and store, recounting the fascinating stories of the hikers who pass through. Filled with humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments, this book offers a unique perspective on the trail and the people who brave it.

Ultralight Backpackin' Tips by Mike Clelland is a comprehensive guide for hikers looking to shed unnecessary weight from their backpacks. Filled with practical advice, clever illustrations, and personal anecdotes, this book offers valuable insights on gear selection, packing techniques, and mindset adjustments that can make a big difference on the trail. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced backpacker, you'll find plenty of useful tips to help lighten your load and enhance your outdoor adventures.

New England Waterfalls is a comprehensive guidebook that showcases over 200 waterfalls in the New England region. Written by Greg Parsons and Kate B. Watson, this book provides detailed descriptions, beautiful photographs, and practical information about each waterfall, making it a must-have for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Old Lady on the Trail by Mary E Davison is an inspiring memoir that challenges the notion of age and adventure. Follow Mary as she embarks on a solo journey to hike the Appalachian Trail at the age of 67. With humor and determination, she shares her experiences, encounters with wildlife, and the kindness of strangers along the way. This book will motivate you to pursue your own dreams, no matter your age.

Lighten Up! by Don Ladigin and Mike Clelland provides practical tips and advice for reducing the weight of your backpacking gear. With a focus on simplicity and efficiency, the book offers valuable insights into lightweight hiking techniques and gear choices, helping you enjoy the great outdoors with less strain and more freedom.

Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar is a gripping account of the mysterious Dyatlov Pass incident. Eichar delves into the chilling true story of nine experienced hikers who died under bizarre circumstances in the Ural Mountains. Through meticulous research and firsthand investigation, he uncovers the truth behind this decades-old enigma.

How to Hike the Appalachian Trail by Chris Cage is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to embark on this epic journey. Filled with practical tips, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights, this book covers everything from planning and preparation to gear, navigation, and the mental and physical challenges you may encounter along the way. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice adventurer, this book is your ultimate resource for conquering the AT.

Day Hiking: Mount Rainier by Tami Asars is a comprehensive guide to exploring the stunning trails and natural beauty of Mount Rainier. With detailed maps, trail descriptions, and practical tips, this book is perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers looking to make the most of their outdoor adventure.

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon is a comprehensive guidebook written by Eli Boschetto. It provides detailed information and practical advice for hikers looking to explore the beautiful Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail. From gear recommendations to trail maps and stunning photography, this book is a must-have for anyone planning to embark on this epic adventure.

No Shortcuts to the Top is a gripping memoir by renowned mountaineer Ed Viesturs. It chronicles his journey to become the first American to climb all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. Viesturs shares the triumphs, tragedies, and lessons learned from his daring expeditions, offering a unique glimpse into the high-stakes world of extreme mountaineering.

A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's journey on foot from New York to New Orleans. Filled with adventure, self-discovery, and encounters with fascinating people, the book offers a unique perspective on the diverse landscapes and cultures of America.

Becoming Odyssa by Jennifer Pharr Davis is a memoir that chronicles the author's incredible journey as she hikes the entire Appalachian Trail. Filled with adventure, self-discovery, and the beauty of the natural world, this book is an inspiring tale of determination and resilience.

Meat Eater by Steven Rinella is a captivating exploration of hunting, fishing, and wild game. Through personal anecdotes and scientific research, Rinella challenges the modern disconnect between humans and the sources of their food. He delves into the history of hunting and the ethical considerations surrounding it, while also sharing delicious recipes and celebrating the beauty of the natural world.

The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden is a nostalgic and practical guide to the adventures and skills that every boy should know. From building a treehouse to identifying constellations, this book celebrates the spirit of boyhood and encourages curiosity, independence, and a love for the great outdoors.

The Dharma Bums is a novel by Jack Kerouac that explores themes of spirituality, nature, and the search for meaning. Set in the 1950s, it follows the journey of Ray Smith and his friend Japhy Ryder as they embark on a series of adventures, including hiking in the mountains and exploring Buddhist teachings. Through their experiences, the novel delves into the counterculture movement and the quest for a deeper understanding of life.