Anyone who has driven through the Adirondacks in peak fall season, camped in its deeply quiet forests, or watched loons dive for fish on a still lake will understand Matt Dallos’ obsession with this area.

In fact, it seems that the author of “In the Adirondacks: Dispatches from the Largest Park in the Lower 48,” has hiked and explored more of the Adirondacks than most people who were born and raised here. Although he grew up in Pennsylvania, Dallos currently lives in the Finger Lakes and teaches environmental science seminars at Cornell University. A mixture of fascinating historical events, unproven legendary tales, and candid observations comprise the author’s epic search for what he thinks of as not just “the Adirondacks” but the Adirondacks!

Dallos’ research includes information on Verplanck Colvin, who spent 35 years, starting in the mid-1800s, hiking and mapping the Adirondack mountains. Previous attempts to map the region differed drastically and these discrepancies led Colvin to surmise that the iron ore deposits skewed the measurements. He fixed that problem by pounding copper bolts into rocks on top of various mountains. These bolts offset the iron ore interference. Then he invented a special instrument called a stan-helio. It marked the location of each copper bolt, upon which he would set up a survey telescope that allowed more precise measurements. Once he figured out the problem, Colvin used geometry to triangulate the distances and draw accurate maps. His maps are still used today, and Mount Colvin is named after him.

Another piece of Adirondack history involves the Blue Line, the official boundary of the Adirondacks, which has changed several times since the late 1800s, lastly in 1971. The Blue Line surrounding the Adirondack Park (and the Catskills) was a reaction to the increase in visitors which resulted in overuse of natural resources. Because protection of the Adirondacks was recognized as a necessity early in its existence, the Blue Line was intended to delineate the exact area to safeguard. Since the 1800s, many wealthy people have continued to buy up huge swaths of land, build enormous summer homes, and come here to play while soaking up the wilderness. Ironically, those who seek the solace and serenity of the Adirondacks often carve out their own isolated playground but miss the natural beauty of the real Adirondacks.

The author seems to be on a quest for proof that the myth of the Adirondacks is real. His book is generously sprinkled with beautifully written descriptions of Adirondack forests, lakes and wildlife. He shows readers snapshots of the “real” Adirondacks, the faux Adirondacks, and the regular people who have lived, worked and died here for generations. But there is also a pervasive sense of disappointment that the Adirondacks don’t live up to the enchanted idea of wilderness the author hopes to discover. Nevertheless, the author continues to explore the Adirondacks and suggests readers do so as well. The Adirondack Experience: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, which opens its doors for the season on May 26, is a great place to start.