Book excerpt: One of the most iconic American regions, the Shenandoah Valley has served as a home to presidents, a cradle of colonial America, a battleground during the Civil War, and a crucible for the United States' recovery from the Great Depression. It's also a lush, dramatic, ruggedly beautiful area, with access for hikers of all skill levels to see the landscapes close up that shaped our nation's history. Whether you're an avid backpacker or you seek adventure in your own backyard, this must-have resource covers the entirety of the Shenandoah Valley, with 50 curated hiking routes exploring Harpers Ferry, Shenandoah National Park, Massanutten Mountain, and more. Hikes range from easy walks of a few miles with little elevation gain to more demanding treks through challenging terrain.An at-a-glance trip planner highlights the best options near public transportation, as well as those for kids, dogs, and winter snowshoeing. With GPS coordinates for every trailhead, turn-by-turn directions, and information on time, distance, and difficulty for each hike, as well as enriching essays about the area's natural and social history, this is your quintessential guide to uncovering and exploring the hidden gems of a sprawling and historic wilderness. Inside You'll Find:·50 recommended hikes for all ability levels and seasons·At-a-glance trip planner to help you find the trip that's right for you·Detailed maps showing parking areas, trails, and natural highlights·Summaries of time, distance, and difficulty level for each trail·GPS coordinates for every trailhead·Hiking and safety tips, including advice on what to carry in your pack·Essays on the nature and history of the regionALSO AVAILABLEBest Day Hikes near Washington, D.C.: Four-Season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails in Maryland, Virginia & the Nation's Capital, 2nd Edition, by Beth Homicz and Annie EddyISBN-13: 978-1-62842-037-1Quiet Water Mid-Atlantic: AMC's Canoe and Kayak Guide to the Best Ponds, Lakes, and Easy Rivers, from Pennsylvania to Virginia, by Rachel CooperISBN-13: 978-1-62842-087-6AMC's Best Day Hikes in New Jersey: Four-Season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails in the Garden State, from the Skylands to the Shore, by Priscilla EstesISBN: 978-1-62842-081-4