No comments about Hagstrom Bergen/Passaic/Rockland Counties: Bergen Nj Passaic County Nj Rockland County Ny.

3 comments about Paddling the Jersey Pine Barrens, 6th.

1. This is a revision to the classic "Canoeing the Jersey Pine Barrens" originally published by the same author through Globe Pequot Press.
   
   Although the fast paced development of this NJ area makes a guide such as this very difficult to keep updated and current, this was a much needed revision to the original canoeing guides.
   
   The history, obstacles, maps & charts, launch & rental sites, approximate paddling times, and grades for each river make this guide ideal for both canoeists and kayakers. Listings for Pinelands preservation and conservation organizations are also included so those who treasure these rivers can support the cause.
   
   If you are paddling in NJ, you won't want to miss at least one of the Pine Barren Rivers and this is the guide you will need.



2. Reader Darren supplied incorrect credit for this book. Globe Pequot Press was not the original publiser. The publisher was Fast & McMillan, with the imprint of The East Woods Press, a small regional publishing group in New York City.



3. This book gives the paddler a wealth of information about the variouse paddling trips in the Pine Barrens. I have paddled the Oswego from lake harrision to lake oswego it was a fun few hours. I'm looking forward to more trips because of the information in this book.

1 comments about Best Hikes With Dogs New Jersey.

1. 
   Mary Jasch describes 52 of her favorite hikes located all over New Jersey, although the majority are north of Princeton. She writes: "Abundant opportunities to enjoy nature and escape a hectic world await people and their canine pals in New Jersey's national, state, county and township parks and forests. Some private organizations also open their lands for people and dogs to experience."
   
   A map shows the closest walks and driving distances to major cities. Each trail description begins with information on distance, elevations, difficulty for human and dog, approximate hiking time, and best seasons. She gives directions to the hikes, local regulations, best detailed maps to use, and park contact information.
   
   Jasch earned a BS in natural resources management, applied ecology, and she uses her training to add interesting environmental and horticultural facts. Her black and white photos add real interest to the hikes.
   
   As a long time hiker in the metropolitan region I know that many of the organized hiking leaders do not welcome dogs. Jasch's website (search on Google for nj dog hikes ) lists a few leaders that do so. With or without such a leader, Jasch's book is a splendid guide to hiking with dogs in New Jersey.
   
   
   Robert C. Ross

No comments about Hagstrom Union/Hudson/Essex Counties & Metropolitan New York Street Atlas (Hagstrom Atlas Union/Hudson/Essex Counties Street Atlas & Metropolitan New York Road Atlas).

No comments about Rand McNally Easy to Read New Jersey State Map (Rand McNally Easy to Read!).

5 comments about Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States: Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey New York (Exploring the Appalachian Trail).

1. There are many books about the AT, but this one is superb for it's detail and attention to partial sections for hiking. Can be used for thru hiking as well. Gives day and overnight parking details, profile of terrain, degree of difficulty, recommended direction, water and shelter locations, topo maps, mileage etc. Everything that a hiker needs!! Excellent.



2. It is clear that these authors were not kidding when they stated that they have a love affair with the Appalachian Trail. The descriptions not only cover all you need to know to be prepared to hike a certain section, but there's lots of history and local color as well.

   I've used this book successfully to plan hikes for a youth group. I must admit I disregarded the advice that a certain section (Knife's Edge) was not for those suffering from vertigo and sure enough, the group of kids I took on this section included one who suffered severely from fear of heights. But the kids worked together to get through that section and all was very well in the end.

   This book is by no means dry. Sprinkled here and there are humorous passages, like the classification of vampire rocks versus jumping rocks. A pollution-damaged section is described as "shaved clean."

   An experienced hiker who has decided to hike section-hike or day-hike the trail between Harper's Ferry and the New York / Connecticut state line needs no other guide. I also recommend this book for the library of every youth group, particularly scouts, in this geographic area that would (or should) plan hiking outings as part of their yearly plans.




3. PLEASE NOTE: THERE are NOT 170 hikes in the book. The whole series must contain that many.
   
   I own 3 books in this series. The Southern Appalachian, the Virginias, and the Mid-Atlantic States guide. I have found these books to be a great aid in planning hikes, especially 2-3 day backpacking trips. Since most of these hikes are either one-way or round trip (as opposed to circuit hikes) you either need to have two cars or plan on seeing the same sites twice. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but other books have better circuit hikes.
   
   This series IS very informative, not only with regards to the actually hike, but also the history both natural and otherwise of the area you are hiking in.
   
   I have only done a few of the hikes in the Mid-Atlantic Guide, all of which have been out and back day hikes, and this book has been very informative during these hikes. The maps could be a little better, as they are topographocal maps with a green line for the trail.. They are adequate, but I've seen better.
   
   All 41 hikes come with a description, a map, an elevation profile, and an itinerary, as well as various other information.
   
   When planning for a hike I do tend to use this book in conjunction with other books, but I usually take this book (or copies of the pages) on the actual hike itself. The fact that the pages are so small allows for easier handling and storage of the laminated pages during the trip.
   
   So if you enjoy hiking and are near the AT while in PA, you may want to take a look at this book. It is well worth the money.



4. I have 2 books in this series, and have frequently used photocopied pages from them on my AT section hikes. I never needed to buy the AMC versions of the maps since comprehensive maps are provided within this book, along with mileage charts for road crossings, springs, campsites, landmarks, etc. for every section of the Trail.
   
   Although this book is obviously geared for the day-hiker or overnighter, it has also come in handy on my longer hikes. And the writers have narrowed down every section into either 1- or 2-day hikes, along with directions to the trailheads (even in the remote 100-Mile Wilderness section in Maine!), proving that the AT can be enjoyed by casual hikers as well as hardcore mile-crunchers.
   
   Cons: This book, and the others in the series, is seriously due for an updated edition. Lots has changed along the trail even in 8 years. (carrying up-to-date pages from the ALDHA Thru-Hikers' Companion is necessary to have the full info). Also, the maps are two-color, making certain features hard to read, i.e. roads are the same color as elevation markings.



5. This was a good buy has excellent material for hiking any of the areas along the AT. in Mid Atlantic.

4 comments about The Best in Tent Camping: New Jersey (Best in Tent Camping - Menasha Ridge).

1. The Best in Tent Camping New Jersey is a thorough guide to non-RV camping in the Garden State. Like the other guides in the publishers Tent Camping series, it describes and rates 50 campgrounds, giving you both a handy summary of key information for each and an interesting narrative of background information.
   
   Those of us who don't think of New Jersey as a nature-lovers destination will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the state has mountain wilderness, piney recreation areas, and even some quiet beaches. I was surprised to read that there is a bear overpopulation in New Jersey, and the book contains warnings for the campgrounds where this might be a problem.
   
   Author Marie Javins writes with an appreciation of the environment and the state's history while at the same time recognizing that families might sometimes want urban touring or resort-style recreation. She explains which campgrounds offer a wilderness experience and which offer more hectic activities (or are convenient to theme parks). She also tells you where your dog is accepted - they are not allowed in state parks.
   
   The book is easy to read and even has some enjoyable humor.
   Although billed as a guide for "car campers" this book is also for people camping by canoe or bicycle. Hikers and RV campers might also find it helpful since few outdoor guidebooks for New Jersey are as comprehensive as this one.



2. The Best in Tent Camping: New Jersey is a really well-written and well-laid-out guide for lovers of the outdoors. It not only lists and describes the various campgrounds around the state (including maps of the campsites themselves), but it also includes checklists and tips that are very useful for the camping neophyte.
   
   The only criticisms I have of the book is that it lacks photographs of the sites discussed (maps only), and, perhaps more importantly, has a rather cumbersome to use state campsites map. The map shows all the sites discussed in the book and has them indicated by number. To find out what the sites are, you have to flip back a page to find out the name. Unfortunately, page numbers are not provided on that page; instead, you have to then go to the index and look up the site by name and then flip to the section of the book where the site is discussed. It would be much more useful to provide page numbers on the map key and to provide the map number on the title page for each site discussed.
   
   Minor points, I suppose, but no reason for things to be laid out that way. Still, I give it a strong recommendation.



3. This book points out all the good and bad that goes along with numerous campsites in NJ. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get away from it all whether it means parking your car right next to your campsite, or hiking about if you are in need of more seclusion.



4. What I like the most about this book (and the others in the series) is that it is accurate without too much BS.
   
   If you want the inside track on where to camp, exact sites etc, this book is it, well worth the money.

3 comments about Waterfalls of the Mid-Atlantic States: 200 Falls in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

1. THis book is a must have for any outdoor enthusiasts, bikers who enjoy daytrips, photographers, families, and everyone in between!

   This book not only SHOWS you these wonderful Natural Wonders, but also gives you the ability to travel to them and see them for yourself, the directions are fabulous!

   Mr. Letcher goes a step further by providing history to the falls that will allow you to understand the nature of the falls as well as tell your children or friends each fall you visit.

   THIS BOOK IS A MUST HAVE, YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED! i have already purchased several for gifts. THIS IS A GREAT GIFT BOOK~!




2. The first, detailed, comprehensive, and thoroughly "user friendly" guidebook to some 200 of region's waterfalls, Gary Letcher's Waterfalls Of The Mid-Atlantic States provides directions to each beautiful site enabling the reader to use it as a guide book to experiencing these natural, beautiful wonders in person. Some of these sites are in or near major cities, others are tucked away in remote wilderness areas. The flowing falls are, for the most part, on national, state, and municipal parkland, forests, and game lands in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Each waterfall is rated on a scale of 1 to 5. The location information includes GPS coordinates; trail access and difficulty; waterfall type and source; geological factors; historical and culture features; and even the best times of the year to visit them. Enhanced with tips on waterfall photography and the author's "Seven Ways to Find the Height of a Waterfall", Waterfalls Of The Mid-Atlantic States is confidently recommended reading for tri-state area backpackers, hikers, canoeists, and anyone else with an appreciation for the natural beauty and spectacular wonder of falling water.



3. As a hiker, nature enthusiast, and amateur photographer always in pursuit of new areas to explore, I found Letcher's book to be especially helpful. He describes not only the well-known waterfalls of the region but also many hidden gems, including a few in my area (Pocono Mountains, in northeast PA) that I had never heard of.
   
   Letcher breaks down the falls by geographic region. His descriptions are short but informative; he provides enough detail to entice the explorer, and in most cases he provides black-and-white photos of the falls. Also, he includes relevant geologic and historical information. I like his candidness in describing the trails, if any, leading to the falls, including any difficulties (bushwhacking, steep cliffs, and so on) that one will encounter. Driving directions are accurate, at least for the falls that I've discovered through the book (mostly in northeast PA and northwest NJ).
   
   The book contains some typos, but it is otherwise excellent. Handy and informative--a must-have for all waterfall enthusiasts living in the region.

5 comments about New Jersey Atlas & Gazetteer (New Jersey Atlas and Gazetteer).

1. I bought this book for someone who just received a kayak. After the commotion of birthday present opening subsided, he spent about a hour just looking over all the wonderfully detailed maps with his father-in-law. That's how I knew this atlas was the best present I could give. Everything the other reviewers wrote is true.



2. I bought this book for a very specific purpose, locating local lakes and waterways and determining their source and where they led. This book has served its purpose well.
   The pages are designed so that enough detail of surrounding areas can be examined without having to change pages (a big problem with folding maps that when unfolded become unwieldy and difficult to manage). Significant detail is included for each page, including smaller streams and back roads.
   A great feature included in the first pages of the book is a listing of many campgrounds, fishing spots, scenic places, and hunting locations. Each with a table denoting what each location has available, such as whether a specific fishing location has a boat ramp.
   Once again, this book has served the purpose I intended for it. It could serve as your "I'm lost" or "Road Closed" map in your car (although too big for my glove box) or it could be your resource to a multitude of outdoor activities throughout the state.



3. We drive a lot so these maps are great for moving someplace new and learning the area plus it helps to give or get directions from other people. For the most part we have found them to be correct for 99% of the time. A lot better then the folded maps and so much more detail ie. drive ways and dirt roads in the country We have 4 other Delorme state Atlas & Gazetteer maps that are used a lot. We even had to buy a second of one state because it was used so much. It would be nice to laminate the pages that are used the most.



4. The almanac series are an indispensable guide for all travellers - we use them for the state in which we live (NJ) and love to have them when we go on short jaunts to nearby states (PA, NY, DE etc). Can't tell you how many times we have been rescued from standing in a traffic jam on the highway because of the almanac.



5. Great series of map books. When I really need to know the details, I go to this series.

2 comments about Mapping New Jersey: An Evolving Landscape.

1. This is a wonderfully informative book, the kind you can browse through many, many times and always find some new fact of interest. Also, the price is amazingly low for the quality of the book.



2. I really thought I'd get to see real maps but the most interesting maps are reproductions of large maps and are very hard to read...What good is a picture of a map?
   There are a lot of statistics about parts of the State but they seem random. I like perusing an Atlas so perhaps I was expecting too much.