Independent scholar Chamberlin, an experienced long-distance hiker, presents a concise history of the American hiking community and its evolution from urban hiking clubs in the mid-19th century to today's hiking culture, with all of its necessities including specialty clothing, freeze-dried food, and specially designed tents and stoves. The volume is divided into five chapters and Chamberlin's utilization of primary sources from diverse archival collections brings to life the culture of nature walking-whether in rural cemeteries or in city parks-to the creation of hiking groups such as the Appalachian Mountain Club in 1876. People joined together to share their love for the outdoors along with the benefits of hiking, which were often tied to patriotism and religion. Hiking clubs published newsletters and worked to build and maintain trails. After World War II, the number of hikers increased and put the strain of overuse on many areas. In 1968, the National Trails System Act placed the federal government in charge of maintaining and designing trails. VERDICT This winning, thought--provoking book offers insight into a relatively unknown aspect of environmental history.-Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colls., Mt. Carmel © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Why do trails loom so large in the collective memory of Americans? Many nature writers and naturalists (including Henry David Thoreau and Bill Bryson) have extensively described their experiences walking in nature. On the Trail does much more than other titles that discuss the Civilian Conservation Corps and how this group is responsible for creating some of the most memorable US public spaces. This work richly describes the "who," "what," "when," "where," and "why" related to surrounding hiking clubs, trails, and the cultural history of walking in nature. Chamberlin, an independent scholar, leaves his readers with the evocative thought of a significant cultural shift--people no longer hike or walk for exercise; they do it more so out of daily necessity. This work will be a wonderful addition to both special and general collections. It will also be useful for seasoned researchers and general readers with a strong interest in the history of hiking. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --Jessica Clemons, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry