HIKERS CORNER ,

GATEWAY , MARCH / APRIL 2000 ISSUE

By Harry O'Toole

Like the gardeners going through the seed catalogs in winter, hikers should now search the libraries and book stores for new territory to explore in spring. Using the "subject" category on the libraries files, type in "Missouri Hiking Guidebooks" (or another state), and it will list all those books that meet this topic. Less direct but more stimulating is to browse the shelves around the call number of a selected subject. Often a whole new field of interest will be found. The practice of browsing, of course, extends to book stores; wander over to the shelves devoted to Regional Interest and Outdoor Recreation.

Still top on the Best List of Missouri hiking guides is: "Missouri Hiking Trails" by Ramon Gass. This book, first printed in 1974 has been revised over and over. It includes all the major trails in the Missouri’s state parks, national forests, and conservation lands. Economical enough in size and price to take into the field.

A recent release is "Conservation Trails," which limits itself to those trails managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. It’s value rests in the step by step description of the terrain and flora along the trail, wonderful for the naturalist walker. Often the trails are only short loops, thus of less appeal to distant hikers..

Recommendation to those intending to explore Southern Illinois would be. "Fifty Nature Walks In Southern Illinois" / Alan McPherson. The book includes enticing photographs of each location along with the maps and descriptions of the trail. There is now a revised edition of "Illinois Hiking and Backpacking" by Walter Zyznieuski that covers the entire state

For the extreme hiker check out "Ozark Hideaways" / Louis C. White. Here is the book with a challenge. It requires, topography maps, compass, and stamina; also diplomacy when entering property not in the public domain. These are truly remote hidden gems, seldom entered, even by local folk.

Hiking implies walking on rugged trails, over steep hills, in black forests; yet "Walks and Rambles In and Around St. Louis" by Robert Rubright, is owned by many hikers. The" trails "may be city sidewalks, but the book selects fascinating routes. Good places to break in those new hiking boots." Rambles" is cherished for the wonderful history stories of the locations and neighborhoods.

Missouri guides and related books can be purchased at the local offices of the Missouri Conservation Department or by mail from their headquarters in Jefferson City.

New in the book stores is "One Hundred Nature Walks in the Missouri Ozarks". This by Alan McPherson who also wrote the Illinois guide. Well illustrated, great maps, and properly indexed as a complete guide should be. Those limited to day hikes might choose "Hiking Missouri’ by Kevin Lohraff, subtitled "102 Day Hikes" it does what it advertises.

Book stores are obvious locations but try sporting goods stores that deal with true outdoor activities. Often they have a concentration of books on hiking as well as lots of goodies to buy for the hiking clan.

Harry O'Toole