The leader for two decades in specialized guides for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, section-hikers, and dreamers with the 2,186-mile national scenic trail in their eyes! Forty-some volunteers from the only organized A.T. users' group (the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association) each fall team up with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to compile the latest information on Trail features and offerings in nearby towns. That provides the basic information would-be thru-hikers need to craft their own adventures to define their walks of a lifetime. The Companion, with mileage tables and town maps, is divided by state in south-to-north order, with a plethora of telephone numbers and Web sites to tap along the way.