Art Michaels, Pennsylvania Overlooks-A Guide For Sightseers And Outdoor People. State College, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2003. Maps, photos, 240 pp., $15.95.
The book's goal challenges the reader to travel throughout Pennsylvania to experience significant overlooks. The author writes, "A majestic overlook will leave you breathless, enveloping you in delight, wonder, and hope." However, he may have crafted the book a little too well. Some of us may find the book so engaging that we find no need to actually go outside. Mr. Michaels endeavors to ensure that readers who do venture to the overlooks have a very enjoyable time. He has a large number of black and white photographs (all taken by himself), excellent driving directions, and tips that will help to make the adventure a success.
Resist the temptation to immediately head out with your new book without first reading the preface. Mr. Michaels has included tips such as where to obtain maps. The book does not have maps though I imagine in many cases the average road map wouldn't suffice. The written directions in each section are quite detailed, such as, "Bear left onto the single lane dirt road about 30 yards after turning onto Oak Road." The preface also has comments on driving dirt roads. Not all the overlooks are remote; however, many are in urban settings. The overlooks that are included in the book can be driven to " ... or you can park near them and reach them in an easy walk." If you are looking for more remote overlooks that require exercise, Mr. Michaels has suggestions on where to obtain the information. Included are websites and phone numbers in the index.
Now if you have overcome inertia and decided to actually go outside to experience an overlook, you will find the book mentions sites throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I would imagine that you are never more than one hour from a site that is mentioned in the 47 chapters. Some of the chapters mention multiple overlooks, and all the chapters have suggestions on "Other Nearby Opportunities" such as museums and parks. The information in each chapter is in an easy to read narrative. Limited uses of a few symbols as "$" to denote a site where a fee is charged saves the reader the time of looking up the symbol key. The narrative includes nearly everything you would need to plan your trip. The only thing I could think to add would be longitude and latitude. However, Mr. Michaels almost has that covered since he has included information such as, " ... narrowview mainly north-northwest from about 315 degrees northwest to about 30 degrees north-northeast." This attention to detail is useful for photographers and sunrise/sunset aficionados. On page 225 (of this 240-page book), he gives a tip for getting the best shot at High Rocks Vista of Ralph Stover State Parle "Try shooting photographs in the mornings, when the sun angle produces less glare off the western bend of the creek." An important aspect of the narrative is the hours of public access. Mr. Michaels has included that information and suggested good star-gazing opportunities if appropriate. Another detail that I know is important is the condition of the "amenities" at an overlook. He doesn't let us down: there is attention to this important detail such as "Near Cliff Vista, Sideling Hill Picnic Area has water pumps (which may not operate in cold weather) and pit toilets."
Arthur P. Miller, Jr., and Marjorie L. Miller, Guide to the Homes of Famous Pennsylvanians: Houses, Museums, and Landmarks. Mechanicsburg PA: Stackpole Books, 2003. Photos, 224pp., $18.95.