Having traveled extensively throughout Asia in our 14 years of living in Tokyo and Hong Kong, we decided to try a new publisher of guide books for our first trip to Vietnam and Laos. Our choice of this book was a mistake and the only blot on an otherwise rewarding and fulfilling trip to two wonderful countries. Never again we will we consider a guide by this author. Factually inaccurate, historically distorted and inflammatory as well as arrogant in the extreme, the guide was an insulting waste of money. Just about any other guide book is better than relying on this one.

The subtitle of this book is deceiving. I am quite knowledgeable about hiking and recreation areas north of New York City. Major areas such as Bear Mountain/Harriman State Park were not included. This park complex contains over 250 miles of marked hiking trails, camping, and fishing. Park managers are not likely to know this book is available and request to be included. A good road map or the information booklet mentioned in the notes would tell of the existance of open space. With a 1993 copyright date, this book should have been republished. Fortunately the Web provides far more current information to those outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for places to go on vacation. I would not buy the book, because information is lacking in an area what I know quite well.