This book is by far the best trail guide I've ever used. (a) The directions to the trailhead are accurate to the tenth of a mile; (b) the directions on the trail are also very accurate; (c) each trail description has its own topo map; (d) the trails feature what the book says they'll feature; (e) the trails are fun!

The trail lengths in the book vary between 1-hour hikes to all-day affairs, with plenty of all types; also, the directions usually suggest other places to go or variations to shorter or lengthen the hike.

If you live in Pittsburgh or the area, buy this book.

This book has excellent information on where my line came from in the Highlands. The description of the economy, the living conditions, the government and clan disharmony, as well as the religion question, all provide a good picture of where our Scots came from and the conditions of their lives. My McRae family came to Carolina in 1774, so this timeline used in this book covered the years preceding, as well as a few following their immigration. I was very interested in the motives for migration. This provided many more than I had previously read about. Because the years led directly into our revolution, it is especially relevant to read this information on the Scots question whether to serve as loyalist or as revolutionary. This proved, as well as disproved several theories which are in print. I appreciate having this book in my reference library. It has more specific descriptive information about the Scots' living conditions both in Scotland and in North Carolina than any other source I have consulted.

This little book, small enough to fit in a hiker's pocket is a thorough guide to these old landmarks. The author really knows his stuff; it's obvious that he's explored these areas for years. He tells you the history of each mine, it's location and what to expect. I wish I had this book when I was a kid in Ringwood, one of the oldest mining towns on the East coast! Instead of exploring blindly, I would have been armed with the formidable knowledge this book offers!

Beware: The author has not indicated the quality of markings within these trails. On my wife's and my first outing we chose an EASY trail. The 'trail' was no more than single track, overgrown, and after 2 miles we were lost. We finally hitchhiked back to the start along 4 miles of highway (thank God we found that --- there had been evidence of bears!). Although trail maintenance is not the author's responsibility, the book may lead the uninitiated to believe it's a "walk in the park".

Anyone who has even the most basic understanding of the woods and of hiking will find this book a fine companion for a hike in NJ. The author has a nicely literary style (pretty rare for this genre), and gives equal time discussing geology, flora, fauna, and history. There are a number of new and interesting hikes, not just the "same old" ones that are so commonly written up. The maps are also very good. Scherer also has a lot of interesting insights on ecological matters. All in all, it's a book that should become a standard for New Jersey outdoor lovers.

From one nature lover to another: I've done a few hikes in this book and I plan to do more, these are the best hikes ever. The layout of the book is superb, and the descriptions of the hikes as well as the trail markings, are accurate and easy to follow. I had no trouble finding my way along the trails, even late in the day. This book really does guide you to the best hikes in NJ. I recommend the Terrace Pond hike, its a 10!

There are many good trails within the book, but sometimes the maps are quite as good as they could be. Most of the trails are in VA, not really close to DC. It is a good book to have on the shelf!

I have read all of the Agatha Raisin series, and I am a great fan of M.C. Beaton's style of cozy, but this is the first Hamish Macbeth book I've read. They are as different from Agatha Raisin as could be, but just as enjoyable. Macbeth is a poky Scottish village constable who appears to not know how to even tie his shoes, but when he sets his mind on discovering a murderer, he shows that he has a mind like a steel trap. He has the Miss Marple knack of being able to compare people and situations to those he is familiar with, and he has the added help of many relatives throughout the world that he can call on for information. In this book Hamish solves the murder of a very nasty woman who has come to the village for a week long fishing school. It turns out that she is a gossip columnist for a tabloid newspaper, and she is at this school to dig up dirt on the other students. A very nasty character indeed, and there is certainly no lack of suspects. Great fun!

This is a cozy in the classic sense of the concept. There's just about as little violence as you can have while still having a murder. The story centers around a small group of diverse characters, in this case a vacation fishing school class. And, this book introduces a slueth, Hamish MacBeth, who makes Columbo look like a millionaire. The victim, Lady Jane, has made everyone (including you, the reader) ready to kill her with her evil inuendos. But who did it?

Anyhow, a solid read for a snowy day with a cup of cocoa. MacBeth has a considerable amount of charm and I'll be reading more in this series. The Scottish scenery doesn't hurt either.

First of the Hamish MacBeth series, this book introduces the quirky country constable who -- while not ambitious -- refuses to take a back seat to the big city Detective Inspector sent to solve Lochdubh's murder.

It's a short, light, quick reading book that centers on the characters moreso than the murder. Luckily, Beaton's dialog is snappy, enough so that you can overlook some two-dimensionality in supporting characters and some all too heavy-handed contrivance plot-wise. Then too, the Hamish MacBeth character is so very interesting and well thought, that whatever character flaws there may be in the book, you don't care as long as you can spend some time with MacBeth....

....And you do get to spend most of the last half of the book with MacBeth, puzzling out the mystery and scrounging free tea and sandwiches from the locals. Not a bad way to spend day.