This book is a must have for any library on Appalachia or the Great Smoky Mountains. Michael Frome does an admirable job balancing sensitivity for the mountain people, their customs, attitudes, and anomalies with historical research and insightful commentary about the creation of the Park and its future. Being a native of the region, from a long line of Appalachian families, I felt that I understood my home more after reading this book than I ever would have otherwise. With equal nods to conservationists and tourists alike, this book will educate, entertain, and enlighten anyone who cares about this most beautiful and mysterious of regions. Additionally, Frome implores the reader to know the Park intimately, to abandon the car and strike out on foot, to rejoice fully with Mother Nature in Her playground. The addition of Strangers In High Places to your collection will be one of the best decisions to be made.

This book is a must for all who love the Smoky Mountains. In it you meet those players who made this magical place what it is today, including the wind and rain, early pioneers and geologists, loggers, whisky distillers, woodsmen and rangers. If you want to get beyond the slide shows and park brochures, read this book and learn what the Smokies are really all about.

I really love this book. I'd been buying Michael Frome's National Park Guides for years (he used to publish for Rand McNally). I've been looking for his next edition for years and just recently found out that he retired shortly after publishing this issue. Good for him, but sad for his loyal readers. I'll hang onto the issue I have. The best audience is the car traveler who takes day hikes. There is a "Practical Guide" section for each National Park, that is very useful. It tells what is the best season, how long it takes to adequately see the park (from the road w. day hikes), nearby accommodations, and major sites.

This is an absolutely gorgeous coffee table book featuring a wide variety of scenic landscapes of the Appalachian Trail. The spectacular photos, rich with color, take you on a journey through this beautiful area.

Muench's trademark photography of water in motion is awesome. There are peaceful ponds, trickling streams, raging rivers, & cascading waterfalls. Brilliantly colored autumn leaves & fog covered mountains are also in abundance.

You also get a close up look at a wide variety of flowers in bloom including iris, trillium, & lady's slippers. There are enchanting lush green forests and towering rocks that stand like huge sculptures in the rugged landscape.

There is also an introduction with a history of the Appalachian Trail. Each photo takes an entire page with location information is given below it. Get this book & I promise you won't be disappointed.