Alexander, Lawrence
Through Hiker’s Eyes – A Journey Along the Appalachian Trail (Part One: Springer Mountain, Georgia to Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia)
432 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9817257-0-3
Published in 2008 by Trail Peddler Publishing, Jasper, AL
This is the story of the author’s 2006 thru-hike with his friend, Jane.  The hike was a fund-raiser for ChallengePoint, a non-profit adventure-based organization.  The book is quite humorous and includes great descriptions of the characters met along the trail.  This is part one of two parts.
Available from www.challengepoint.org 

Alexander, Lawrence
Through Hiker’s Eyes – A Journey Along the Appalachian Trail (Part Two: Katahdin Bound)
500 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9817257-1-0
Published in 2009 by Trail Peddler Publishing, Jasper, AL
This is the second half of the author’s 2006 thru-hike.
Available from www.challengepoint.org

Allen, Abe
An Unfinished Odyssey on the Appalachian Trail – A Memoir
136 pages
ISBN: 1-4033-1942-1
Published in 2003 by AuthorHouse Publishing, Bloomington, IN
This is the story of a young man who hikes the Appalachian Trail. It is a remarkable saga of emotional and spiritual growth and one individual's relationship to the beauty, danger, excitement and tediousness of the trail. There a lot of wisdom and common sense in this narrative. 
Available from www.amazon.com 

Allen, Mark ("Bison")
Average People; Extraordinary Trail, Volume I - The Appalachian Trail
Published in 2011 by the author
This is the story of the author's 2009 northbound thru-hike.  The author is not an experienced hiker so he considers himself an "average" hiker.  Each chapter has a planning section and an equipment section with excellent advice for future hikers. Over 100 photographs are included (although quite small). 
Available only for the Kindle at www.amazon.com (no printed edition).

Alt, Jeff ("Wrongfoot")
A Walk for Sunshine – A 2,160 Mile Expedition for Charity on the Appalachian Trail
285 pages
ISBN: 0-9679482-0-7
Published in 2000 by Dreams Shared Publications, Cincinnati, OH
This is the story of the author's 1998 northbound thru-hike.  What makes the story unique is that he did it for charity...to support the Sunshine Home in Maumee Ohio, which cares for 850 developmentally disabled residents, including the author's brother.  The author got his trail name, Wrongfoot, from putting the inserts in the wrong shoes his first day on the trail, resulting in severe blisters.  Things improved after that although he had to contend with below zero wind chills, excessive heat, and lots of rain. 
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Anderson, Charles
Beyond My Limits - Adventures with God on the Appalachian Trail
208 pages
Published in 2011 by WinePress Publishing, Enumclaw, WA
This is the story of the author's northbound section hike (1992-2001) and his mission to share Christ with other hikers. 
Available from http://www.amazon.com

Baker, Raymond
Campfires Along the Appalachian Trail
120 pages
Published in 1971 by the Carlton Press, Inc., NYC
This is the story of the author’s 1964 thru-hike at the ripe old age of 56.  An abbreviated version of this book is included in” From Katahdin to Springer Mountain – The Best Stories of Hiking the Appalachian Trail”
Not generally available

Barnes, David M. ("Faithful")
Faithful's Journey on the Appalachian Trail
198 pages
ISBN: 9781452894164
Published in 2010 by the author
This is the story of the author's 2007-2008 southbound thru-hike.  Struggling with epilepsy and medications, the author overcame many obstacles with his strong faith and encouraged others in their faith.
Available from http://www.amazon.com

Becerra, Cesar & Maud Dillingham
Appalachian Trail Thorough Hikers' Notebook
272 pages
Published in 2002 by the authors
Years before the lightweight revolution caught on, the authors decided why not go slower and hike less miles with less weight.  A sort-of 'slow down and smell the roses' approach to hiking the AT, they coined the phase, "thorough-hiking".  The  book (journal) consists of Xerox copies of the authors' hand-written and hand-drawn pages written on their 1 year and 23 day southbound thru-hike, and is loaded with tips for going slower and lighter.
Available from http://www.planetcesar.com/Appalachian_Trail_book/Appalachian_Trail_book.html

Blanchard, Dennis R.
Three Hundred Zeroes – Lessons of the Heart on the Appalachian Trail
328 pages
ISBN: 978-1450557467
Published in 2010 by Three Hundred Zeros, Sarasota, FL
This is the story of the author’s 2-year (2007-2008) northbound thru-hike.  He got as far as Pearisburg, VA in 2007 when he had heart problems.  After a 6-artery bypass and 300 zero days (days off the trail), he started again at Pearisburg in 2008 and completed the AT all the way to Mt. Katahdin.
Available from www.amazon.com

Blaney, Melody A. ("Midnite") & L.K. Ullyart ("Out of Africa")
A Journey of Friendship – A Thru-Hike on the Appalachian Trail
126 pages
ISBN: 0-9657740-0-7
Published in 1997 by The River Press, Marietta, OH
Two women, one from Ohio and the other from South Africa, "met" through an ad in the ‘Appalachian Trailway News’ and became partners for a 1996 thru-hike.  Together, they overcame many obstacles.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Bond, Gary ("Rethinker")
Rethinking Life on the Appalachian Trail
Published in 2012 by the author, Myrtle Beach, SC
The author ("Rethinker") dreamed of hiking the AT for 30 years and after a period of rethinking life's course, he completed a northbound thru-hike in 2008. The book provides a look into nature's often disagreeable companionship and the lessons learned from other hikers on the trail (successful and unsuccessful).
Available in digital format only from www.amazon.com (Kindle) or other digital formats from http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/128008

Bowler, Ann Martin
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
24 pages
ISBN: 0765249243
Published in 2005 by the Celebration Press
This childrens' book is written at the 3rd grade level and is based on the diary and photos of Taylor Witcher, an 11 year old who thru-hiked hiked the AT with her family. 
Not generally available

Bowman, Mike
Meeting Mr. Ed – A Journey of Discovery on the Appalachian Trail
261 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4500-1247-8
Published in 2009 by Xlibris Corporation
This is the story of the author’s and his Dad’s (a.k.a. Mr. Ed) 11-year (1997-2007) section hike of the AT.  On many of these week-long hikes, the author's brothers also join them, allowing the family to reconnect during Mr. Ed's twilight years.  The author uses these hikes to learn about his Dad's childhood and time in the military, and how that impacted his adult life.
Available from www.amazon.com or www.xlibris.com

Brampton, Jesse
Promises to Keep – An Australian on the Appalachian Trail
275 pages
ISBN: 1-86359-090-0
Published in 1991 by the Literary Mouse Press, Western Australia (republished in 1993 by Bantam Books)
The author hiked the AT in two sections during the summers of 1987 and 1988.  He describes not only the scenery and climate, but also the highs and lows he experienced during the walk.  He also shares some deeply moving insights into his life and his reasons for being on the trail. 
Used copies available on www.amazon.com

Brill, David
As Far As the Eye Can See – Reflections of an Appalachian Trail Hiker
190 pages
ISBN: 1-55853-073-8
Published in 1990 by the Rutledge Hill Press, Nashville, TN
This is the story of the author’s 1979 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, written 10 years after the trek.  He reflects on the meaning of fear and confidence, success and failure, friends and solitude, and self-reliance and interdependence. 
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Bryson, Bill
A Walk in the Woods – Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
276 pages
ISBN: 0-7679-0252-1 (many other editions)
First published in 1998 by Broadway Books, NYC (many other editions also published by a variety of publishers)
This is by far the most famous book about the Appalachian Trail.  It mixes fact with fiction and the result is a very humorous story about the author's 1996 attempt at thru-hiking the trail with his overweight friend, Stephen Katz. While they didn't complete the trail, they did a long stretch here and little bits there, for a total of 870 miles. The book is scheduled to eventually be made into a movie.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Burnett, Coy R.
Illinois Coy's Appalachian Trail Journal
197 pages
Published in 2004 by the author, Jacksonville, IL.
This is the story of the author's 2001 northbound thru hike.
Not generally available - limited to 30 copies.  Can be borrowed from the Jacksonville, Illinois library through interlibrary loan.

Cannon, Jamie ("Young Gun")
In Walking Distance
222 pages
ISBN: 978-0-557-80555-6
Published in 2010 by the author, Spartanburg, SC
This is the story of a young, inexperienced, and unprepared hiker's 2006 southbound thru-hike. After a month of learning everything the hard way, he succeeds through learning to adapt, determination and perseverance.
Available from www.lulu.com

Carr, Pam and John
Follow the White Blazes from Georgia to Maine - British Hikers' Views of the Appalachian Trail
160 pages
ISBN:  0 9521470 0 9
Published in 1993 by Appalachian Walks UK
This is the story of the authors' flip-flop section hike of the AT.  They started in March of 1990 at Harpers Ferry and hiked north through Maryland and Pennsylvania...then went back to Springer Mountain in Georgia and hiked up to Harpers Ferry.  They resumed their trek in April of 1992 at Delaware Water Gap in southern New Jersey and hiked north to Mt. Katahdin, finishing their hike in July.
Not generally available

Cazalet, Adrian
Go For It
228 pages
Published in 1992 by the author (Hampshire, UK)
This is the story of the author's 1989 northbound thru-hike.  It provides insight into how the trail experience can be different for a non-American (the author is British).  The book includes hiking schedules and a gear guide in the appendices.
Not generally available

Chenowith, Lon
Five Million Steps
242 pages
ISBN: 978-1-60799-416-9
Published in 2009 by Tate Publishing
This is the story of an Eastern Tennessee pastor’s 14 year (1994-2007), northbound, section hike of the AT.  What began as a dream in his teens, he finally completed 30 years later.  The romance of trekking across the mountains quickly wears off, and the presence of God teaches him perseverance and faith. While at times lonesome and hard, the undeniable urge to return to nature keeps Lon hiking and chronicling his Five Million Steps.
Available from www.fivemillionstepsbook.com

Coomer, Gerald
Stories of the Appalachian Trail
128 pages
ISBN: 1-4392-4185-6
Published in 2002 by the author and republished in 2009 by BookSurge Publishing
These ten stories tell about the reactions of ordinary persons when they are confronted with inexplicable phenomena. In some cases, explanations for the phenomena are suggested, but the explanations are themselves almost as bewildering as the phenomena. The stories all have some connection to the Appalachian Trail, and they are related by persons who have guided hikers on long treks along that famous trail. The truth of the tales cannot be verified; however, the stories are excellent for campfire lore.
Available from www.amazon.com

Coplen, Jim
The Wild Birds’ Song - Hiking South on the Appalachian Trail
183 pages
ISBN: 0-9667137-0-2
Published in 1998 by the American Bison Publishing Company, South Bend, IN
This book relates the author’s 1995-96 southbound thru-hike.  The author, 58 years old, began his trek in June, 1995 but got off the trail in November in Tennessee because of an injury.  He continued his hike southbound the following April, arriving at Springer Mountain in May, 1996. The book describes the author’s feelings during the hike, the profound changes that took place in his life as a result of the hike, of spectacular scenery, the help he received from others along the way.
Available from www.amazon.com

Cornelius, Madelaine
Kathadin with Love
164 pages
ISBN: 0-924234-25-3
Published in 1991 by the Milton Publishing Company, Inc., Lookout Mountain, TN
This is the intimate story of the author's and her husband’s 1981 thru-hike after the tragic death of their son. It is a day-by-day account of what they saw and did. 
Available used from www.amazon.com

Coyote, O.D.
Chained Dogs and Song Birds - An Appalachian Chronicle From the Land of the Mushroom People to the Hall of the Mountain King
Published in 1981 by Riggledebopasheelogee Press...limited to 114 hand bound copies.
This is one of the early memoirs of hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Not generally available

Critz, Tanner ("Wayah")
End to Ending
163 pages
ISBN: 978-0984619917
Published in 2010 by Temenos Publishing, North Little Rock, AR
This is the story of the author's 1995 northbound thru-hike, chronicling the transformation of a young man as he hikes for  six and a half months through the woods and sheds his old life.  The author is quite introspective and does a good job describing the camaraderie on the trail.
Available used from www.amazon.com

Croteau, Terry ("Bluebird")
Footpath My Ass! and Other Keen Observations Made by a Middle-Aged Woman Hiking the Appalachian Trail
210 pages
ISBN: 978-1441565334
Published in 2009 by the author
This is the story of the author's 2006 northbound AT trek, which was interrupted by a fall 266 miles from Mt. Katahdin.  The author write in a very lively manner and does a great job of conveying the frustrations, emotions, camaraderie, and challenges of the trail.  She went back in 2007 and finished the trail...but it was bittersweet  summiting Mt. Katahdin without her 2006 hiking buddies that had endured so much of the trail with her.
Available used from www.amazon.com

Cuddihy, Ryan
One More Step A.T.
119 Pages
Published by the author in 2010
This is the story of the author's 2009 northbound thru-hike, related by diary entries. 
Available from
http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=one+step+a.t .

Curran, Jan D.
The Appalachian Trail – A Journey of Discovery
326 Pages
ISBN: 0-935834-66-4
Published in 1991 by Rainbow Books, Inc., Highland City, FL
When the author retired from the Army, he hiked the entire Appalachian Trail to aid his transition to civilian life. As a young retiree, he found the journey tedious -- sometimes even dangerous -- but laden with nature's riches and unexpected spiritual rewards.   In this book the author describes the southern half of his 1986-1987 trek. The Northern half of his hike is chronicled in “Onward to Katahdin”.
Available from www.amazon.com

Curran, Jan D.
The Appalachian Trail - Onward to Katahdin
273 pages
ISBN: 1-56825-072-X
Published in 1999 by Rainbow Books, Inc., Highland City, FL
This book is a continuation of The Appalachian Trail - A Journey of Discovery and describes the northern half of the author’s  1986-1987 AT hike.
Available from www.amazon.com

Davies, Mike ("Sleeping Dragon")
There is All Tomorrow
200 pages
ISBN: 0-9545316-0-4
Published in 2003 by S.M. Davies, Wales, UK
This is the strangest book I've read about a trek on the AT.  It is the story of the author's 1998 northbound thru-hike.  He is a Welshman recently retired from the British army and seems convinced that everybody on the AT is an enemy combatant or murderer.  He changes his name daily and even changes his accent when he has contact with other hikers...which he goes to great lengths to avoid.  He camps by himself far off of the trail and sets up a "double wire defense system" around his tent at night.  When he eventually reaches Hanover, NH, he has a total change of personality and starts making life-long friends with other hikers on the trail.  In the end, it is the friends he made on the trail In New Hampshire and Maine that was the greatest part of his experience. 
Not generally available

Dawson, Paralee
Living a Dream – Laughter, Pain and Life on the Appalachian Trail
267 pages
ISBN: 978-0-615-21209-8
Published in 2008 by Gatewood Publishing, Murphy, NC
After raising three children, the author retired at the age of 57, and began thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2002.  While she didn’t finish due to medical problems, she section-hiked additional parts of the trail between 2004 and 2008. 
Not generally available.  It appears the publisher has gone out of business.

Dawson-Hayward, Paralee
Still Living a Dream – Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dreams
241 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4535-5286-5
Published by the author in 2010
This book is an enhanced second edition of "Living a Dream" (see above).
Available from www.xlibris.com

Dean Sr., Stephen D.
Backpacking with Jesus
304 pages
Published in 2011 by Xlibris.com
ISBN: 978-1-4568-6743-0
This is the author's reflection of his 1996 northbound thru-hike written 14 years after arriving at Mt. Katahdin. It was a spiritual walk of witness and discovery for him.
Available from www.amazon.com or www.xlibris.com

Deeds, Jean
There are Mountains to Climb – An Inspirational Journey
216 pages
ISBN: 0-9651487-1-8
Published in 1996 by the Silverwood Press, Indianapolis, IN
The author was 51 years old when she gave up a successful career and comfortable lifestyle to spend six months in 1994 carrying a 40-pound backpack over the rugged Appalachian Trail. This is personal account of walking across mountain ranges and through small towns; of finding the magic in nature and the beauty in people; of enduring months of rain, bugs, heat, humidity, pain, fear, and loneliness; and of finding the inspiration to continue hiking each day. 
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

DeFreeze, Don
Please Read
91 pages
Published in 2009 by Xlibris.com
ISBN: 978-1-4415-0658-0
The author presents "the progression of thoughts through his own prism" during his trek on the AT.  There are many diversions and philosophical ramblings as he describes his hike (it's not even clear if he finished the trail).  Difficult to read.
Available from www.xlibris.com

Dennis, Dierdre E. ("MadBowler")
Walking Into Spring or, Bowling My Way Home
125 pages
Published in 2010 by Lulu.com
ISBN: 978-0-557-84575-0
This is the story of the author's 2002 northbound section hike from Amicolola Falls, GA to Erwin, TN.  A very different account of hiking on the AT.
Available fromwww.lulu.com

Dragon, Albert ("Avalanche")
Avalanche & Gorilla Jim - Appalachian Trail Adventures and Other Tales
298 pages
Published in 2012 by Morgan James Publishing, NYC
ISBN: 978-1-61448-170-6
This is the story of the author's ("Avalanche") and his buddy's (Gorilla Jim) 2002 northbound AT hike from Georgia to Vermont.
Available from www.amazon.com

Duane, Charlie
Racing Light – The Soft Power of a Day’s Walk
336 pages
Published in 2007 by Stella’s Dream, Marion, MA
ISBN: 0-9799988-1-6
This book encompasses the author’s 4 east coast hikes (9,886,500 footsteps & 12 pairs of shoes): the Long Trail (Vermont), Maine to Quebec, Georgia to Florida, and the AT.  All this began when Trica asked the author to walk her dog, Stella. The author thru-hiked the AT in 2001 going southbound and presents his story of all 4 hikes in a photo-journal format.
Available from www.amazon.com

Dykstra, Monique
Alone in the Appalachians – A City Girl’s Trek from Maine to the Gaspesie
173 pages
ISBN: 1-55192-477-3
Published in 2002
The International Appalachian Trail, opened in 2000, has added 665 miles (1,073 km) from Maine to Quebec. This is the tale of the author's adventures in 2000 while hiking the brand new International AT. She's a city girl who thought hiking was "simply a matter of throwing some clothes and a few granola bars into a pack and heading for the hills." Two months, 665 miles, and countless blisters later, she wasn't so sure. This extremely funny narrative includes Dykstra's descriptions of the characters she meets along the trail as well as 50 of her fascinating photographs.
Available from www.amazon.com

Eberhart, M.J. (“Nimblewell Nomad”)
Ten Million Steps – The Epic Trek of the Nimbelwill Nomad
528 pages
ISBN: 0-89732-979-1
Published in 2007 by Menasha Ridge Press, Birmingham, AL
The author was a recently-retired 60-year-doctor in January 1998 when he set off on a foot journey that carried him 4,400 miles from the Florida Keys, the full length of the Appalachian Trail, and to the far north of Quebec…now known as the Eastern Continental Trail (ECT).  He unabashedly recounts the good (friendships with other hikers he met), the bad (sore legs, cutting winds and rain), and the really bad (the dispiriting doubts) on his trek.
Available used from www.amazon.com or www.abebooks.com

Eberhart, M.J. (“Nimblewell Nomad”)
Where Less the Path is Worn
ISBN: 978-0972903820
Published in 2004 by the Thirsty Turtle Press, Bloomingdale, Ohio
This book is a true story about the author's 347-day, 5000-mile trek from the Cliffs of Forillon, Cap Gaspé, Quebec, Canada to Key West, Florida during 2000-2001.  This is the first known trek to cover the entire Appalachian Mountain Range, at least as we know it to exist on the North American continent.  The author then returns to Newfoundland to hike the Long Range Mountains.  Much of the book is about the people the author meets and stays with along the way.  He is the master of "yogi-ing" lodging..and has probably set a record for the fewest nights spent in huts on a thru hike.  The style is quite folksy. 
Not generally available

Emblidge, David
The Appalachian Trail Reader
382 pages
ISBN: 0-19-510091-3
Published in 1996 by the Oxford University Press, NYC
From a variety of sources, the author has culled 102 random trail gems to create an Appalachian Trail anthology. The book includes practical trail details, an eclectic assembly of hiking wisdom, the trail's history, and the romance of hiking it.  The selections also describe the beauty and awe experienced on the trail by those who have walked it. 
Available from www.amazon.com

Endicott, Joseph
Born to Walk - Speaking the Gospel of John on the Appalachian Trail
114 pages
ISBN: 978-1-105-53242-9
Published in 2012 by the author
This is the story of the author's 2010 northbound thru-hike. He is a high school math teacher and hiked the trail preaching the gospel of John at churches along the way. The book is divided into two sections: Travel Log and Thoughts & Prayers.
Available from www.lulu.com

Espy, Gene
The Trail of My Life:  The Gene Espy Story
162 pages
ISBN: 978-1-934144-51-0
Published in 2008 by the Indigo Publishing Group, LLC, Macon, GA
The author was the second person to thru-hike the AT (Earl Shaffer was the first in 1948).  In 1951, when the author was 24 and living in Cordele, GA, he decided he wanted to walk the entire Appalachian Trail in one long hike.  This was at a time when trail maintenance was at a minimum and blazes were far and few between.  This is the author’s life story, including his college days, his hike, and his involvement with the AT subsequently.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org or www.geneespyhiker.com

Fisher, Ronald M.
The Appalachian Trail
199 pages
ISBN: 087044106X
Published in 1972 by the National Geographic Society, Washington DC
The author, his wife, and a National Geographic photographer section-hiked parts of the AT in 1971.  They sampled "interesting portions" of the trail and also explored the surrounding countryside.  The book is not only an introduction to the AT, but also a splendid photographic essay of the trail as it existed over 30 years ago.
Available used from www.amazon.com or www.abebooks.com

Fisher, Ronald M.
Mountain Adventure - Exploring the Appalachian Trail
199 pages
Published in 1988 by the National Geographic Society
A National Geographic team of photo journalists hikes and explores the AT in honor of the 50th anniversary of the completion of the trail (1937).
Available used from www.amazon.com or www.abebooks.com

Flack, James M. & Hertha E.
Ambling and Scrambling on the Appalachian Trail
235 pages
ISBN: 091795310X
Published in 1981 by the Appalachian Trail Conference, Harpers Ferry, WV
This is the story of the authors’ section hike of the AT, which took place over a number of years.  They completed the last section in September, 1978.  The book includes many black & white photos.
Available from www.amazon.com

Fleming, Mark
At the Speed of Foot: Rez Dog on the Appalachian Trail
172 pages
ISBN:  9780979708114
Published in 2011 by the author
This is the story of the author's northbound thru-hike along with his recollections of growing up near Danville, VA and being an infantryman in Vietnam.  The author describes the look and feel of the trail he followed for six months in 2002.  He had to skip 272 of the trail to keep up with his "trail family", a dilemna many AT hikers face.  In 2005 the author returned to the trail for 10 weeks and completed the miles he skipped in 2002 and re-hiked some of his favorite sections.
Available for the Kindle at www.amazon.com or in print at 
http://www.shop.theatguide.com/At-the-Speed-of-Foot-Rez-Dog-on-the-Appalachian-Trail-SOF.htm

Forbes, Dave ("Noworries")
Wandering Along the Appalachian Trail - Georgia to Pennsylvania 2005
159 pages
Published in 2007 by Blurb.com
This photo-journal is the story of the author's 2005 northbound section hike from Georgia to Pennsylvania.
Available from www.blurb.com

Gadola, Paul (“Fullmoon”)
Lie in My Grave – Memories from an Appalachian Trail Hike
157 pages
ISBN: 0-9710334-0-4
Published in 2001 by Beaver Pond Publishing, Greenville, PA
This is the story of the author’s 1999 thru-hike with his dog, SunDog.  The title of the book is from a Dave Mathews song. 
Available from www.amazon.com

Garvey, Edward B.
Appalachian Hiker – Adventure of a Lifetime
397 pages
ISBN: 0-912660-01-5                  
Published in 1971 by Appalachian Books, Oakton, VA
Few people have had a more profound influence on the AT than the author.  This book, about his 1970 thru-hike, has been ubiquitous among thru-hikers ever since it was published.  More than a quarter century ago the author drew public attention to the wonders of the Appalachian Trail with his much publicized thru-hike, documented in this book. 
Available used from www.amazon.com or www.abebooks.com

Garvey, Edward B.
Appalachian Hiker II
429 pages
ISBN: 0-912660-15-5
Published in 1978 by Appalachian Books, Oakton, VA
This book is an update to the first edition, Appalachian Hiker – Adventure of a Lifetime.
Available used from www.amazon.com or www.abebooks.com

Garvey, Edward B.
The New Appalachian Trail (Appalachian Hiker III)
306 pages
ISBN: 0-89732-209-6
Published in 1997 by the Menasha Ridge Press, Birmingham, AL
At the age of seventy-five (1990), the author hikes the AT for his third time, only to discover that the trail had changed significantly since his previous 2 hikes (1970 and 1990).  He starts out in Georgia and hikes north to Duncannon, PA…then flip flops (driving to Mt. Katahdin in Maine and hiking south back to Duncannon).  Because of injuries and his advanced age, the author only makes it as far south as Gorham, NH, before having to leave the trail forever.  This book is both the folksy story of his journey and a practical guide to backpacking on the AT, including food, clothing, equipment, sleeping, and trail etiquette. 
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Gibbs, Vernon Lee
The Long Thin Line - Murder on the Appalachian Trail
236 pages
Published in 2004 by McDowell Publications, Utica, NY
This is the story of the author's 9 year (1971-1979), flip-flop, section hike.  The book also very briefly describes 6 instances of hikers that were murdered on the Appalachian Trail in the Foreward.
Not generally available.

Gill, Kathleen M. ("The Story Walker")
Story Walking the Appalachian Trail
358 pages
ISBN: 0-9714620-2-X
Published in 2004 by Peckhaven Publishing, Saratoga Springs, NY
This book is based on the author's 1999 - 2001 southbound section hike.  In addition to documenting her hike, the author (a professional storyteller) includes the oral histories, folklore and folk stories she encountered along the Appalachian Trail. 
Available from http://www.thestorywalker.com/storywalkingbookpage.shtml

Gilbertson, Eric & Matthew
Mountain Adventures - Whites, West, and the Appalachian Trail
229 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4389-8144-4
Published in 2009 by AuthorHouse, Bloomington, IN
This book tells the story of the Gilbertson twins' many hiking and biking adventures, including a 2004-2007 section hike on the AT. The 100 page section about their Appalachian Trail treks combines some sections written by the hikers and a blog written by the hikers' father (who they called daily while on the trail).
Available from www.authorhouse.com

Grudell, Jason
Jason's Journey Along the Appalachian Trail
73 pages
ISBN: 978-1-61863-047-6
Published in 2012 by Bookstand Publishing, Morgan Hill, CA
This book tells the story of the author's 1999 northbound thru-hike with his chronological journal entries.
Available from www.amazon.com

Hall, Adrienne
A Journey North – One Woman’s Story of Hiking the Appalachian Trail
197 pages
ISBN: 1-92917305-9
Published in 2001 by Appalachian Mountain Club Books, Boston, MA
As young woman brimming with idealism and ardor for the outdoors, Hall is challenged to her core by the hardships of daily exposure to nature's elements. At the outset she naively imagines this 1996 northbound thru-hike as a six-month-long "date" with her boyfriend, Craig; that romantic notion is soon numbed by the duress of hiking 20 or more miles a day. They cheerfully begin their journey on February 15 at Georgia's Springer Mountain, each carrying backpacks overstuffed with provisions they would later abandon. While traversing the trail's 14 states, they battle snow, sleet, rain, mosquitoes, biting flies, and flooding rivers; endure the pains of blisters that can't heal and muscles, joints, and tendons weary from endless trudging; and adapt to a monotonous diet of dehydrated foods, Snickers bars, granola, and peanut butter. They cope with the miseries of stepping into frozen boots in the morning, going unwashed for days, and sleeping in cold, wet sleeping bags. Of course, there are uplifting moments, too, such as meeting fellow thru-hikers--characters named Seldom Seen, Otter, Nudeman, and Yard o'Beef--and "trail angels," folks who nourish and house the bedraggled travelers. By the end of A Journey North, Hall has known both suffering and bliss. Her happiness peaks when Craig proposes marriage on Saddleback Mountain as they gaze on their final destination, Mount Katahdin.
Available from www.amazon.com

Hammaker, Ben ("Stretch")
Northbound - The Daily Account of an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike
150 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4489-2914-6
Published in 2009 by Publish America, Baltimore, MD
This is the story of the author's 2000 northbound thru-hike, written as a daily journal.  The author recounts every up-and-down on the trail and restaurant he stops at, but not much about the people he meets.
Available from www.publishamerica.com

Hare, James R. (editor)
From Katahdin to Springer Mountain – The Best Stories of Hiking the Appalachian Trail
226 pages
ISBN: 0-87857-160-4
Published in 1977 by the Rodale Press, Inc., Emmaus, PA
This book is an anthology of 9 stories about hiking the AT.  The stories include Myron H. Avery’s hike, the first person to hike the entire trail, and Grandma Gatewood, who hiked the entire trail at 67 years old…and did it again when she was 69.  The other 7 thru-hiking stories took place in the 1960s and 1970s when the trail wasn’t nearly as developed as today.  This includes an abbreviated version of Ray Baker’s 1964 trek from his book, “Campfires Along the Appalachian Trail”.
Available used from www.amazon.com

Hare, James R. (editor)
Hiking the Appalachian Trail – Volume One & Volume Two
2009 pages
Published in 1975 by the Rodale Press, Inc., Emmaus, PA
These 2 volumes contain the stories of 47 men and women who thru-hiked the AT from the 1930s to the 1970s.  Along with the narratives of day-to-day adventures, dangers and hardships, there is a lot of practical information for the future hiker.  During the 100,000+ miles these 47 hikes represent, the hikers had to contend with difficult climbs, getting lost, rain, snow, cold, heat, bugs, aches and pains, loneliness, sickness, and accidents.  The book includes 131 color photos and is an outstanding compendium of early AT adventures.
Available used from www.amazon.com and www.abebooks.com

Harrah, Andy
Iron Toothpick – A Thru-Hiker Reveals Life, Legends and Oddities along the Appalachian Trail
234 pages
ISBN: 0-9765498-3-2
Published in 2006 by Rainmaker Publishing LLC, Oakton, VA
Iron Toothpick presents a real world view of what to expect for anyone considering a long backpacking trip on the AT.  The author addresses everything from logistics, people you can expect to meet on the trail, dealing with adverse weather, and the mental aspects of a long trek as he describes his 2003 northbound thru-hike.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Hartley, Bob
Care to Join Me? Day By Day on the Appalachian Trail
171 pages
ISBN: 141201129-9
Published in 2003 by Trafford Publishing, Vancouver, British Columbia
This is the story of the author's 1997-1998 flip-flop hike.  In July-Sept. of 1997, he hiked from Geogia to Harper's Ferry...and in July-Sept. of 1998 he hiked from Mt. Katahdin southbound to Harper's Ferry. 
Available from www.trafford.com

Haszonics, Joe J.
Trail Days – Thru-Hikers on the AT
160 pages
ISBN: None
Published in 1998 by Minuteman Press, Margate, FL
The author hiked most of the AT in 1988…and completed the trail over the next 5 years.  He tells the story of his hike through profiles of those he met along the trail.  At the end of the book, he includes entries from 1996 in the trail journal kept at The Barn in Gorham, NH.
Not generally available; scarce.

Hemphill, Paul
Me and the Boy – Journey of Discovery
208 pages
ISBN: 0-02-550930-6
Published in 1986 by Macmillan Publishing Company, NYC
In 1984, years after deserting his wife and children, the author took his 19 year old son on a thru-hike.  The journey cemented a bond between father and son. Most of the story is exceptionally appealing, but some may become impatient with its exhaustive details of the author’s personal life and challenges.
Available from www.amazon.com

Hensley, Robie ("Jumpstart")
Appalachian Trail Journal
115 pages
Published in 1992 by the author, Chuckey, TN
This is the daily journal of the author’s 1986 thru-hike.  The author’s start to the hike was quite unique…he parachuted to Springer Mountain from 8000 feet.  His trailname was appropriately, “Jumpstart”.  He hiked as far north at Harper’s Ferry, then took the bus to Mt. Katahdin and hiked south to complete this thru-hike.  He also hiked the entire trail again in 1988 (but that adventure is not included in this book).
Available from the author’s son (Robie Jr.) at (423) 257-5352

Hills, Scot
Trail Magic
235 pages
ISBN: 0-9729038-4-4
Published in 2005 by the Thirsty Turtle Press, Maggie Valley, NC
This is the story of the author’s 2001 thru-hike (excepting a short part of the trail which he completed the following year).  He describes many random instances of kindness offered by townspeople along the way, called “Trail Magic”, and his comical German hiking companion for much of the trek, “Bruno”.
Available from www.amazon.com

Hirsohn, Don
The Appalachian Tale – The Adventures of the Poetry Man
118 pages
ISBN: 0-942568-14-1
Published in 1986 by the Canyon Publishing Company, Canoga Park, CA
This is the story of the author’s 1985 thru-hike on the AT…written in a very non-traditional manner.  The author selects particular subjects, thoughts and experiences along the trail, presents a brief explanation, and then includes a poem he wrote about the subject, thought or experience.
Not generally available

Hodgins, John J.
Appalachian Trail Sketchbook
112 pages (oversize)
Published in 1988 by Hodgins Printing, Co., Batavia, NY – limited to 500 copies
The author has written brief stories, and illustrated them with sketches, about various places, people, equipment and experiences he and his wife had during their 6 hikes along the northern half of the AT.  They section-hiked between 1977 and 1984.
Not generally available

Horton, David & Rebekah Trittipoe
A Quest for Adventure
223 pages
ISBN: 1-890306-05-3
Published in 1997 by Warwick House Publishing, Lynchburg, VA
In 1991, the author ran the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 53 days.  The first half of this book tells the story of David Horton's record-setting traverse of the trail.  The second half of the book relates his 64 day run across the continental US in 1995.
Available from www.amazon.com or www.abebooks.com

Howell, Harold
The Journey – Encountering God on the Appalachian Trail
123 pages
ISBN: 1-892360-12-8
Published in 2003 by the Peak Press, Colorado Springs, CO
The day after his military retirement (April 8, 2000), the author started his northbound thru-hike.  The book captures his reflections during the trek, a journey that found him draw closer to the Lord and appreciate his surroundings.  The book also includes some practical tips for long-distance hiking.
Available from www.amazon.com

Hughes, M.E. (“Postcard”)
We’re Off to See the Wilderness, the Wonderful Wilderness of Awes – A Hiker’s 2000-Mile Adventure Journal of the Appalachian Trail
332 pages
ISBN: 1-4134-9820-5
Published in 2005 by the Xlibris Corporation (www.xlibris.com)
The author journals his 2004 thru-hike in both words and pictures.  He seeks the coveted moniker of 'thru-hiker" as a way to erase the rut he allowed himself to get into.  Armed with only a penknife, some 100 percent DEET and a drawing tablet, the author documents the whimsical and entertaining sides of his Appalachian Trail journey.  
Available from www.amazon.com

Hurlbert, Rodney and Sandy
Fred and Litefoot – Our Trek on the Appalachian Trail
77 pages
Published in 1995 by the authors (comb bound)
This is the daily journal of the authors’ 1993 thru-hike.  They were 50 years old and did a “deluxe” thru-hike, stopping in town about every fourth night to enjoy the “basic comforts” in a hotel.  The authors were the recipients of much trail magic along the way, some of it from family members and some from complete strangers, and describe the many kindnesses rendered to them.
Available from the authors at (501) 922-9468

Illig, John
Trail Ways, Path Wise – An Appalachian Trail Through Hike
184 pages
ISBN: 1-932762-42-6
Published in 1998 by Windswept House Publishing, Mt. Desert, Maine
The author is an athlete and outdoorsman, but an inexperienced hiker as he embarks northbound on the AT with a 75 pound pack.  He is befriended by “Hydro” at the start of the trail and soon has eliminated his excess baggage and is starting to make big miles.  But the author still has some quirks…he hikes the entire trail with a pair of New Balance running shoes, and is ostracized for it all the way to the very top of Mt. Katahdin (in no small part because his trail-name was “Sneakers”).   The 29 year old Illig had the summer of 1993 off from his job coaching squash and thought the AT would be a good excuse to spend time in the woods.  Towards the end of his hike, he suffered from both a bout of Lyme Disease and a lack of mail from “the Y”, his girlfriend.
Available from www.amazon.com

Illig, John
Green Tunnel – An Appalachian Trail Through-Hike
178 pages
ISBN: 1-932762-42-6
Published in 2005 by the Elderberry Press, Inc., Oakland, OR
This is a reprint of Trail Ways, Path Wise (see above).
Available from www.amazon.com

Irvine, Hunter
One Pair of Boots – A Journey from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail
434 pages
ISBN: 1-928590-02-0
Published in 1996 by Golden Stone Press, Lake City, CO
The author experienced a unique fellowship with other hikers during his 1990 hike, all on their own journey through life.  This is a book about dreams and perseverance…and some memorable encounters with bears, skunks and rattlesnakes.
Available used from www.amazon.com

Irwin, Bill
Blind Courage
204 pages
ISBN: 0-941539-86-5
Published in 1992 by WRS Publishing, Waco, TX
This is an account of the author's nearly impossible journey along the AT. Not only is he blind, but his life before this incredible trek was as rocky as the route itself.  Accompanied by his seeing-eye dog, Orient, the author overcomes his personal obstacles and the obstacles on the trail to complete his 1990 northbound thru-hike.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Jensen, David and Cynthia Jensen-Fugate
Through My Eyes – A Dream Fullfilled
238 pages
ISBN: 1-4259-4281-4
Published in 2006 by AuthorHouse, Bloomington, IN
The author’s life was changed by his 2001 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail.  He learned: to be a little more patient; to realize what is important in life; to appreciate relationships with friends and loved ones; to spend time alone; about pain and how much he could stand; the joy of climbing Mount Albert and seeing the beauty of the surrounding mountains; the happiness you feel when you get into a town for your mail drop; to appreciate what it means to have "Trail Magic" come your way;  the beauty of the wild animals and I've seen how Mother Nature displays her beauty as you hike from Georgia to Maine; to appreciate a good pair of hiking boots while trekking through the rocks of Pennsylvania and boulders of the beautiful White Mountains; to deal with the weather changes as your going across Mt. Washington and the Presidential Mountains; to appreciate the peacefulness of the 100 Mile Wilderness in Maine and the excitement of climbing Mt. Katahdin.
Available from www.amazon.com

Jensen, Trine ("Red Dane")
Notes from the Appalachian Trail
224 pages
Published in 2007 by CTHEUSA.
This is the story of the author's January - August 2006 northbound thru-hike in the format of a trail journal.  Many black & white pictures.
Available from www.lulu.com

Krentzel, Jarrett
Walking with Pacence – A True Story
175 pages
ISBN: 978-0-595-39547-7
Published in 2007 by iUniverse.com, Lincoln, NE
This book is a chronological listing of the author’s journal entries and emails during 2002 when he was walking the Appalachian Trail (and during the fall and winter of 2001 when he was preparing for the trek).
Available from www.iuniverse.com

Kuni, Ed
A 4,000 Mile Backpacking Log of the Appalachian Trail
142 pages
Published in 1976
This book tells of the author’s attempted thru-hike in 1972.  He had hiked from Georgia to Vermont (500 miles short of his goal) when he had to quit the trail because his house had been extensively damaged by Hurricane Agnes.  Not one to give up, the author starts off again in Georgia in 1973 and, this time, completes the entire AT.  He then immediately turned around and hiked south from Mt. Katahdin to the point where he left the trail in Vermont the previous year…to complete 2 thru-hikes of the AT in consecutive years.  Interestingly, the author slept outdoors (in huts or under the stars) every night on both treks, never spending a night in a house or hotel.  He averaged an amazing 17 miles/day for both hikes.  The book is written in a folksy daily-journal style, and enumerates all of the people he met and helped him in his treks (many of whom he saw twice).
Available used from www.amazon.com

Letcher, Lucy and Susan ("Jackrabbit" and "Isis")
The Adventures of the Barefoot Sisters – Book 1: Southbounders
(A later edition is entitled, “The Barefoot Sisters - Southbound”)
460 pages
ISBN: 978-1-84728-557-7
Published in 2006 by the Flower Press (www.lulu.com); later edition published by Stackpole Books
At the ages of twenty-five and twenty-one, respectively, Lucy and Susan Letcher set out to thru-hike the AT in 2000….barefoot.  They spent 8 months hiking southbound from Mount Katahdin to Springer Mountain, Georgia, including going through North Carolina and Georgia in the midst of winter.  In this book you really get a sense of what the trail community is all about and the many challenges of hiking the trail.  One of the best books I've read on the AT. 
Available from www.amazon.com

Letcher, Lucy and Susan
The Adventures of the Barefoot Sisters - Book 2: Walking Home
(A later edition is entitled, “The Adventures of the Barefoot Sisters – Walking Home”)
447 pages
ISBN: 978-1-84728-556-0
Published in 2006 by the Flower Press (www.lulu.com); later edition published by Stackpole Books
Having hiked the AT southbound from Mt. Katahdin to Georgia in 2000, the Barefoot Sisters decided to hike back home to Maine in 2001.  This book chronicles the their northbound thru-hike.  Like their previous book, the Sisters have done an amazing job of capturing the true spirit and challenges of the trail.  An excellent book.
Available from www.amazon.com

Liles, Joe ("Braid")
Trail Magic
197 pages
Published in 2011 by CreateSpace.com
This book is a compilation of the author's reports from the trail during his 2009 northbound thru-hike and his trip to the annual "Trail Days" festival in 2010.  The author tells the history of all the trail towns and interesting places he visits during his hike...and describes all the people he meets along the trail.  The book has color illustrations and maps.
Available from www.amazon.com

Limone, Matt & John O. Lafferty, Jr.
Moses in the Wilderness
133 pages
Published in 2011 by Blurb.com
This book is a collection of photos the authors took on their 2011 northbound thru-hike (no text).
Available from www.blurb.com

Link, Jerry ("CTHEUSA")
GA2ME00 - My Journey North
131 pages
Published in 2006 by the author.
This is the story of the author's 2000 northbound thru-hike, recounted as a trail journal.
Available from www.lulu.com

Lowther, Mic
Walking North – A Family Hikes the Appalachian Trail
367 pages
ISBN: 1-58619-020-2
Published in 2000 by Elton-Wolf Publishing, Seattle, WA
Walking North is the story of the Lowther family's 1973 flip-flop thru hike.  Mic, the dad, just wants to get to Maine by Oct. 7th before they close Baxter State Park.  His wife, Jerri, wants to stop and photograph every flower and bird along the way.  Ten year old Kyra, playing hookie from school, is a real trooper and is immediately adopted by the trail community.  Word travels fast that a ten year old is hiking the trail, and people are waiting at every stop to meet her.  After too many long stops for photos, Mic has to resign himself to flip-flopping...getting off the trail in Bromley, Vermont and taking a bus to Mt. Katahdin a the end of the trail.  He and the family then hike south back to Bromley.  Excellent reading.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Luxenberg, Larry
Walking the Appalachian Trail
238 pages
ISBN: 0-8117-3095-6
Published in 1994 by Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, PA
This book is a collection of thru-hiker stories, organized by topic.  Each topic features a different thru-hiker.  The book offers insight into why people hike the trail and descriptions of how they successfully complete it.  The author is a thru-hiker, but this book is not about his story. 
Available from www.amazon.com

Mackay, Sandra L.
Sandy’s Journal
191 pages
Published in 2000 by the author , Aspen, CO
This is the story of the author's 1999 northbound thru-hike.
Not generally available

Maroni, Bill
When StraightJacket met Golden Sun
486 pages
ISBN: 1-4134-2782-0
Published in 2003 by the Xlibris Corporation (www.xlibris.com)
In March, 2000, thirty-four-year-old bachelor Bill Maroni left his job and New Jersey behind to pursue a dream—to thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, he became "StraightJacket" and discovered a new world of adventure, beauty, camaraderie and romance.
Available from www.xlibris.com

Marshall, Ian
Story Line - Exploring the Literature of the Appalachian Trail
284 pages
ISBN: 0-8139-1798-0
Published in 1998 by the University Press of Virginia, Charlottesville
As he section hikes the trail from Georgia to Maine between 1977-1996, the author brings together his own stories, heard and experienced along the trail, with the stories of those who, famous and otherwise, are part of the literary geography of each region -- William Bartram, Annie Dillard, Thomas Jefferson, Whitman, Melville, Frost, Hawthorne, and Thoreau.
Available from www.amazon.com

Martoia, Bernard
Waffle Print
275 pages
ISBN: 9781468039610
Published in 2011 by CreateSpace
This is the story of the author's 2008 section hike from Harpers Ferry, WV to Hanover, NH.
Available from www.amazon.com

Mass, Leslie
In Beauty May She Walk
408 pages
ISBN: 0-9765686-0-8
Published in 2005 by the Rock Spring Press, Jacksonville, FL
Inspired by her father, the author thru-hikes the AT in 2001 at the age of 60.  On the trail, she struggles with how to balance the needs of her family and friends while making the trail a priority; how to shed years of social conditioning that dictate how a woman should act; and how to know when to ask for help, while understanding that sometimes, help has to come from within.  As the terrain toughens, she struggles to physically keep up with the trail community she depends on socially to keep going.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

McKinney, Rick
Dead Men Hike No Trails
379 pages
ISBN: 1-59113-870-1
Published in 2006 by the Jigglebox Press, Bisbee, AZ
This is the story of the author’s 2004 Thru-Hike.  “Following a friend's suicide in 2003, I faced my own suicidal depression and a choice. Dwell in grief or run gonzo crazy and free in the opposite direction, blazing bright and deep in the jungles of America, hiking and writing until my feet and fingers bled with a pure, honest, screeching love for life." Lending levity to tragedy, author Rick McKinney loads readers into his backpack for a 2000-mile Appalachian Trail odyssey, dealing a passionate, endorphin-fueled gonzo blow to suicidal thinking. Dead Men is a deeply empathic, unorthodox prescription for a nation depressed. It delivers an endorphin charged blow to a Prozac-dependent world.  
Available from www.jigglebox.com or www.amazon.com

Meek, George
Time for Everything – A Six-Year Adventure on the Appalachian Trail
148 pages
ISBN: 0-915746-92-1
Published in 2003 by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Vienna, VA
The author section-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail between 1995 and 2000.  Besides his story, the author gives tips regarding what equipment to take on the trail, what to eat and how to cope with the bears.  He complements the text with the poems he wrote on the trail.
Available from www.amazon.com

Miller, David
Awol on the Appalachian Trail
222 pages
ISBN: 1-59594-056-1
Published in 2006 by WingSpan Press, Livermore, CA
In 2003 David Miller, a 41 year-old engineer, quit his job to backpack 2172 miles from Georgia to Maine. His story is an outstanding contemporary account of hiking on the AT. It provides a vivid description of the Appalachian Mountains, the small towns threaded together by the trail, and people met along the way. Abundant photographs complement the book's exacting prose. This book puts the reader into the shoes of the long distance hiker, and draws parallels between lessons learned on the trail and challenges of everyday experience. It is entertaining and funny, insightful and informative. It is about liberation, motivation and perseverance.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Moose, Tom
Only the Things that Matter - Yet Another Appalachian Trail Memoir
335 pages
Published in 2010 by the author.
This is the story of the author's 2006 northbound thru-hike.
Available from www.lulu.com

Motz, Randy (“Windtalker”) and Georgia Harris ("Mom")
Solemates – Lessons on Life, Love & Marriage from the Appalachian Trail
364 pages
ISBN: 978-1440453656
Published in 2008 by CreateSpace, Scotts Valley, CA
In this book, "Windtalker" and his adventure-seeking wife of fourteen years, "Mom", write candidly of the bond-crushing pitfalls and disappointments they faced as they thru-hiked that AT in 2006. Through their experience, they learned to overcome their own personal weaknesses and capitalize on each other’s strengths; to work through the "downs" and soar with the "ups"; and to gain a new perspective on what is important in life.
Available from www.amazon.com

Motz, Randy (“Windtalker”) and Georgia Harris ("Mom")
The Walk - Reflections on Life and Faith from the Appalachian Trail
146 pages
ISBN: 978-1449940775
Published in 2010 by CreateSpace, Scotts Valley, CA
Using stories from their own 2006 thru-hike, scripture passages, inspirational quotes and words of wisdom from Native Americans, the authors draw many parallels between walking the AT and a "walk of faith".
Available from www.amazon.com

Mountain Marching Mamas
It’s Always Up – Memories of the Appalachian Trail
195 pages
Published in 2008 by the author at www.lulu.com
Five ladies, the "Mountain Marching Mamas," hiked the entire Appalachian Trail over a twenty-some year span. This is their memoir.  It is filled with tales of triumph and travail, humor and sincerity, common sense and nonsense, and wisdom and dim-wittedness.
Available from www.lulu.com/mamas

Mueser, Roland
Long-Distance Hiking – Lessons from the Appalachian Trail
180 pages
ISBN: 0-07-044458-7
Published in 1998
In April 1989, the author set off from Springer Mountain, Georgia to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, interviewing hikers on everything from clothing and gear to coping with loneliness and fatigue.   Full of trail-worn wisdom.
Available from www.amazon.com

Nelson, Jack ("Yak")
Yak and Yo on the Appalachian Trail 1999
179 pages
ISBN: 0-9742576-1-3
Published in 2000 by Preserving Memories, Charlotte, NC
This is the story of the author and his wife's ("Yo") 1999 northbound thru hike.  Extremely well written and excellent photos.
Not generally available

Nowak, Linda Y.
Cinnamon – A Teen’s Survival and Romance on the Appalachian Trail
170 pages
ISBN: 0-9762392-0-5
Published in 2005 by Harmony Spirit Publishing, O’Fallon, MO
This fictional novel is about eighteen year old Aileen Forrester, also known as Cinnamon, who surprises her parents and friends when she leaves school her senior year and attempts to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. On the trail, Cinnamon encounters colorful and humorous hikers, takes dangerous risks, faces an inner struggle with self awareness, and the affect of 911 on her fellow hikers.  According to the author’s website (www.lindawrites.net), the story is based on her daughter’s 2001 thru-hike.
Available from www.amazon.com

O'Dwyer, Sean Michael ("The Pilgrim of St. Jim")
A Voice in the Wilderness - 3,000 Mile Amble Over Mountains and More
215 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55452-540-9
Published in 2010 by Epic Press, Belleville, Ontario, Canada
This book is  more of a commentary than a memoir of the author's 1999 northbound thru-hike from Florida to Canada (via the AT).  The author addresses the weather, equipment, animals, and food, while relating some of his experiences.  He also spends a good part of the book chastising the ATC for the difficulty of the trail.  The second half of the book is about the author's world travels prior to his AT trek.
Available from www.amazon.com

Otis, Stephen ("Futureman") and Colin Roberts ("Applejack")
A Road More or Less Traveled – Madcap Adventures Along the Appalachian Trail
387 pages
ISBN: 978-0-615-20305-8
Published in 2008 by Sunnygold Books, Knoxville, TN
This book is the strange, but true, tale of two men who thru-hike the AT southbound in 2002.  Along the way, they irreverently describe their wilderness experience, zany encounters and soul searching.  Quite humorous in places.
Available from www.amazon.com

Patrick, Kenneth
Mountain Meditations - My Walk with Christ on the Appalachian Trail
136 pages
This is the author's spiritual journal of his 1987 northbound thru-hike. It is a collection of 60 meditations, rather than a hiking journal.
Available from www.amazon.com

Pierce, Tony ("Tony Tiger")
Tony Tiger on the AT
78 pages
This is the story of the author's 2007 northbound hike.  When he was 342 miles from his goal, he was burned out physically and emotionally and had lost his hiking partner...so he quit his trek (and now regrets it).  He recounts many humorous episodes along the trail, including the hilarious "worst toilet experience of his entire life"  .
Available only for the Kindle at www.amazon.com (no printed edition).

Pinder, Eric
North to Katahdin
178 pages
ISBN: 1-57131-280-3
Published in 2005 by Milkweed Editions, Minneapolis, MN
When Thoreau ventured into the Maine woods in 1846, he was one of a handful who did so simply to see what was there. Now, hundreds of thousands of people pursue "the wildest country" either for itself, as Thoreau did, or as the terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Using Mount Katahdin as his lab, Eric Pinder contemplates what draws people to the mountains. Are the urbanites trekking the trails with cell phones, synthetic fabrics, and GPS units having remotely the same experience that Thoreau did? Pinder's interviews with these hikers create a vivid portrait of the communion with nature they seek, and of the world they are trying to escape.
Available from www.amazon.com

Pittard, Patrick
BearFoot: A Northbounder – E-mails from the Appalachian Trail
217 pages with an appendix of color photos
ISBN: 0-9668486-2-4
Published in 2005 by Will Publishing LLC, Birmingham, AL
At 55 years old, this is the author’s story of his 2002 thru-hike.  He is an inexperienced hiker and the former CEO of Heidrick and Struggles International (world’s premier executive search company).  It is told thru the e-mails he sent to friends and family from the trail.
Available from www.amazon.com

Platt, Jay
A Time to Walk – Life Lessons Learned on the Appalachian Trail
158 pages
ISBN: 0-9678938-0-1
Published in 2000 by Eagle Eye Publishing, Carterville, GA
This book is based on the author’s 1998 southbound thru-hike of the AT. It is comprised of the ten "Life Lessons" the author learned during his time on the trail. Each lesson is illustrated through experiences which happened during the 5 1/2 month trek.
Available from www.amazon.com

Porter, Winton
Just Passin’ Thru – A Vintage Store, the Appalachian Trail, and a Cast of Unforgettable Characters
248 pages
Published in 2009 by Menasha Ridge Press, Birmingham, AL
The author started his ‘second life’ by purchasing the Mountain Crossings store along the Appalachian Trail at Walasi-Yi, Georgia.  He helps hikers purge unnecessary gear from their backpacks (called ‘shakedowns’), sells them supplies, provides first aid, helps find lost children, settles arguments, helps repair broken romances, makes chili…and become a jack of all trail-trades.  This is the story of some of the more interesting people who showed up at the Mountain Crossings store between 2001 and 2009…and the unusual incidents that occurred there.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Purdy, James C.
Just Walking: The Zen of the Appalachian Trail
243 pages
ISBN: 978-0615337279
Published in 2010 by Upper Falls Press, Newton, MA
This is the author's account of his 2003 northbound thru-hike.  The daily entries are full of observations of the colors, sounds, and smells of the Appalachian Trail environment, including encounters with wildlife, descriptions of plants and the geology underfoot, the fellowship of hikers, and conversations with folks in the towns along the way.  The book also contains commentary on long distance hiking as a zen experience and as an American experience ranging from the Civil War to baseball, Kerouac to Hitchcock and asides on poetry, pop music, and politics.  Sidebars and a detailed itinerary and gear list provide practical information for prospective thru-hikers.  The final chapter is an essay on the meaning of a thru-hike and how it carries over to life off the trail.
Available from www.amazon.com

Reinert, Rita C.
Boots - Trailing the Appalachians
80 pages
ISBN: 0-9645648-0-7
Published in 1995 by the Atir Press, Chicago, IL
This is the story of the author's preparation and attempt to trek the northern half of AT in 1979.  She was 59 at the time and a neophyte.  Accompanied by her son and his girlfriend, they began their hike in Warwick, NY.  However, due to a bout with Shingles the author had to abort her hike before getting to Katahdin but the trail left her with many lasting impressions. 
Not generally available

Reis, Rick
3 Outta 4
276 pages
ISBN: 1-884778-61-5
Published in 1999 by Old Mountain Press, Inc., Fayetteville, NC
This book is about the author’s achievement of 3 of his 4 lifetime goals: Hiking the AT, bicycling across the US, and canoeing down the Mississippi River (the 4^th which he had not yet achieved is climbing Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina).  The author devotes 103 pages to his 1977 southbound thru-hike.  Through a series of anecdotes, the author shares the lessons he learned from his experiences.
Available from www.amazon.com

Richardson, James
Once Upon a Climb – One Man’s Journey on the Appalachian Trail
160 pages
ISBN: 1-59113-712-8
Published in 2005 by www.Booklocker.com
This is the story of the author’s joys and travails while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1997.  It is written as a daily journal.
Available from www.amazon.com

Roden, Allen ("Throw")
A Long Walk with a GOOD Dog - An Appalachian Trail Story
Published in 2011 by the author
This is the story of the author’s 2005 northbound thru-hike with his dog ("Fetch"). The many reflections, poems, jokes, short stories, and ramblings give a good idea of what's going on in the author's mind as he hikes the trail.  In addition to the normal trials on the trail, the author has to overcome arthritic pain and the effects of his cancer treatments.
Available only for the Kindle at www.amazon.com (no printed edition)

Rodning, Charles Bernard, Soren Piers Rodning, and Christopher Bernard Rodning
Stepping Stones - A Trek in the Southern Appalachian Highlands
24 pages
ISBN: 0-533-09060-1
Published in 1991 by Vantage Press, NYC
This short book is the story of the authors'  hike on the AT in Georgia. 
Available as a used book from www.abebooks.com

Rubin, Robert Alden
On the Beaten Path – An Appalachian Pilgrimage
233 pages
ISBN: 1-58574-397-6
Published in 2000 by The Lyons Press, Guilford, CT
On April Fool's Day 1997, 38-year-old Robert Alden Rubin leaves his puzzled wife and a burnt-out career to became a pilgrim named ‘Rhymin' Worm’ on the Appalachian Trail, joining a couple thousand other thru-hikers. Through 2,160 miles of shin splints, feet turned to hamburger, muscle revolt, intestinal distress, hantavirus, freezing and broiling weather, malnutrition, missing spouses and children, bear and bull-moose encounters, and serious injuries, he and his fellow travelers endure, and even thrive.
Available from www.amazon.com

Runlofson, Kevin
The Things You Find on the Appalachian Trail
222 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7864-4767-1
Published in 2010 by McFarland & Company, Jefferson, NC
This is the story of author’s 2001 northbound thru-hike.
Available from www.amazon.com

Ryle, Bill
Appalachian Trail - A Boy's Dream, A Man's Reality
166 pages
Published in 1997 by the author
This is the story of the author's 1600 mile section hike on the AT in 1994 and 1995 and his preparation for the trek.
Not generally available

Sands, Mary
Appalachian Trail in Bits and Pieces
175 pages
ISBN: 0-8059-3274-7
Published in 1992 by the Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc., Pittsburgh, PA
The author describes her 16 years of section-hiking 2000 miles on the Appalachian Trail with Girl Scouts.
Available from www.amazon.com

Sandul, George (“Ole Smoky Lonesome”)
The Road to Damascus…and Beyond – A Reawakening of the Spirit by Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail
298 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4415-0593-4
Published in 2009 by the Xlibris Corporation (www.xlibris.com)
At the age of 62, the author thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2003.  Thru-hiking the AT has taken on different meanings through the years since Earl V. Shaffer did it for the first time in 1948. His hike was the purist approach as a backpacking venture, carrying his own supplies, tenting and staying in shelters, and walking the entire distance along the designated path (as it then existed).  The author followed Earl Shaffer’s hike as closely as possible, adhering to his purist attitude.
Available from www.amazon.com

Sarzynski, Ken
Southbound on the Appalachian Trail
219 pages
ISBN: 9780615424101
Published in 2010 by Pardon My Publishing (www.PardonMyPublishing.com)
This book is more of a commentary on how to hike the trail than it is a memoir.  The author, who did a 2007 southbound thru hike, uses his experience to answer the most common questions that thru hikers are asked along the trail.
Available from www.amazon.com

Schuette, William
White Blaze Fever – Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail
300 pages
ISBN: 1-58939-429-1
Published in 2003 by www.virtualbookworm.com, College Station, TX
This is the story of the author’s 2000 thru-hike.  Through daily journal entries the vicarious hiking partner will share encounters with bear, moose, snakes and other wildlife. The reader will feel the thrill of viewing the most magnificent vistas east of the Mississippi and come to know a unique collection of individuals guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Schultz, Robin
Sun Days – Hiking the Appalachian Trail
69 pages
ISBN: B00071WGK4
Published in 1989 by Poetry Around, Norman, OK
This small insightful book discusses some of the philosophical aspects of the AT, relates some of the author's trail journal on his 1986 northbound thru hike, and includes a  collection of poems the author (a noted poet) wrote about the AT.
Not generally available.
 

Seals, Stan
Appalachian Exposure - A Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail
Published in 2008 by Blurb.com.
79 pages
This photo-journal is the story of the author's 2007 southbound thru-hike.
Available from www.blurb.com

Shaffer, Earl
The Appalachian Trail – Calling Me Back to the Hills
128 pages (oversize)
ISBN: 978-0-9795659-0-8
Published in 2002 by Westcliffe Publishers, Englewood, CO (A second edition was published in 2007 by the Earl Shaffer Foundation)
The author was the first person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in 1948.  In 1998, on the 50th anniversary of that hike, the 79-year-old author did it again. In this coffee table book, the author recalls his 1998 anniversary trip and pays homage to the Appalachian Trail through his prose and poetry, enhanced by dozens of stunning photographs.
Available from www.earlshaffer.com and www.amazon.com

Shaffer, Earl
Ode to the Appalachian Trail
55 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9795659-1-5
Published in 2007 by the Earl Shaffer Foundation, Inc. (www.earlshaffer.com)
79-year-old backpacking legend Earl Shaffer recounts the story of his remarkable 1998 journey on foot from Georgia to Maine along the Appalachian Trail, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his history-making first thru-hike in 1948.  Earl kept a journal during this hike, composing it in the form of an ode, a long free-verse poem which described each day of his 6-month adventure. This book presents his journal in its original form as he had originally intended, along with more than 80 glossy color illustrations of the Appalachian Trail and scenes from Earl's journey.
Available from www.earlshaffer.com and www.amazon.com

Shaffer, Earl V.
Walking with Spring – The Story that Inspired Thousands of Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers
152 pages
ISBN: 0-917953-84-3
Published in 1981 by the author (and published several times subsequently by the Appalachian Trail Conference, Harpers Ferry, WV)
In 1948, the author came home from WWII and set out to prove the then-little-known Appalachian Trail could be walked in a single continuous journey from Georgia to Maine. This is his own lyrical account of that walk, undertaken also to try to shake off World War II combat, during which he lost his best friend. Illustrated with his photographs during the hike, this book has inspired thousands to attempt similar "thru-hikes." In 1965, he walked it the other way, and, in 1998 at age 79, he did it again...on a trail far different from the one he basically rediscovered at mid-century, one that was more difficult than he liked as he neared his eighth decade.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Shepherd, Nancy
My Own Hike – A Woman’s Journey on the Appalachian Trail
223 pages
ISBN: 1-4116-3768-2
Published in 2005 by the author (www.lulu.com/shepherd)
At the age of 41, and having never backpacked more than thirty miles in her life, Nancy Shepherd set off to hike the 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail. During her 2001 northbound thru hike she grew from an inexperienced hiker into a confident long-distance backpacker, a status earned through mental, as well as physical, struggles. Lessons learned on the trail helped form her new self and gave her the strength to go beyond the perceived "rules" of the trail and end her hike on her own terms.
Available from www.amazon.com

Sherman, Steve & Julia Older
Appalachian Odyssey – Walking the Trail from Georgia to Maine
248 pages
ISBN: 0-8289-0295-X
Published in 1977 by The Stephen Greene Press, Brattleboro, VT
This book tells the story of the 2 authors' northbound thru-hike in 1973.  It is an adventure in body and spirit as they brave 114 degree temperatures in New Jersey.  They include many observations about people and nature, a suggested gear list, and costs ($1100 or $7.71/day in 1973).
Available from www.amazon.com

Siefken, Kurt ("Tank")
Mind, Muscle, and Mountain - A Six Month Adventure on the Appalachian Trail
194 pages
Published in 2004 by Mercury Worm Enterprises, Charlottesville, VA
This is the story of the author's 2003 northbound thru-hike, during which he faced all of the usual obstacles.  The author explains how he over-came each difficulty and kept going to ultimately complete the trail.  By the end of the trek he had devloped many new relationships, greater self-confidence, and a new outlook on life...and figured out why he wanted to hike the trail in the first place.
Available from http://www.cafepress.com.au/mercuryworm/282682

Siefken, Kurt ("Tank")
Walking North: An Appalachian Trail Journal
165 pages
Published in 2004 by Mercury Worm Enterprises, Charlottesville, VA
This is the author's unedited journal of his 2003 northbound thru-hike.
Available from http://www.cafepress.com.au/mercuryworm/282682

Sink, Chuck and Norma
You Can’t Get There…by Sitting Here
419 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4343-6122-6
Published in 2008 by AuthorHouse, Bloomington, IN
This is an entertaining story of an almost normal couple who fulfilled their lifetime dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2005.  The story describes the peaks and valleys of emotions the authors experienced as they hiked…and the weather they endured.   They describe the people they met on the trail and the kindness of “trail angels”.
Available from www.amazon.com

Smith, Debra (editor)
Great Stories of Hiking the Appalachian Trail
223 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8117-0598-1
Published in 2010 by Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, PA
This book is excerpted from Hiking the Appalachian Trail – Volume One & Volume Two (edited by James R. Hare).  Of the original 47 stories in Hiking the Appalachian Trail, this book only contains 12 stories and some of these have been shortened.
Available from www.amazon.com

Staff of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the News & Observer of Raleigh, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Hartford Courant and the Maine Sunday Telegram newspapers
Appalachian Adventure: From Georgia to Maine – A Spectacular Journey on the Great American Trail
181 pages
ISBN: 1-56352-234-9
Published in 1995 by the Longstreet Press, Inc., Marietta, GA
The story is about a group of journalists and photographers from 5 newspapers who thru-hiked the AT in relays in 1995.  The multitude of color photos is lush and magnificent. The interesting people that are met along the way are well documented and but the human feelings of isolation, frustration, and ultimate triumph over the distance and natural elements are largely missing from the text.
Available from www.amazon.com

Strackeljahn, Alan ("Gonzo")
All In One Roll
Published in 2003 by Gonzo Publishing
This is the story of the author's 1983 thru hike. 
The "book" was never printed but sold in CD format.  It is available on the Internet at www.2000milehike.com/.

Stutzman, Paul V.
Hiking Through – Finding Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail
307 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9840760-5-5
Published in 2010 by Synergy Books, Austin, TX
The author lost his wife to breast cancer and used his northbound 2008 thru-hike to help him recover from her loss.  This book has lots of good trail advice...and advice for life.  The author gives a good explanation of why people hike the trail and how it changes your life.  Excellent reading. 
Available from www.amazon.com

Sullivan, Lillian Gatewood
Grandma Gatewood Walks Across America
99 pages
Published in 1993 by the Pine Needle Press, Dayton, OH
The first half of this book is the story of Grandma Gatewood’s life, written by her granddaughter.  It includes the story of Grandma’s 1955 thru-hike of the AT, making her the first woman to complete the entire trail.  The second half of the book is poetry written by Grandma Gatewood.
Not generally available; scarce

Sutton, Ann & Myron
The Appalachian Trail – Wilderness on the Doorstep
180 pages
Published in 1967 by J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, PA
The authors (one an employee of the National Park Service and the other a geologist) describe the many sections of the AT they have hiked, incorporating history, geology, and descriptions of the flora and fauna.  They also include the different perspectives of the trail from thru-hikers, section hikers, weekend hikers, and day hikers.
Available used from www.amazon.com

Swan Jr., David S. ("Twinkle Toes")
Travels with Artsy and Twinkle Toes on the A.T.
317 pages
ISBN: 1-4134-2737-5
Published in 2004 by Xlibris.com
This is the story of the author's northbound section hike, beginning in 1999 and completed in 2002 at the age of 72.  It is  written as a journal telling where he hiked and what he saw.  His wife accompanied him on the last 1300 miles of the trail.
Available from www.xlibris.com

Tapon, Francis
Hike Your Own Hike – 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America
351 pages
ISBN: 0-9765812-0-5
Published in 2006 by the SonicTrek Press (www.sonictrek.com)
This book is about Francis Tapon's 2001 southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail and what it the adventure can teach you about life. You'll start in Maine and walk to Georgia, picking up seven lessons along the way. Each lesson is neatly woven into the fabric of the story. This true story combines the desire to reorient one s life with an exciting tale of adventure and a bit of humor. It s about 75% self-help and 25% trail narrative. It is not a book about how to backpack, but rather how to live.
Available from www.sonictrek.com

Tate, J.R. (“Model T”)
Walkin’ on the Happy Side of Misery – A Slice of Life on the Appalachian Trail
554 pages
ISBN: 1-4010-2041-0
Published in 2001 by the Xlibris Corporation (www.xlibris.com)
In 1990, the author climbed out of his comfort zone and began to stalk life with a hiking stick. The retired Marine Corps officer hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in 1990, 1994 and 1998.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Tate, J.R. (“Model T”)
Walkin’ with the Ghost Whisperers – Lore and Legends of the Appalachian Trail
405 pages
ISBN: 1-59926-377-7
Published in 2006 by the Xlibris Corporation (www.xlibris.com)
Written by a three-time AT thru-hiker, this book delves into the most intriguing events that have occurred along America's most famous trail. "I hike. I see. I wonder." is Tate's oft refrain as he takes the reader on a journey that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.  For those who are planning to hike the AT, the book is a wonderful way to learn about the rich history and human drama that still dwells along the trail.
Available used from www.amazon.com

Taylor, Jeremy
Knobs and Sags: The Ups and Downs of the Taylors in Twelve Years on the Appalachian Trail
251 pages
Published in 1983
Not generally available

Thompson, Karen ("Dances with Scarf")
Undulations - A Journey on the Appalachian Trail
164 pages
ISBN: 978-0-615-33838-5
Published in 2009 by the author in Kentucky.
This is the story of the author’s 2004 to 2007 northbound  section hike.  The book relates challenges and rewards of a middle-aged woman on the trail, including weather, physical demands, fears, hunger, loneliness, solitude, natural beauty, trail family and spiritual growth.  It is very well written and full of wisdom.
Available used from www.karenonthetrail.com

Tomlinson, Bob
An American Adventure – Hiking the Appalachian Trail
122 pages
ISBN: 1-57087-638-X
Published in 2003 by the Professional Press, Chapel Hill, NC
An entertaining story of the author’s 1997 northbound thru-hike.
Available used from www.amazon.com

Twitty, Mary L.
The Dream Trail
381 pages
ISBN: 0-9658872-0-0
Published in 1997 by the author, Verona, MO
This is the story of the author’s 11 year section hike of the Appalachian Trail, and the problems and happy times along the way. Her husband, Bill (Tweety Pie) was her backup, and helped her (and others) slackpack sections of the trail.
Available from www.amazon.com

Vance, Patrick ("Avatar")
Walk On!  An Appalachian Adventure
209 pages
ISBN:  9781105420771
Published in 2010 by the author
In Janary of 2010 the author quit his job, convinced his wife and kids to let him fulfill a life-long dream, and in April began his northbound hike from Georgia to Connecticut.  Family responsibilities kept him from completing the trek to Maine. 
Available from www.lulu.com

Veden, Barry J.
Coming of Age on the Appalachian Trail
56 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4196-7469-3
Published in 2007 by BookSurge Publishing (www.booksurge.com)
This book is an original collection of short vignettes that are largely autobiographical and speak through a number of characters inspired by very real people and places. These journeys teach readers that "coming of age" can happen in the middle of one's life and can happen more than once. The author's message is that life is a constant learning experience.  Through injury and inclement weather, the author was at times forced to rely on a higher power, which has served him well in his life and on the trail.
Available from www.amazon.com

Wadness, Kenneth
Sojourn in the Wilderness – A Seven Month Journey on the Appalachian Trail
231 pages (oversize)
ISBN: 1-56469-034-2
Published in 1997 by Harmony House Publishers, Prospect, KY
This book is a pictorial documentary of the author’s 1991 southbound thru-hike.  It contains over 190 photographs of life on the Appalachian Trail and scenic images of the beautiful Appalachian countryside…along with colorful stories of life as a long distance hiker, some local history and a description of the author’s spiritual journey.
Available from www.amazon.com

Walker, Bill
Skywalker – Close Encounters on the Appalachian Trail
224 pages
ISBN: 978-1-934144-26-8
Published in 2008 by the Indigo Publishing Group, LLC, Macon, GA
This is the story of the author’s 2005 thru-hike.  He sets out with little experience and way too much information…but completes the trek overcoming the usual obstacles and inconveniences along the way.  His descriptions of his fellow hikers are the best part of this book.
Available from www.atctrailstore.org

Waite, Tom ("Ledge")
The Laughalachian Trail - A Green Zealot's Uncensored Celebration of Thru-hiker Humor
271 pages
ISBN: 978-1-60910-432-0
Published in 2010 by Booklocker.com, Inc.
This book celebrates hiker humor in all of its guises - surreal, frivolous, morbid, and even scatological.  The author thru-hiked the AT southbound in 2009.
Available from www.amazon.com 

Welch, Aaron
Remember the Carrot – A Change of Pace on the Appalachian Trail
245 pages
ISBN: 978-1440477997
Published in 2008 by CreateSpace, Scotts Valley, CA
After realizing that his life had lost its savor, the author thru-hikes Appalachian Trail in 2000.  En route, serendipity and toil would weave a path of self-discovery, a change of world view, and delightful (and some odd) characters and turns of events.  The author spends a lot of time philosophizing.
Available from www.amazon.com

Wellman, Carol
My Journey to Freedom and Ultralight Backpacking
195 pages
ISBN: 0-9728154-0-6
Published in 2003 by Fire Creek Pass Publications, Clayton, GA
The author escaped a religious cult to regain her freedom and independence.  As part of her recovery, she started hiking.  This book includes her 2002 northbound thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, (as well as hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail).  The author also provides some great advice on ultralight hiking.
Available used from www.amazon.com or the author's website at www.trailquest.net

Williams, Julian Anderson ("Smoky Joe")
Hike with Smoky Joe on the Unforgettable Appalachian Trail
172 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9842626-7-0
Published in 2010 by ThomasMax Publishing, Atlanta, GA
This is the story of Smoky Joe Ward's 1999 northbound thru-hike as recorded in a series of 45 small-town newspaper articles.
Available from www.amazon.com

Winters, Kelly
Walking Home – A Woman’s Pilgrimage on the Appalachian Trail
333 pages
ISBN: 1-55583-658-5
Published in 2001 by Alyson Publications, Los Angeles, CA
After a difficult breakup with her boyfriend, the author decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of hiking the AT. When she starts her six-month trip in Georgia in 1996, her will is strong, but her thoughts are confused; she keeps hoping that the 2,000-mile hike will clear her head. It does, eventually, but it's a sometimes grueling journey, physically and emotionally. Yet the book doesn't merely chart the interior journey of this bisexual woman on the rebound. The author relates her many encounters with lack of food, rain, bad knees, the nuances of hiker shelter etiquette, and in off-trail hostels, making this a lively if at times rambling and tediously detailed story of self-reliance.
Available from www.amazon.com

Wittreich, Paul
Hike/Bike America
299 pages
ISBN: 0-595-25316-4
Published in 2002 by Writers Club Press (iUniverse), Lincoln, NE
This is the story of the author’s section hikes of the AT between 1970 and 1989…and his 1990-1993 bike trip across America.
Available from www.amazon.com

Wolfe, Ellen
Walking the Dream
225 pages
ISBN:  978-0967582900
Published in 1999 by the One Step Press, Cookeville, TN
This is the story of the author’s 1997 thru-hike of the AT. 
Available from www.amazon.com

Yantachka, Joe
Obdurate Odyssey
121 pages
Published in 2011 by Phil Livingston, Geneseo, NY
The first half of this book is the story of the author's canoe trip from New York to Florida's Gulf Coast in 2007, while the second half of the book tells of his 2007-2008 northbound section hike on the AT from Georgia to Damascus, VA...then from Harpers Ferry to NY. 
Available from www.sundancebooks.com