Turn the Page: Ten Books that Inspired Me to Thru-Hike

We’re getting close to the point where we know when we are going to start our hikes, but we are in the interminable waiting stage.  Those not lucky to live in a warmer area have to confine their training to wearing their backpack in the gym and getting looked at like lepers. Besides working our butts off to save money, we need other ways to occupy our time that still work toward the goal.  Curling up with a good book about hiking and adventure as it gets cooler seems the perfect idea.

First:  The Ground Rules

We will not be including a few titles in this list because they are so ubiquitous and essential that I would be amazed if every thru-hiker didn’t already know about them.  Both of Zach Davis’ wonderful books (Appalachian Trials, Pacific Crest Trials) are must-reads.  And it would be hard to find someone that is considering a long trail that has not been influenced by Bill Bryson’s  A Walk in the Woods or Cheryl Strayed’s Wild.  Bryson’s book for showing us the humor and absurdity of such an endeavor.  And Wild for showing us the healing power of nature.  So I get that is a massive cheat to sneak in four extra titles, but I just didn’t want those books that everyone knows about to dominate the list.  I wanted to take a deeper dive.

The links for each book are to reviews on the web that I felt did a good job of describing the books.  I wasn’t going to link to Amazon or some other seller as they surely don’t need any more of a starving thru-hiker’s money.  You’re more than welcome to beg, borrow, or whatever to get copies of these.  Older titles like Fletcher’s, Abbey’s and Ryback’s are actually probably easier to find used. If you can find an author’s own website, then try to get them there as they will probably get a bigger chunk of the change.

On to the Books (In no Particular Order)

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer: This is the book that started it all for me. We can all identify a little bit with Chris McCandless and the desire to leave civilization and the preoccupation with money behind.  He was trying to get to something fundamental about what it means to be human. It’s about solitude, but also about the power of human connection. Into the Wild may ultimately be tragic (spoiler!) but that is not the point.  It’s about the journey.  You’d actually be well-served reading any of Krakauer’s books.

Finding Everett Ruess by David Roberts: Though the journeys we take are ultimately our own, it is important to realize how dependent we are on others, especially our families.  Ruess was a tragic example of someone who, through a toxic mix of independence and entitlement, came to a sad end on his trek.

The Thousand-Mile Summer: In Desert and High Sierra by Colin Fletcher: I don’t know if a lot of the younger generation today know about Colin Fletcher, but he really is the father of modern backpacking in America.  There was no rulebook when he started, so he made it up as he went along.

 

127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston: A not-so-gentle reminder of the importance of safety, of companions, and of letting someone know where you are!  Sometimes in our adventures, we are faced with tough decisions.  Faced with the options Ralston had, could you have made the same decision he did?

Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness by Edward Abbey: Not politically correct, but a great writer and one of the most important voices for the advocacy of wilderness.

The Last Season by Eric Blehm: When we are traversing national parks and forests, we may not always think about all the work done by trail groups and backcountry rangers to keep them open.  Randy Morgenson was one of these dedicated rangers.  His love of outdoors made him good at his job, but often at the expense of his personal life.  This is the story of his disappearance.

Backpacker Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-Hike by Liz Thomas: This is about as comprehensive a breakdown of what it takes to plan a thru-hike as you can get.  I’ve exhaustively gone through this several times.  Liz does a really good job and speaks from experience.

The High Adventure of Eric Ryback, Canada to Mexico on Foot by Eric Ryback: It may be arguable whether he was the first and even whether he finished, but this book is still a great account of a young kid with a heavy pack who hiked an unfinished trail with no other hikers and a nonexistent support network.

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery: I know some of you really love your gear (especially how much it weighs) and love telling others but you really need to step back occasionally and think about why we are hiking.  It’s not about the gear and it’s not about making others feel inadequate.  Read this book and you will realize just how silly our gear obsession can be.  Grandma Gatewood hiked the AT three times in sneakers and a pack that was a glorified hobo kit.

The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail: Great pictures and words, with a lot of history.  And it’s co-written by one of the most famous trail angels ever, Barney “Scout” Mann, of “Scout and Frodo” fame.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but rather one hiking enthusiast’s take on a few titles that influenced him.  What books have you read that inspired you to hike?

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Comments 14

  • Patrick Paton : Oct 28th

    As teen I remember reading about the trail and the people who hike. My love for trekking soared for a life time in nature.

    Reply
    • Lance A Goehring : Nov 16th

      Absolutely, Patrick. That’s why I love reading adventure books. It opens your mind to the outdoors.

      Reply
  • SMB (Rocketman) : Oct 29th

    Thanks for including The Last Season. Great read, if a bit tragic. (oops — spoiler.)

    I was first inspired by a book that my best man gave me in 1996: “As Far As The Eye Can See: Reflections Of An Appalachian Trail Hiker” by: David Brill

    Bryson is a putz who’s sense of humor is all about putting other people down.

    Reply
    • Lance A Goehring : Oct 29th

      I’ll definitely look for Brill’s book. I have not read it yet. Thanks!

      Reply
  • Eric Blehm : Oct 29th

    Lance. All the best to you on the trail! Thanks for recognizing The Last Season as one of the books that inspired you. Researching the book definitely solidified my love for the Sierra. It calls to me, and so glad Randy’s story called out to you. Let me know how the trail treats you, and when you pass through McClure Meadow, take a moment to walk out into the meadow, spin a 360 and unwrap the view. It’s a magical spot…

    Best regards,

    Eric
    http://www.ericblehm.com

    Reply
    • Lance A Goehring : Oct 29th

      Thanks so much for the kind words, Eric! I loved your writing and specifically how it evoked the setting of the Sierra. I’ll definitely keep you posted. I’m really looking forward to the hike and will definitely take special note of McClure Meadow. Thanks again.

      Reply
  • Scott A Brotherton : Oct 30th

    Not hiking specific but a great read in truly being ‘alone’ – “An Island to Oneself” by Tom Neale. I think another genre that is easily relatable are those that venture out on the ocean via boat…Similar situations, tragedies and comedy as well.
    I appeciate the Grandma Gatewood reference, I grew up near Hocking Hills in Ohio and that area and her stories inspired me as a young kid…

    Reply
    • Lance A Goehring : Oct 30th

      That is definitely relatable, Scott. Thanks for the recommendation. Any type of adventure where someone has to overcome adversity based on their own wits appeals to me. I love reading climbing books even though I have never climbed.

      Reply
  • Stitch : Nov 5th

    Lance, thanks for the article and the call back to Colin Fletcher. Had to check my library, but also recommend Colin’s “The Man Who Walked Through Time” about his hike of the length of the Grand Canyon below the rim in 1963.

    Reply
    • Lance A Goehring : Nov 5th

      I absolutely agree, Stitch. Love that book! I actually read it first as I live in AZ and backpack in the Canyon often.

      Reply
  • Marcus Seitz : Nov 16th

    Nice review. You are exactly right about “A Walk in the Woods” which first got me excited and interested in hiking the AT. Being from WA State, I didn’t even know the AT existed. Now I even wrote my own book based on the experience. Marcus.

    Reply
    • Lance A Goehring : Nov 16th

      Thanks, Marcus. I think that is true for so many of us. I truly had never heard of the AT or the PCT before reading those books. Their influence can’t be overstated.

      What’s the name of your book, Marcus? I’d love to read it.

      Reply
  • deadpool : Nov 16th

    Thanks for the reading list. The ones I have already read on your list are fantastic and look forward to reading the others. Can’t wait to see what others suggest.

    Reply
  • Lance A Goehring : Nov 16th

    Same here. So many of these books I just accidentally happened upon, maybe at a used book sale or store. I know there are many titles that I have just not been exposed to.

    Reply

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