6+ Favorite Books on Walking and Hiking Philosophy (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on walking and hiking philosophy (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson
$8.07

In A Walk In The Woods, Bill Bryson shares his journey hiking the Appalachian Trail with his friend Stephen Katz. It’s a mix of humor and insightful reflections on nature and the trail's history. I loved every bit of it! The book even inspired me to hit the trail myself, leading to years of outdoor adventures with my family. While Bryson sometimes stretches the truth for laughs, it doesn’t really detract from the fun. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read that might just motivate you to explore the great outdoors too!
Pros:
It was a joy to read.
It inspired me to explore the outdoors.
It’s thoroughly fun from start to finish.
Cons:
He takes a few things out of context for humor.
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02/23/2026 11:02 pm GMT
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
$11.05

In Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey shares his reflections as a park ranger in Arches National Park, passionately advocating for the preservation of America’s untouched wilderness. The book beautifully captures the contrast between nature and mainstream culture, urging readers to appreciate the wild and its essential role in our lives. I found Abbey's writing to be both poetic and striking; he really nails the need for less urban sprawl and more connection to nature. However, he can come off a bit rough around the edges, and while he understands conservation deeply, he seems to overlook the political compromises involved. Overall, it's a compelling read for nature lovers.
Pros:
Beautiful and lyrical writing
Strong defense of wilderness preservation
Rich metaphorical imagery throughout the text
Cons:
The author is rough around the edges
Lacks understanding of political compromises in conservation
No other cons.
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02/24/2026 04:05 pm GMT
Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs by Tristan Gooley
$16.12

In The Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs, Tristan Gooley shares his deep knowledge of navigating the outdoors using natural clues. He covers everything from how tree roots can hint at the sun's position to the direction flowers bloom. The book offers over 850 signs to help us make sense of our surroundings, and I found it packed with eye-opening insights that remind us of the value of these age-old skills, even in our tech-driven world. Honestly, I loved everything about it and think it’s essential reading, though I didn’t find much to critique.
Pros:
Comprehensive guide to understanding nature
Expert insights from a seasoned navigator
Includes over 850 outdoor clues and signs
Cons:
Not a whole lot - great book.
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02/24/2026 04:05 pm GMT
On The Road by Jack Kerouac
$17.07

Jack Kerouac's On The Road captures the spirit of the Beat Generation through the journeys of Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty across America. The novel dives into themes of friendship, freedom, and the search for meaning, all while showcasing a cast of colorful characters. I really enjoyed the fast-paced vibe and the way it reflects the era's attitude, though I can’t help but feel it sometimes leans toward being self-indulgent and overly serious. Overall, it’s a classic that makes you think about progress and the complexities of relationships, but it does get a bit rambling at times.
Pros:
Fast-paced narrative
Classic representation of American literature
Fascinating exploration of the Beat Generation's attitudes
Cons:
Very rambling and self-serious.
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02/23/2026 11:00 pm GMT
American Philosophy: A Love Story

$9.02

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02/24/2026 07:01 am GMT