• Information about preparing to hike the trail: A history of the Appalachian Trail, books to read and maps to acquire, and the best seasons to hike the trail.
• Necessary equipment: Boots and clothing, tents, backpacks and bivouac sacks, first aid kits and preventing injuries and easy foods to carry and prepare.
• Details about hiking the trail: Pacing yourself, animals encountered, food and water, and sanitation and trail etiquette.
• Special features: Inviting hikes along the trail, ATC member trail clubs, post offices within 6 miles of the trail, equipment manufacturers addresses/phones, and 10 maps covering the entire trail.

Jan Curran, a native New Yorker, holds a baccalaureate degree from the University of Vermont and a masters degree from Niagara University. This 60 year old Colonel hiked the entire Appalachian Trail following his retirement from the Army. This powerful transition to civilian life became the basis for his widely acclaimed book.