The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association collaborate on a guide especially designed for potential thru-hikers who want the basic information for a five- to six-month trek in the A.T.s legendary woods, but also want the adventure of finding out the extras for themselves. Contains both the basic information for the trail (where to find the water, for example) and the highlights of a nearby towns offerings. With research by more than a dozen thru-hiker volunteers in 14 states, backed by the first-hand information of the trails volunteer and staff maintainers and managers and extensive information from the 2006 A.T. Data Book.