Blazing Ahead (Benton MacKaye, Myron Avery, and the Rivalry That Built the Appalachian Trail)

“High and dry above the stupendous detail of our job we should hold the reason for it all. This is not to cut a path and then say—‘Ain't it beautiful?' Our job is to open a realm.” –Benton MacKaye

The Appalachian Trail is one of America's most revered resources, a project of near-mythic proportions combining rugged natural beauty and human determination. But few know the story behind the creation of the world's longest hiking-only trail. The proposal could have died in the pages of a journal had it not been for the efforts of many people—including two, in particular: Benton MacKaye and Myron Avery. While the two men shared a common goal, their vastly different personalities meant it was only a matter of time before these sometimes allies, sometimes adversaries had a falling out. Blazing Ahead: Benton MacKaye, Myron Avery, and the Rivalry That Built the Appalachian Trail tells this story in active, engaging scenes that weave history together and biography, detailing the external forces the trail builders faced: the stock market crash, World War II, and the prevailing opinions regarding wilderness and recreation. Drawing upon never before published sources from the State of Maine Archives, Blazing Ahead delves deep into the historical realities MacKaye and Avery faced. Through extensive research and vivid storytelling, this book tells the true but little-known story of a shared vision, the rivalry it bred, and the legacy of the men behind one of the nation's greatest treasures.

ALSO AVAILABLE

Chasing Summits, by Garry Harrington

ISBN: 978-1-628420-45-6

Desperate Steps, by Peter Kick

ISBN-13: 978-1-628420-09-8

Not Without Peril, by Nicholas Howe

ISBN-13: 978-1-934028-32-2

While major retailers like Amazon may carry Blazing Ahead (Benton MacKaye, Myron Avery, and the Rivalry That Built the Appalachian Trail), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.

We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.

Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Blazing Ahead (Benton MacKaye, Myron Avery, and the Rivalry That Built the Appalachian Trail).