A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, by Bill Bryson
In A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson discovers that the Appalachian Trail passes close to his New Hampshire home and decides—despite having little hiking experience—that walking it would be a fine idea. The trail stretches more than 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, crossing fourteen states and some of the most beautiful and demanding landscapes in the eastern United States. Bryson has limited enthusiasm for discomfort and almost no idea what he has gotten himself into.
He is joined by Stephen Katz, an old friend who is equally unprepared and far less interested in carrying anything unnecessary, including much of his food and equipment. Together, they struggle up mountains, endure freezing nights, encounter eccentric fellow hikers, worry about bears, and gradually discover just how difficult the trail can be. Their misadventures are consistently hilarious, but Bryson never treats the Appalachian Trail as merely a backdrop for comedy.
Along the way, he explores the trail’s history, the fragile forests surrounding it, the towns and communities that have grown alongside it, and the remarkable ambition behind creating a continuous footpath through the eastern United States. The result is both a wonderfully funny account of two unlikely hikers and an engaging introduction to one of America’s great landscapes. A Walk in the Woods may not inspire every reader to hike from Georgia to Maine, but it will almost certainly make them curious about the trail—and grateful to experience some of its hardships from a comfortable chair.
Readers interested in Bryson’s distinctive blend of humor, travel, history, and curiosity can learn more about Bill Bryson and explore his other books here.
“Black bears rarely attack. But here’s the thing. Sometimes they do. All bears are agile, cunning and immensely strong, and they are always hungry. If they want to kill you and eat you, they can, and pretty much whenever they want. That doesn’t happen often, but - and here is the absolutely salient point - once would be enough.”
Interesting Facts:
The character "Stephen Katz" in the book is actually based on Bryson's real-life friend Matt Angerer. Bryson changed his name in the book to protect his privacy. Years later, Angerer revealed his identity and shared his own perspective on their Appalachian Trail adventure.
Bryson was partly inspired to hike the Appalachian Trail after learning about the disappearance of Geraldine Largay, a hiker who got lost on the trail in 2013. Her story made Bryson reflect on the dangers and challenges of the trail.
The book's popularity led to a significant increase in hikers attempting the Appalachian Trail, a phenomenon known as the "Bryson Bump." This surge in foot traffic has raised concerns about the environmental impact on the trail and surrounding ecosystems.
Those wanting more detail on the realities of attempting such an adventure should read AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller. Miller is a middle-aged engineer who decides to leave his job to make the hike. Unlike Bryson, Miller is actually very well prepared for his trip.
A Walk in the Woods is in one of the first books we suggest for anyone interested in travel writing, and Bill Bryson is one of our favorite authors. Click here to see our full set of recommendations on the top picks in travel literature and the best travel writers.
A Walk in the Woods - Official Trailer | Broad Green Pictures
This great book was made into a movie featuring Oscar-winning Robert Redford as Bill Bryson and fellow Academy Award recipient Emma Thompson as his charming spouse. Read our blog to discover the best movies for travel lovers.
Other Recommended Books by Bill Bryson
Other Recommended Books by Bill Bryson
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