Walt McLaughlin’s newest book, “Beyond the High Peaks: Exploring the Lesser-Known Regions of the Adirondacks,” is just that. Short essays concentrate on Wild Forest and Wilderness areas outside of the High Peaks region. He reminds us there’s more to experience in the region than becoming a 46er.

Such an approach proves refreshing, especially now, when many seek amelioration of overcrowding seen on more popular trails. Parking should be less frustrating than at major trailheads (it couldn’t be much more frustrating!). The Adirondacks’ appeal will be broadened to better include individuals unable to climb steep traverses or battle through rocky inclines. Yet there’s still plenty of “untrammeled” nature and “endorphin high” on McLaughlin’s routes.

I’m familiar with many places he goes, including Jay Mountain, Blue Mountain and Cascade Pond. OK Slip Falls was already on my to-do list. Now I’ll add goals like Canary Pond, Pillsbury Lake and the Sargeant Ponds.

McLaughlin shows ability to evoke all senses while in the woods. He sees the small mushrooms, tiny red efts, and animal tracks, as well as the broad panoramas of peaks and expanses over water. He hears loons, owls, grouse breaking out of scrub, tapping woodpeckers, evening peepers–and occasionally savors just the silence. When he describes the “organic smell” of the forest, we all know what he means. Yes, he also acknowledges the black flies, mosquitoes, mud and eroded trails.

Most importantly, he appreciates the simple opportunity of being out in nature. He’s most often a solitary hiker, understanding some wouldn’t advocate for that. He simply enjoys the thrill of having a place to oneself.

Although he perhaps dwells on it too frequently, he makes clear that advancing age (and aren’t we all ten years older than we were then years ago?) may influence the routes one chooses. But that shouldn’t be an excuse for avoiding Adirondack experiences. Rather he understands intuitively what increasing research is showing, namely that time outdoors improves both mental and physical health, and further, may promote longevity.

For this review, I read the slim volume in its entirety. Upon reflection, I think it might be better enjoyed in small segments. There are repetitions that detract when reading all these essays at one sitting. Reflections on aging, walking sticks, aches and pains, even frequency of ramen for meals, begin to wear with continued use.

On the other hand, I’ll look forward to rereadings as I set my sights on some of his less familiar destinations. Although this is not designed as a guidebook, inclusion of trailhead locations would have been appreciated. Even a simple map of areas covered would have helped.

The moodiness of his accompanying black and white photos adds to the book. So do occasional quotes from other writers. Like Henry Thoreau, who pondered, “what would become of us, if we walked only in a garden or a mall?” How much would Thoreau have magnified that thought if he had predicted the modern version of a mall?