A Walk in the Woods Setting & Symbolism

A Walk in the Woods Objects/Places

Appalachian Trail

Stretching nearly 2, 200 miles from northern Georgia to Maine, the "AT" is the setting of A Walk in the Woods. Author Bill Bryson decides to hike the trail as a way of reconnecting with the American landscape and witnessing aspects of that landscape that are disappearing.

Springer Mountain

Springer Mountain is the southern trailhead of the AT. Bryson and Katz start their trek there after hitchhiking from the airport in Atlanta.

Snickers

A recurring luxury throughout the story, Katz brings an entire duffel bag full of Snickers with him when they start their trek and always seems to have some on hand. After Katz throws out much of their food in the beginning, they often eat Snickers for breakfast. Bryson is initially bothered by the presence of the Snickers, because he has heard that bears love them.

Walking Stick

Bryson's children give him a knobby walking stick as a gift when he sets out....
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