AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Central Massachusetts: Four-Season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails, from the Pioneer Valley to the Worcester Hills Paperback – September 15, 2018

There are so many places that, if it weren't for this book, I did not know existed. I'm having a great time hiking my way through this book

I bought this book with the intention of getting back into hiking after a move and exploring the area I now live in. So far, I have completed about 10/50 hikes in the book, and I am absolutely blown away by the quality of the content. Each trail includes driving directions (GPS coordinates are given but unfortunately not addresses), a description of the trailhead, clear directions and a map for the trail, history, wildlife, and more. Directions along the trails have been extremely accurate, including landmarks and mileage, and I have not gotten lost once. The author creates fantastic loop trails that guide you around reservations, woods, mountains, etc and allow you to see much more than you might on your own. The outlined hikes have been extremely enjoyable (so many hidden gems!) and I have also really enjoyed learning about the nature and history of each place I’ve hiked. This guide is invaluable for anyone looking to further their exploration of central MA. Highly recommend!

I’ve been to so many places that I wouldn’t of found if I hadn’t purchased this book.

perfect for finding a great activity to do with the kids

Thought be bigger and have more usable info.

One would think that a trail guide published by the Appalachian Mountain Club would be climate-friendly. But this otherwise-delightful smattering of the trails that run north and south of the Worcester hills leaves the reader/hiker at a loss about what to do about approaching those trails. The format for each mini-guide in this book begins with directions - and those directions are top-heavy with automobile directions. One example is the Rhode Island to New Hampshire Midstate trail. Author John S. Burk cites numerous hikes on it. What he doesn't include is that the Midstate Trail is fully accessible by public transportation at the Leicester, MA - Spencer, MA border. You can either take the Worcester Regional Transit Authority city bus seven days a week to either Leicester or Spencer, or the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus (Monday; Thursday; Friday) from either Amherst or Worcester. It is easy to access wither the WRTA (from Union Station, Worcester; take Bus 19 or Bus 33, ask the driver to drop you off at the Leicester-Spencer border) or the PVTA (Union Station, Springfield, MA , or on the University of Massachusetts campus). Getting to Amherst is also easy by the PVTA from the Springfield, MA Union Station (Monday - Sunday) - out of town travelers can access Springfield by Amtrak; or the Peter Pan and Greyhound bus services. Once near Spencer, at the beginning or end of your hike, it's an easy walk (for hikers and others without mobility issues) to the charming Brookfield towns - East Brookfield; West Brookfield; Brookfield. The WRTA and the PVTA also make stops in Brookfield. Worcester for the car-free folks from Greater Boston can be accessed via the MBTA commuter rail. The Midstate Trail is but one example of the lack of attention Burk gives to public transportation. Most, if not all, of the trails he cites are given directions along highways - forbidden to pedestrians and bicycle riders. For those who truly enjoy public transit - you can actually skip-hop on local regional bus service throughout most Massachusetts communities. The two citations for Wachusett Mountain do not note that you ride the MBTA's Fitchburg line to the end (Wachusett) and access the mountain from there, or get a local ride, thereby cutting down on fossil fuel use. Shame on the author and the otherwise-nature-steward AMC for producing a "Best Day Hikes" guide that encourages automobile use.

given as a gift and she really enjoyed all the trails listed