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Title: In a word: maps!
Review: Zilly is not just an outdoors geek. He is a great writer. His descriptions are user-friendly (I especially love how he signals a tough stretch with an "oof!" and a confusing fork with a "whoa!"). And the trails he's chosen offer great variety--I usually hit the trail in spring with the easier ones then graduate to the tougher ones in early fall. But the best part, I think, are the maps. They're simple, use recognizable icons and also offer an elevation cross-section, so you can visualize the elevation gain (or lack thereof). I buy all my new-to-town friends this book and they love it too.
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