Johnny Molloy is an American writer and adventurer who has explored throughout the United States, spending 4,000 nights backpacking, canoe camping and tent camping throughout the country over the past three decades, including a lot if adventuring in Wisconsin from backpacking Kettle Moraine State Forest to paddling the Namekagon River. If you put the entirety of his days camping it adds up to nearly 11 straight years of overnighting in the great outdoors.
Friends enjoyed his outdoor adventure stories; one even suggested he write a book. Johnny pursued his friend¿s idea and soon parlayed his love of the outdoors into a full-time occupation. The results of his efforts are over 60 books and guides covering all or parts of 26 states. His writings include hiking guidebooks, camping guidebooks, paddling guidebooks, comprehensive guidebooks about a specific area and true outdoor adventure books. Johnny continues writing and adventuring to this day. For the latest on Johnny, please visit www.johnnymolloy.com.

[reading line]Who says you have to travel far from home to go on a great hike?
 
Fully updated and revised, here are forty-three of the best hikes, nearly all within an hour's drive of Madison, Wisconsin-from the Capital City State Trail to Devil's Lake State Park. The hikes offer skyline views, a range of landscapes, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you're in the mood for an easy nature walk or a day-long hike, this guide offers plenty to choose from:
 
¿ Picnic Point
¿ Pheasant Branch Conservancy
¿ Gibraltar Rock
¿ Blue Mound State Park
¿ Pope Farm Park
¿ Meadow Valley and Cave Trails 
 
Each hike features full-color photos; a brief route description; thorough directions to the trailhead (GPS coordinates included); a detailed, full-color trail map; and at-a-glance information on distance and difficulty level, hiking time, canine compatibility, and fees and permits. Inside you'll also find a Trail Finder that categorizes each hike (e.g., for attractions such as views, and if it's suitable for families with kids); and information about local lore, points of interest, and the area's wildlife.