6The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA) join their volunteer forces to produce the official guide especially designed for potential thru-hikers who want the basic information for a five- to six-month trek in the woods, at a reasonable price, but also want the adventure of finding out the extras for themselves. With professionally crafted elevation profiles, new maps, and redesigned tables for quick, at-a-glance planning. Updated each year by hiker volunteers with the latest Trail-town services, mileage, relocation, and shelter information.

Edited by Robert Sly Sylvester, with research by more than three dozen thru-hiker volunteers in 14 states, backed by the first-hand information of the Trail's volunteer and staff maintainers and managers.