Five-Star Trails – serie

From the Prairie Creek Preserve to Rainbow Springs State Park, Gainesville and Ocala are polar opposites in many ways, but both offer much for those that share a love of the outdoors. With several hundred miles of trails throughout the region to choose from, Five-Star Trails: Gainesville & Ocala helps you find the best. Authored by Florida hiking expert and long-time Ocala resident Sandra Friend along with 40-year Eagle Scout and Florida Trail Association life member John Keatley, this handy guide provides a fresh perspective on the region's ever-expanding array of hiking trails. Covering more than 35 hikes across a three-county region, all within an hour's drive of either city, Five-Star Trails: Gainesville & Ocala gives you a reason to get outdoors now. Hikes are rated and highlighted according to their strengths from five perspectives: scenery, trail conditions, good for children, difficulty, and solitude. This handy guide makes planning your trip easy and enjoyable!

Five-Star Trails: Charlotte is a handy guide for area residents, vacationers seeking outdoor fun, and for business travelers with a free afternoon. With a diverse collection of hiking routes, the book offers choices for everyone from solo trekkers to companions to families with either youngsters or oldsters to consider. Researched, experienced, and written by a local author, the guide provides in-depth trail descriptions, directions, and commentary on what to expect along the way. Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance key info, helping readers quickly determine the perfect trip for them when they are ready to head out the door. Sized to fit in a pocket, the book is convenient to keep in the car or toss into a backpack. Driving directions direct hikers to the nearest trailhead parking areas, and GPS trailhead coordinates get them to the start of the trail.

Five-Star Trails: Flagstaff & Sedona is a handy, concise, and inspiring guidebook that presents the very best hiking experiences in and around Sedona and Flagstaff. Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance information, helping readers quickly find the perfect trip. Sized to fit in a pocket, the book's detailed trail descriptions will help readers find their way on and off the trail. The title, Five-Star, does not denote a rating system, but signifies that the choice of trails and creation of hiking routes is truly outstanding and far superior to those regurgitated in ordinary guidebooks. Superior not only in quality of experience but variety of quality experiences: low desert to high peaks, staggering open vistas to claustrophobic canyons, easy to all day, lonely prairies to popular swimming holes, walking distance from the visitor center to an hour's drive from anywhere. Author Tony Padegimas introduces readers to discoveries, surprises, and imaginative ways to explore the geographic area that is, virtually, their backyard.

Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance information, helping readers quickly find the perfect trip. Sized to fit in a pocket, the book's detailed trail descriptions will help readers find their way on and off the trail. Driving directions and GPS trailhead coordinates will help with navigating the myriad of unnamed roads. The trails covered range from those best suited to the novice, families, experienced hikers, or backpackers.

Five-Star Trails: Raleigh and Durham is a guide to the best day-hiking trails within a two-hour drive of the urban areas of Raleigh and Durham. Raleigh is North Carolina's capital and an anchor for the state's famous Research Triangle that includes Durham and Chapel Hill. Amid this metropolitan complex that also embraces Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest--home to more than 1.7 million people--the author leads readers to myriad places for scenic beauty, to sites of historic significance, and to neighborhoods that showcase the charms of urban life. All of the routes stay true to the book's "Five-Star Trails" title, based on the book series' rating system for scenery, trail condition, suitability for children, difficulty level, and solitude. To be selected for the book, each trail must truly shine in one or more of those areas while, at the same time, all of the trails combine to offer diversity for a wide range of hikers. Thus, this is the guidebook for a hiker seeking an arduous climb to a scenic overlook as much as it is for a weekend walker who wants an easy trail for his or her family.

Five-Star Trails: Columbus is the most current and comprehensive guide to hiking the area and rates hikes on the following factors: scenery, trail condition, difficulty, appropriateness for children, and solitude. Each hikes also includes detailed landmarks, flora, fauna, and local history. In this Columbus guide, an impressive collection of routes ranges north, east, south, and west from the metro center, as well as within the urban setting. This capital city is rich in metro parks, natural areas and preserves, state parks, and state forests. And this diversity of hiking terrain invites all levels of abilities and skills. Thus, this guidebook is geared not only to avid trekkers seeking more challenge than a paved neighborhood path, but also to families and senior citizens. Outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe will have reason to grab this book and, well, take a hike. Sized for easy carrying or tossing into a backpack, this handy guide will quickly become a treasured resource among Columbus locals and visitors alike.

Five-Star Trails: Orlando is a handy guide for area residents, vacationers seeking outdoor fun, and for business travelers with a free afternoon. With a diverse collection of hiking routes, the book offers choices for everyone from solo trekkers to companions to families with either youngsters or oldsters to consider. Researched, experienced, and written by a local author, the guide provides in-depth trail descriptions, directions, and commentary on what to expect along the way. Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance key info, helping readers quickly determine the perfect trip for them when they are ready to head out the door. Sized to fit in a pocket, the book is convenient to keep in the car or toss into a backpack. Driving directions direct hikers to the nearest trailhead parking areas, and GPS trailhead coordinates get them to the start of the trail.

The Finger Lakes and Central New York are not known for rugged mountains and their panoramic vistas which are so commonly sought in the Adirondacks to the north. They hardly could be - the area was scoured clean by glaciers millennia ago. But don't let that fool you, the region is full of natural wonders of its own. Instead of mountains and ridges, the region is known for rolling drumlins, an abundance of scenic gorges, quiet woodlands, beautiful waterfalls and picturesque lakes. Trails included in Five-Star Trails: Finger Lakes and Central New York by Tim Starmer feature a broad mixture of these landscapes and were carefully selected to give the most varied but also rewarding experience when picking a trail. Each trail has been thoroughly researched, recently hiked and includes a detailed description, trail profiles and map. At a glance ratings in important categories such as Scenery, Trail Condition, Difficulty, Solitude and appropriateness for children let you quickly select a trail that fits your tastes and ability.Other useful information such as fees, restrictions for dogs on the trail as well as advice on when to visit offers you the best information so you can plan your trip with ease.

From the banks of Lake Alma to the broken-down buildings of the Rush ghost town,hikers will be amazed at the beauty and diversity of landscapes in the Ozarks. Five-Star Trails: The Ozarks is the primary tool for planning treks in the Ozark Mountain regions of Arkansas and Missouri. Hikers will discover new trails not found in any other hiking guides, as well as favorites from Hobbs State Park and Mount Magazine. They will also find updated information and new approaches to famous hikes that should be at the top of everyone's "must do" list in the Ozarks region. Written by author and photographer Jim Warnock, a native of the Ozarks, this guide will be valuable to experienced and novice hikers alike. It includes helpful hiking advice, detailed trail descriptions, GPS coordinates, driving directions, and topographical maps. You'll gain the knowledge necessary for a safe and fun outdoor adventure in a variety of conditions.

Covering the region surrounding the 22-mile-long lake, author Jordan Summers guides hikers along 40 of the region's best trails--all located within 25 miles of Lake Tahoe's shoreline. Trekkers can easily find the perfect hike with the complete trail descriptions for 27 day hikes and 13 overnight destinations. An accurate map, directions to the trailhead with coordinates for GPS use, and an elevation profile of each trail prepare hikers with the full picture of the route ahead. Generally intended for outdoors people of all ages and abilities, Five-Star Trails: Lake Tahoe describes great hikes from the Desolation, Mt. Rose, Granite Chief, and Mokelumne Wilderness areas, as well as along sections of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and portions of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

A popular outdoor destination for the 7 million residents of Los Angeles, Palm Springs offers stunning hiking opportunities. With Joshua Tree National Monument to the east, the San Bernardino National Forest to the north and south, and the storied Pacific Crest Trail passing nearby, hiking expert Laura Randall has chosen the best hikes that highlight the area. Five-Star Trails: Palm Springs features child-friendly hikes and urban hikes that are easily accessible from resorts. Laura also includes hikes for the new Whitewater Preserve, as well as updated trails in La Quinta and Palm Desert. Extensive at-a-glance information makes it easy to choose the perfect hike based on length, difficulty, and scenery. Each trail profile includes maps, directions, driving times, nearby attractions, and other pertinent details.

Lace Up, Grab Your Pack, and Hit the Trail in the Adirondacks! The Adirondack Park is an immense wilderness encompassing more than 9,375 square miles. Within its boundaries are rugged mountains, countless pristine lakes and ponds, seemingly endless forests, and thousands of miles of wild rivers, providing an infinite number of outdoor adventures. The revised edition of Five-Star Trails: Adirondacks, by Tim Starmer, features six new popular trails and provides a detailed guide to some of the most stunning views found across the Adirondacks. Included are rugged and steep ascents up Snowy Mountain in the Central Adirondacks, which many consider the 47th high peak, and isolated Debar Mountain in the northern Adirondack region. Distance hikers will love the long trek into the High Peak Wilderness to see the amazing Hanging Spear Falls along the Opalescent River. Also new to this edition is the less difficult but equally scenic vistas of the Eastern Adirondacks and Lake George described along the Black Mountain trail. And delve back into the remote depths of the High Peaks region to explore unique trails with descriptions of Wright Peak, Avalanche Pass, and the second highest mountain in New York, Algonquin Mountain.Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance information.

Five Star Trails: Roanoke and the New River Valley showcases 40 hikes in the mountains, valleys, and Piedmont of Western Virginia. The guide includes an array of treks reflecting the area's superlative scenery, from wild waterfalls in the New River Valley to highland wildernesses of the Jefferson National Forest, historic paths along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and waterside strolls beside Smith Mountain Lake. It is authored by the Southeast's most experienced outdoors writer, Johnny Molloy. Hikes in this book range from just under 2 miles to over 10 miles, creating opportunities for hikers of all ages, and will accommodate your desires for hikes of multiple lengths, depending on mood, time, and company. Trail configurations are diverse as well--including out-and-back hikes, loops, and balloon loops. Hike settings vary from developed county parks to the back of beyond.

Explore the Best Trails in Tucson, ArizonaEncircled by mountains, blessed with awe-inspiring desert scenery, and flanked to its east and west by Saguaro National Park, Tucson is an absolute hiker’s nirvana. Hundreds of trails provide endless opportunities to explore. With the expert guidance of local author Rob Rachowiecki, you’ll experience 38 five-star hiking trails, for all levels and interests, divided into six distinct areas in and around the city.Bag a peak, or take a dip in a swimming hole. Immerse yourself in the region’s American Indian history, or wander among towering rock formations. With ratings for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for children, you can find your perfect outings with just a glance. GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and detailed directions to trailheads help to ensure that you always know where you are and where to go. Insights into the history, flora, and fauna of the routes entertain and educate while you are out on the trails.Save time and make the most of your hiking adventures. Experience the best of Tucson’s breathtaking scenery, varied terrain, and amazing wildlife. Lace up, grab your pack, and hit the trail!

Explore the Best Trails of Spokane, Washington!Peaceful waterfalls, dramatic mountain vistas, bountiful state parks, and, of course, the spectacular Spokane River—there’s no better place to hit the trails than the Spokane area. With the expert guidance of local author Seth Marlin, you’ll find plenty of popular routes and hidden hiking treasures.These 30 five-star hiking trails are for all levels and interests, and they range widely in elevation, distance, and difficulty. Marlin details everything from easy strolls in scenic locations to thrilling treks atop mountains. GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and detailed directions to trailheads help you get to where you’re going. Trail descriptions and expert insights into the history, flora, and fauna of the routes enhance your enjoyment along the way. Ratings for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for children help to ensure that you quickly find the perfect trip.Save time and make the most of your hiking adventures. Experience the best of Spokane’s breathtaking scenery, varied terrain, and amazing wildlife. Lace up, grab your pack, and hit the trail!

The Adirondack Park is an immense wilderness encompassing more than 9,375 square miles. Within its boundaries are rugged mountains, countless pristine lakes and ponds, seemingly endless forests, and thousands of miles of wild rivers, providing an infinite number of outdoor adventures. The revised edition of Five-Star Trails: Adirondacks, by Tim Starmer, features six new popular trails and provides a detailed guide to some of the most stunning views found across the Adirondacks. Included are rugged and steep ascents up Snowy Mountain in the Central Adirondacks, which many consider the 47th high peak, and isolated Debar Mountain in the northern Adirondack region. Distance hikers will love the long trek into the High Peak Wilderness to see the amazing Hanging Spear Falls along the Opalescent River. Also new to this edition is the less difficult but equally scenic vistas of the Eastern Adirondacks and Lake George described along the Black Mountain trail. And delve back into the remote depths of the High Peaks region to explore some of the most unique trails with descriptions of Wright Peak, Avalanche Pass, and the second highest mountain in New York, Algonquin Mountain.Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance information.

The Finger Lakes and Central New York are not known for rugged mountains and their panoramic vistas which are so commonly sought in the Adirondacks to the north. They hardly could be - the area was scoured clean by glaciers millennia ago. But don’t let that fool you, the region is full of natural wonders of its own. Instead of mountains and ridges, the region is known for rolling drumlins, an abundance of scenic gorges, quiet woodlands, beautiful waterfalls and picturesque lakes. Trails included in Five-Star Trails: Finger Lakes and Central New York by Tim Starmer feature a broad mixture of these landscapes and were carefully selected to give the most varied but also rewarding experience when picking a trail.Each trail has been thoroughly researched, recently hiked and includes a detailed description, trail profiles and map. At a glance ratings in important categories such as Scenery, Trail Condition, Difficulty, Solitude and appropriateness for children let you quickly select a trail that fits your tastes and ability. Other useful information such as fees, restrictions for dogs on the trail as well as advice on when to visit offers you the best information so you can plan your trip with ease.

Five-Star Trails: Flagstaff & Sedona is a handy, concise, and inspiring guidebook that presents the very best hiking experiences in and around Sedona and Flagstaff. Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance information, helping readers quickly find the perfect trip. Sized to fit in a pocket, the book's detailed trail descriptions will help readers find their way on and off the trail.The title, Five-Star, does not denote a rating system, but signifies that the choice of trails and creation of hiking routes is truly outstanding and far superior to those regurgitated in ordinary guidebooks. Superior not only in quality of experience but variety of quality experiences: low desert to high peaks, staggering open vistas to claustrophobic canyons, easy to all day, lonely prairies to popular swimming holes, walking distance from the visitor center to an hour’s drive from anywhere. Author Tony Padegimas introduces readers to discoveries, surprises, and imaginative ways to explore the geographic area that is, virtually, their backyard.

Covering the region surrounding the 22-mile-long lake, author Jordan Summers guides hikers along 40 of the region’s best trails—all located within 25 miles of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline.Trekkers can easily find the perfect hike with the complete trail descriptions for 27 day hikes and 13 overnight destinations. An accurate map, directions to the trailhead with coordinates for GPS use, and an elevation profile of each trail prepare hikers with the full picture of the route ahead.Generally intended for outdoors people of all ages and abilities, Five-Star Trails: Lake Tahoe describes great hikes from the Desolation, Mt. Rose, Granite Chief, and Mokelumne Wilderness areas, as well as along sections of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and portions of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Welcome to Hiking Heaven It’s no wonder why the Ozark Mountain region is such a popular destination. From the banks of Lake Alma to the broken-down buildings of the Rush ghost town, the area offers some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country. The Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri is home to pristine natural springs. The Ozark National Forest in Arkansas provides a rugged mountain canvas, and the Arkansas River Valley features the towering Cedar Falls. Discover mountain panoramas, untamed streams, and remote wilderness. Hiking expert and Ozarks native Jim Warnock shares everything you need to know about 43 five-star hiking trails for all levels and interests, including route details, directions, nearby attractions, GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and more in this easy-to-carry and easy-to-use guidebook. Every trail is rated for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for children, so you know exactly what to expect before beginning your next adventure.

A popular outdoor destination for the 7 million residents of Los Angeles, Palm Springs offers stunning hiking opportunities. With Joshua Tree National Monument to the east, the San Bernardino National Forest to the north and south, and the storied Pacific Crest Trail passing nearby, hiking expert Laura Randall has chosen the best hikes that highlight the area.Five-Star Trails: Palm Springs features child-friendly hikes and urban hikes that are easily accessible from resorts. Laura also includes hikes for the new Whitewater Preserve, as well as updated trails in La Quinta and Palm Desert. Extensive at-a-glance information makes it easy to choose the perfect hike based on length, difficulty, and scenery. Each trail profile includes maps, directions, driving times, nearby attractions, and other pertinent details.

Five Star Trails: Roanoke and the New River Valley showcases 40 hikes in the mountains, valleys, and Piedmont of Western Virginia. The guide includes an array of treks reflecting the area's superlative scenery, from wild waterfalls in the New River Valley to highland wildernesses of the Jefferson National Forest, historic paths along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and waterside strolls beside Smith Mountain Lake. It is authored by the Southeast's most experienced outdoors writer, Johnny Molloy.Hikes in this book range from just under 2 miles to over 10 miles, creating opportunities for hikers of all ages, and will accommodate your desires for hikes of multiple lengths, depending on mood, time, and company. Trail configurations are diverse as well--including out-and-back hikes, loops, and balloon loops. Hike settings vary from developed county parks to the back of beyond.

Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance information, helping readers quickly find the perfect trip. Sized to fit in a pocket, the book's detailed trail descriptions will help readers find their way on and off the trail. Driving directions and GPS trailhead coordinates will help with navigating the myriad of unnamed roads. The trails covered range from those best suited to the novice, families, experienced hikers, or backpackers.

Five-Star Trails: Charlotte is a handy guide for area residents, vacationers seeking outdoor fun, and for business travelers with a free afternoon. With a diverse collection of hiking routes, the book offers choices for everyone from solo trekkers to companions to families with either youngsters or oldsters to consider.Researched, experienced, and written by a local author, the guide provides in-depth trail descriptions, directions, and commentary on what to expect along the way. Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance key info, helping readers quickly determine the perfect trip for them when they are ready to head out the door.Sized to fit in a pocket, the book is convenient to keep in the car or toss into a backpack. Driving directions direct hikers to the nearest trailhead parking areas, and GPS trailhead coordinates get them to the start of the trail.

Five-Star Trails: Columbus is the most current and comprehensive guide to hiking the area and rates hikes on the following factors: scenery, trail condition, difficulty, appropriateness for children, and solitude. Each hikes also includes detailed landmarks, flora, fauna, and local history. In this Columbus guide, an impressive collection of routes ranges north, east, south, and west from the metro center, as well as within the urban setting. This capital city is rich in metro parks, natural areas and preserves, state parks, and state forests. And this diversity of hiking terrain invites all levels of abilities and skills. Thus, this guidebook is geared not only to avid trekkers seeking more challenge than a paved neighborhood path, but also to families and senior citizens. Outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe will have reason to grab this book and, well, take a hike. Sized for easy carrying or tossing into a backpack, this handy guide will quickly become a treasured resource among Columbus locals and visitors alike.

From the Prairie Creek Preserve to Rainbow Springs State Park, Gainesville and Ocala are polar opposites in many ways, but both offer much for those that share a love of the outdoors. With several hundred miles of trails throughout the region to choose from, Five-Star Trails: Gainesville & Ocala helps you find the best. Authored by Florida hiking expert and long-time Ocala resident Sandra Friend along with 40-year Eagle Scout and Florida Trail Association life member John Keatley, this handy guide provides a fresh perspective on the region’s ever-expanding array of hiking trails. Covering more than 35 hikes across a three-county region, all within an hour’s drive of either city, Five-Star Trails: Gainesville & Ocala gives you a reason to get outdoors now. Hikes are rated and highlighted according to their strengths from five perspectives: scenery, trail conditions, good for children, difficulty, and solitude. This handy guide makes planning your trip easy and enjoyable!

Five-Star Trails: Orlando is a handy guide for area residents, vacationers seeking outdoor fun, and for business travelers with a free afternoon. With a diverse collection of hiking routes, the book offers choices for everyone from solo trekkers to companions to families with either youngsters or oldsters to consider.Researched, experienced, and written by a local author, the guide provides in-depth trail descriptions, directions, and commentary on what to expect along the way. Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance key info, helping readers quickly determine the perfect trip for them when they are ready to head out the door.Sized to fit in a pocket, the book is convenient to keep in the car or toss into a backpack. Driving directions direct hikers to the nearest trailhead parking areas, and GPS trailhead coordinates get them to the start of the trail.

Five-Star Trails: Raleigh and Durham is a guide to the best day-hiking trails within a two-hour drive of the urban areas of Raleigh and Durham. Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital and an anchor for the state's famous Research Triangle that includes Durham and Chapel Hill. Amid this metropolitan complex that also embraces Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest—home to more than 1.7 million people—the author leads readers to myriad places for scenic beauty, to sites of historic significance, and to neighborhoods that showcase the charms of urban life. All of the routes stay true to the book's "Five-Star Trails" title, based on the book series' rating system for scenery, trail condition, suitability for children, difficulty level, and solitude. To be selected for the book, each trail must truly shine in one or more of those areas while, at the same time, all of the trails combine to offer diversity for a wide range of hikers. Thus, this is the guidebook for a hiker seeking an arduous climb to a scenic overlook as much as it is for a weekend walker who wants an easy trail for his or her family.

Discover the Best Hikes in Chattanooga, TennesseeCentered on the banks of the mighty Tennessee River, Chattanooga is flanked to the east by the lofty Southern Appalachian Mountains and to the west by the rugged Cumberland Plateau. So it is within easy reach of an incredible array of hiking destinations. Explore 40 of Chattanooga’s best, five-star trails, divided into six distinct areas in and around the city.With the expert guidance of Tennessee author Johnny Molloy, you’ll take a ramble through the backcountry of the Cohutta Wilderness, a trek to a natural bridge on the Cumberland Plateau, a history-rich stroll along a Civil War battlefield, or a quick escape on a greenway near your home.Book Features:Descriptions of 40 five-star hiking trails for all levels and interestsGPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and detailed directions to trailheadsInsight into the history, flora, and fauna of the routesRatings for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for childrenLace up, grab your pack, and hit the trail!