John S. Burk

The Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts feature some of the best hiking in the state, whether you're looking for a rugged Appalachian Trail trek or a quiet stroll through scenes from the region's history. This fully revised and updated edition of AMC's Best Day Hikes in the Berkshires features hikes stretching from Mount Greylock south to Bash Bish Falls, all completable in a day or less. The variety of trips means that adventurers of all skill levels and abilities can find the perfect hike for them. And with the At-a-Glance Trip Planner and handy icons, you can easily pinpoint the ideal hike for you, whether you're looking for a hike that is universally accessible; great for kids; provides opportunity for fishing, swimming, snowshoeing; or more.

West of Boston and east of the Berkshires, central Massachusetts is sometimes overlooked, but when you visit, you'll find beautiful and exciting hikes regardless of your experience and ability level. AMC's Best Day Hikes in Central Massachusetts features 50 of these hikes, ranging from historic Mohawk and Keystone Arches trails, Mount Grace State Forest, and beloved mountains such as Tully, Holyoke, and Tom.With turn-by-turn directions, plus at-a-glance trip planner that highlights the best hikes near public transportation, as well as those that are universally accessible, good for kids, for dogs, for winter sports, and more, this brand-new edition is the quintessential guide to exploring the trails of this verdant, scenic, and rugged region.

Eastern Massachusetts is home to the large urban area of Boston and its suburbs, but it is also home to many pockets of wilderness where you can walk in solitude. This new edition of AMC's Best Day Hikes Near Boston brings you to 60 of the best day hikes in the area, along with enriching essays about the area's natural and social history. Visitors and locals alike will find something to enjoy in this volume, with an at-a-glance trip planner that highlights the best hikes near public transportation, as well as those for kids, dogs, universal access, and winter snowshoeing and skiing. From the famed beaches of Cape Cod to the contemplative stillness of Walden Pond, to new hikes in Callahan State Park and the Sudbury Reservoir, this new edition provides an indispensable guide for exploring the eastern portion of Massachusetts in greater depth.

155 spectacular color photographs presents the natural areas and history of the Valley region of west-central Massachusetts. While less-known than popular destinations such as Cape Cod and the Berkshires, the Valley region of western and central Massachusetts is home to a wealth of natural areas, picturesque countryside, abundant wildlife, and historic sites connected by the watersheds of some of New England’s most scenic rivers. Among the areas featured in this book are the Deerfield River and Mohawk Trail, the National Wild and Scenic Westfield River, Quabbin Reservoir, southern New England’s largest conservation area, the North Quabbin Bioreserve, and the Connecticut River, one of America’s most celebrated waterways. In addition to its diverse natural features, the region boasts a rich human history that includes the construction of the Hoosac Tunnel and Keystone Arches Railroad Bridges, the discovery of dinosaur tracks in the Connecticut Valley, King Philip’s War, Shay’s Rebellion, the great storms and floods of the 1930s, and the controversial creation of Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs.

New England’s landscape offers a remarkable array of natural diversity in a compact geographic area. From the alpine mountains and expansive lakes to hidden old-growth forests, gorges, and bogs, revel in the beauty of it all through nearly 200 color photographs. More than 100 of the region’s natural areas are featured. Visit popular destinations such as Cape Cod, Franconia Notch, Cadillac Mountain, and Quechee Gorge, as well as less-known destinations off of the beaten path. Discover why waterfalls are short-lived and mobile, and how rare trees and flowers arrived in New England. Each clearly written site description details why the area is unique, how it was formed, and offers historical anecdotes and access information including recommended trails and auto roads. This book is a must-have for nature and photography enthusiasts, history buffs, hikers, and anyone who loves the great outdoors.

With practical guidance, helpful tips, and informative overviews of each location, The Wildlife of New England invites you to discover more than 80 wildlife-viewing areas around New England.* Where are you most likely to spot a moose, black bear, or otter in the wild? * On what hilltop can you see thousands of migrating hawks in a single day? * Where might you see a basking shark, seal, or sea star?Experienced nature writer and photographer John S. Burk answers these questions and more in this unique guidebook. Organized by state, each viewing location is discussed in detail, including its natural habitats and their unique features, characteristic species to watch for and when to see them, and recommended trails, auto roads, and driving directions. The Wildlife of New England also offers informative introductions to 60 of the region's iconic animals organized by their natural habitats and shown in stunning photographs, many in color.