This book contains two short stories, inspired by my experiences thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. The first tells of the Ugalu, a Cherokee Nation spirit-beast and how it was instrumental in the creation of the balds in the Southern Appalachians. The second is a tale of Pamola, the Penobscot Nation demon-beast who inhabits the summit of Mount Katahdin, the Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Both of these stories are included as bonus material in my previously published book; Take a Hike! A long walk on the Appalachian Trail. They are duplicated here for anyone who wishes to read them without reading the story of my thru-hike.

Legends and Stories: From the Appalachian Trail is the inaugural installment in Jason Kent's Legends series, serving as a gateway to a mesmerizing world where nature's grandeur intertwines seamlessly with the tapestry of folklore and mythology embedded in the Appalachian landscape. Born and raised in North Carolina, Kent's intimate familiarity and deep respect for these majestic terrains breathe life into the pages, crafting a reading experience that is both enlightening and enthralling. The book unfolds with Kent guiding readers along the whispering trails of the Appalachian Mountains, unveiling a realm where each dawn paints a new story and each dusk conceals an ancient legend. With an adept hand, Kent weaves tales handed down through generations with those that have sprouted from the contemporary consciousness, creating a mosaic that is as diverse and harmonious as the Appalachian biosphere itself. Kent introduces readers to enigmatic figures shadowing the trail - spectral presences guarding sacred groves, mythical creatures lurking in the unseen corners of the forest, and humans whose lives have been irrevocably entwined with the whispering winds and silent stones of the Appalachians. These characters, though birthed from fantasy and imagination, are rendered with a sensitivity and realism that entice readers to suspend disbelief and embrace the magical. Each chapter of Legends and Stories: From the Appalachian Trail is a journey in itself, leading readers through misty valleys and over towering peaks, pausing at campsites imbued with the echoes of laughter and contemplation of hikers past. Kent's prose invites readers to feel the crunch of leaves underfoot, inhale the fragrance of pine in the air, and perhaps, perceive the subtle shift in the atmosphere as the boundary between reality and legend blurs. Beyond being a mere collection of tales, Kent's work is also a tribute to the Appalachian Trail's transformative power. Through the ebb and flow of the narratives, readers will discern the trail's silent influence over the lives of those who seek its refuge, offering solace, insight, and perhaps, a glimpse into the unfathomable depth of the human soul mirrored in the wilderness. Legends and Stories: From the Appalachian Trail beckons not only to enthusiasts of mythology and folklore but also to lovers of nature and adventure. In its pages, Jason Kent extends an open invitation to all, to step into a world where the mundane meets the extraordinary, where each sunset promises a tale untold, and where the ancient Appalachian Trail awaits to share its stories, in whispers and roars, with those willing to listen and believe.

This volume leads the reader through a rich collection of Native American myths, pioneer legends, observations of early travelers, and historical narratives of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, along landscapes that have inspired wayfarers for unknown centuries. The rich, full-color photographs beckon to the region’s natural areas and embrace the enfolding serenity of deep forests, cascading streams, and uplifting vistas that recall the spiritual quests of ancestors who viewed the Appalachian Mountains as a sacred land to be treated with reverence and awe.

Stories of the original trailblazers and the first thruhikers. Reprinted from the out-of-print Rodale 2-volume Hiking the Appalachian Trail (1975). New foreword by Dave Startzell, executive director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Weaving together stories of his hiking adventures with reflective explorations of literary works set along the Appalachian Trail, Marshall traces a literary geography of the trail that ranges from Georgia to Maine and spans three centuries.

Three-time thru-hiker J. R. Tate explores the traditions and lore of the Appalachian Trail.