Guidebooks and Maps

These books and more are available for sale through the Ultimate A.T. Store.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and its member clubs publish the official guidebooks and maps for the Appalachian Trail. Each of the 11 pocket-sized guidebooks covers several hundred miles of the Trail, and includes separate topographic maps with elevation profiles. The guidebooks provide detailed descriptions for:

• travel in both directions,
• points of interest,
• road-access and parking,
• water sources, and
• locations of shelter and camping sites.

They are helpful in planning both short- and long-distance hikes of the A.T. and some side trails. Most maps are also available for purchase separately. Guidebooks and maps are updated every three to five years. Sample guidebook pages (PDF).

Maps are strongly recommended for all hikers. Even though the Trail is well-marked, in an emergency you need to know how to get off the mountain as quickly as possible. Elevation profiles on the official maps also provide a graphic representation of how much up and down there is in each section.

Appalachian Trail Data Book

This pocket-sized book provides a bare-bones summary of essential information for the entire Trail. Updated every year, it provides mileages between features and facilities, notes locations of water sources, shelters, and campsites, and shows the availability of off-trail lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, and post offices. The Data Book is divided into eleven chapters; each chapter corresponds to one of the more detailed A.T. guidebooks. Sample Data Book pages (PDF).

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion

Not just for thru-hikers, this spiral-bound compilation, updated annually, provides extensive information on campsites, shelters, off-trail accommodations in towns, resupply stops, and points of interest along the Trail. Where the Data Book notes the availability of services, the Companion provides the details—prices, phone numbers, hours, etc. Essential for hikes of five days or more. The Companion also includes information about other services such as banks, laundries, and doctors. You can review the Companion online at the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association Web site. Updates to the current edition are available online.