Appalachian Trail ThruHikers Companion2012 Author:Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association The longtime champion of Appalachian Trail thru-hiking guides! The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association collaborate on this guide, especially designed for potential thru-hikers. It gives you the basic information for a five- to six-month trek across 2,184.2 miles in the woods, at a reasonable price, ... more »but also leaves space for the adventure of finding out the extras for yourself. This basic information concentrates on services and food in towns and shelter and water locations on the trail, with a little oddball history slipped in here and there. With research by more than three dozen thru-hiker volunteers in 14 states, backed by the first-hand information of the Trail's volunteer and staff maintainers and managers, the "Companion" includes extensive tabular information from the 2012 "A.T. Data Book." Sized for easy packing in a quart-sized resealable baggie. Maps of the most frequently visited nearby towns focus on the important: food, motels, food, laundry, food, hostels. Purchased mainly by current thru-hikers, it is also sought out by section-hikers and the top Appalachian Trail readers group: dreamers. QR code on the back cover takes you straight to the Trail updates page of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.« less