The best book about hiking the Appalachian Trail depends on whether you need practical planning help, a section-hiking guide, or an account of someone else’s journey. The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2026 is the most trail-focused pick, while John E. Broussard’s audiobook is aimed at prospective thru-hikers who want preparation advice. For narrative reading, consider Grandma Gatewood’s Walk or AWOL on the Appalachian Trail. Section hikers may prefer the 2026–2027 guide.
| Book | Best For | Format Listed |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2026 | Thru-hike planning | Paperback |
| How to Hike the Appalachian Trail | Preparing for a thru-hike | Audible audiobook |
| Grandma Gatewood’s Walk | Trail history and biography | Paperback |
| AWOL on the Appalachian Trail | Personal thru-hike narrative | Audible audiobook |
| Appalachian Trail Section Hiking Guide 2026–2027 | Planning section hikes | Paperback |
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2026
Published by the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association, this 2026 paperback is the clearest choice in this list for readers focused on a thru-hike. Its title and trail-specific focus make it relevant to hikers who want a dedicated companion for preparing to travel the Appalachian Trail from end to end.
Best for: Prospective thru-hikers looking for a trail-centered book in paperback format. Choose this if you want a dedicated companion rather than a memoir or general narrative.
Limitation: The 2026 edition is year-specific. Check that the edition matches your planning period, and confirm the listing for details about its contents before relying on it for trip logistics.
How to Hike the Appalachian Trail
John E. Broussard’s How to Hike the Appalachian Trail is presented as a comprehensive guide to planning and preparing for a successful thru-hike. The audiobook format makes it a useful option for readers who prefer listening, though the listing identifies it as an Audible audiobook rather than a paperback.
Best for: First-time thru-hike planners who want advice framed around preparation and planning. It is better suited to learning about the process than to readers looking primarily for a personal trail story.
Limitation: Because this listing is an audiobook, it may not suit readers who prefer to browse a printed reference while planning. The supplied product details do not specify whether it includes maps or other visual materials.
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk
Ben Montgomery’s paperback tells the story of Grandma Gatewood and her connection to the Appalachian Trail. The subtitle presents it as an inspiring account of a woman who helped save the trail, making this book a history- and biography-oriented choice rather than a practical how-to manual.
Best for: Readers interested in the people and history associated with the Appalachian Trail. Choose it if you want a narrative about an individual’s impact, not step-by-step planning advice for your own hike.
Limitation: The product details describe a story, not a current trail guide. Do not choose it as your sole resource for route planning or up-to-date hiking logistics.
AWOL on the Appalachian Trail
AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is listed as an Audible audiobook, narrated by Christopher Lane and published by Brilliance Audio. Its title identifies it as a personal account connected to hiking the trail, giving readers a narrative alternative to books focused on planning or trail references.
Best for: Hikers and armchair travelers who want to listen to an Appalachian Trail story. It is a better fit for narrative reading than for buyers seeking a clearly labeled planning guide.
Limitation: The supplied listing identifies an audio format, so readers who want a physical reference book should consider one of the paperbacks instead.
Appalachian Trail Section Hiking Guide 2026–2027
Jackson Robert’s paperback is specifically titled for section hiking and advertises trail navigation, gear tips, itineraries, maps, and cultural insights. Those topics make it a distinct option for hikers planning individual portions of the trail rather than a full thru-hike.
Best for: Section hikers who want a guide organized around shorter trips and varied planning needs. Choose this over a thru-hiker-focused companion if you plan to hike the trail in separate sections.
Limitation: The guide is labeled for 2026–2027. Its edition dates matter, so verify that it fits your trip-planning timeframe and check the product listing for the scope of its maps and itinerary information.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Appalachian Trail Book
Are you planning a thru-hike or section hike?
Start with your trip type. A thru-hike preparation book or thru-hiker companion is more closely aligned with planning a full-trail journey. A section-hiking guide is aimed at readers breaking the trail into shorter trips. Match the book’s stated focus to the hike you intend to take.
Do you need practical guidance or a story?
For planning, prioritize books whose titles identify them as guides or companions and look for the specific topics they claim to cover. For inspiration, history, or an account of trail life, choose a narrative such as Grandma Gatewood’s Walk or AWOL on the Appalachian Trail. A story can add context but is not a substitute for trip-planning information.
Which format works for your planning style?
Paperbacks can be easier to consult visually, while audiobooks suit readers who prefer listening. The products listed here include both formats. If maps or reference material are important, check the individual listing’s description rather than assuming an audiobook or paperback includes a particular feature.
Does the edition year matter?
It can. Two selections are labeled for 2026 or 2026–2027, so confirm that the edition is appropriate for your intended planning period. For trail decisions, consult current information as well as any book, especially when details may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book here for planning an Appalachian Trail thru-hike?
The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2026 is the most directly trail-focused paperback choice, while How to Hike the Appalachian Trail specifically emphasizes planning and preparation in audiobook format.
Which book is best for Appalachian Trail section hikers?
The Appalachian Trail Section Hiking Guide 2026–2027 is the clearest match because its title and described topics focus on section hiking.
Which selection is a biography or history-focused story?
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk is a biography- and history-oriented narrative about Grandma Gatewood and the Appalachian Trail.
Are any of these books audiobooks?
Yes. How to Hike the Appalachian Trail and AWOL on the Appalachian Trail are listed as Audible audiobooks.
Can a memoir replace a current trail guide?
No. A personal story can provide a narrative perspective, but it is not identified as a current route-planning reference. Use a guide and current trail information for practical trip preparation.