“Rocks, Roots and Rattlesnakes” by Craig A. Eckert is now available for purchase

“At the trail juncture, the shelter trail went to the right, and the water-source trail went left. Two logs were lying across the blue-blaze trail to the water source. Beneath the first log was a fair-sized timber rattler just curled up and minding his own business. I looked behind the log and someone had evidently set up a tent right in the middle of the trail.”

– an excerpt from the book

AR Press is honored to publish “Rocks, Roots and Rattlesnakes” by Craig A. Eckert. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.

​”Rocks, Roots and Rattlesnakes” by Craig A. Eckert is an engaging narrative that captures the author’s journey through the Appalachian Mountains. The book offers readers an insightful look into the experiences and challenges faced during a 150-day hiking expedition while providing a geologist’s perspective on the natural world.

This is the story of Craig’s five-month 2020 journey hiking the Appalachian Trail, as told from a geologist’s perspective. It is written as a series of daily logs originally transcribed from his daily journals, then embellished with additional details resulting from further recollection and research.

All of the stories are true, and many contain elements of human interest relating to the many fascinating hikers he met on his adventure. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of doing such a trek is encountering so many interesting people along the way.

Craig’s goal in assembling this book was to provide entertainment and information for two main audiences. First, for those who have hiked the trail, he included stories relating to places and things all of us have seen, along with frequent observations about those mysterious rocks beneath our feet.

For those new to the trail or who have never hiked long distances, this is a glimpse into the wonders and excitement out there to be discovered, as told by just one of the many thousands of past-thru-hikers. The book contains three parts with 26 chapters and reads like a journal log, capturing his challenges and experiences each day on the trail.

In addition to the 240 pages of text, there are over 100 beautiful color photos, 6 figures, and 6 charts. Hopefully, you will find this book both informative and entertaining as you read and enjoy the tales of 150 days of discovery on the Appalachian Trail!

“Rocks, Roots and Rattlesnakes” by Craig A. Eckert is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: https://authorreputationpress.com/bookstore/rocks-roots-and-rattlesnakes-revised-edition-a-geologists-journal-150-days-of-discovery-on-the-appalachian-trail/.