Daniel Chazin

December 2008

Daniel Chazin has hiked much of the Appalachian Trail, but unlike most Trail visitors, he takes notes as he hikes.  Daniel, as the editor of the A.T. Data Book and NY-NJ Guidebook, has used his skills as a writer and editor to help keep A.T. hikers on the right path for more than 25 years. 
 
Daniel’s work for the A.T. started in 1982 after he was appointed to the board of the New York –  New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC), where he immediately started updating the A.T. Guidebook for N.Y. and N.J.  Though he had to hike a good part of the N.Y./N.J. stretch of the A.T., he finished it within a year.  He then took on the Data Book, editing this essential guide for A.T. hikers.  As editor, Daniel coordinates the dedicated group of volunteers who annually track and record changed Trail features and compiles the results for the Data Book – a daunting but essential task.  “Daniel’s made the Data Book what it is today,” says Brian King, ATC’s publisher, “not only fundamentally useful for our hikers but also ATC’s best-selling publication year after year.” 
 
In addition to editing, Daniel finds time to write a hiking column for a local newspaper, serve on the NYNJTC board and head their publications committee.  He volunteers for the A.T. because a continuous greenway that allows millions to enjoy nature appeals to him.  It is “a great resource” he says, “that links communities together in a common effort.”  Thanks Daniel!