The Trails of Virginia

Hiking the Old Dominion

Third Edition

By Allen de Hart

The Trails of Virginia

560 pp., 6.125 x 9.25, 32 illus., 14 maps, appends., bibl., index

  • Paperback ISBN: 978-0-8078-5471-6
    Published: December 2003

Buy this Book

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In this new edition of the most comprehensive guide to the trails of Virginia, Allen de Hart gives directions to and descriptions of more than 1,400 trails, noting nearby points of interest, botanical and zoological features, and characteristics of the region's terrain. From the mountains to the coast, he covers all national, state, county, and city recreational areas with hiking or interpretive trails accessible to the public. Maps and photographs supplement the descriptions.

The third edition has been completely revised and updated to reflect the addition of hundreds of miles to the state's trail systems, showing which trails are best suited for foot traffic, bicycles, and horses, and which trails are handicapped-accessible. The book also includes information on how to prepare for hikes, more comprehensive introductions to parks and scenic areas, and sections on Native American and pioneer trails.

This is an indispensable guide for hikers, walkers, birders, anglers, and anyone interested in exploring the Old Dominion's wealth of natural areas.

About the Author

Allen de Hart (1926-2016) hiked, designed, constructed, maintained, and wrote about southeastern trails for more than sixty years. His eleven guidebooks cover trails in five states. A Virginia native, he was professor emeritus of history and cultural affairs adviser at Louisburg College and founder of the De Hart Botanical Gardens in Patrick County, Virginia, and Louisburg, North Carolina.
For more information about Allen de Hart, visit the Author Page.

Reviews

"The Trails of Virginia is the Virginia backpacker's bible. Don't leave home without it."--Danville Register & Bee

"This is a useful volume for anyone planning outdoor trips involving nature study, sightseeing, serious backpacking, or just casual walks in city parks."--Virginia Librarian

"De Hart's extensive research, careful observations, and the guide's concise format make The Trails of Virginia a perfect guide for choosing an untried trail."--Blue Ridge Country