The Appalachian Trail, like the Pacific Crest Trail and the Long Trail in Vermont, is a legend of a hike that is far more doable than its reputation might suggest. As a thru-hiker, section hiker or day hiker, almost anyone can enjoy the Appalachian Trail on his or her own terms. Find an experienced buddy to take you on that first hike or read up and head out on your own. Trail magic and trail angels are all out there along with the priceless opportunity to connect with nature as well as your hiking buddy. Take a teenager! That's even better.

Listed below are the primary guides, interesting books and informative websites we consulted for our adventures along the Appalachian Trail.

Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts-Connecticut
Norman Sills and Robert Hatton
Appalachian Trail Conference

Exploring the Appalachian Trail, Hikes in Southern New England
David Emblidge

There are Mountains to Climb
Jean Deeds

White Blaze Fever
William Schuette

Hiking and Walking Homepage
This site offers a hiking and walking index to organizations, trails, places to hike and walk, events, gear and trips. It makes an excellent first stop for new hikers.
http://www.webwalking.com

Appalachian Mountain Club
The AMC site focuses on hiking in the northeast. This organization handles all the White Mountain huts.
http://www.outdoors.org
http://www.ct-amc.org « CT chapters site of the AMC

Trailplace
Trailplace accurately describes itself as "an Appalachian Trail resource site and community information center." This site and the White Blaze site (below) are where the "insiders" chat.
http://www.trailplace.com

White Blaze
White Blaze is full of trip reports, forums, links and other resources to make either a day or three months on the AT a positive experience.
http://www.whiteblaze.net