This highly detailed map is an invaluable reference but its size and layout make it cumbersome to refer to on the go. Also there's no overlap from one page to the next. If your route is in the middle of the page, you're in luck! But going from Asheville to neighboring Black Mountain requires flipping among 4 different pages.

For years I refused to buy this road atlas because it got the name and length of the 1970's era street I live on wrong. In fact, I noted several errors within the vicinity that I'm most familiar with. That said, it's still the only serious contender for a reasonably decent compendium of local maps. I finally broke down and bought a copy because so many birding and canoeing resources reference the "Delorme" as it's usually called locally. It's no real alternative to having very detailed USGS topo maps of any area of intense interest, but I'll give it credit for being a reasonably compact, (by large, bulky, car use standards), version of a state map. It's position is between that of the free Dept of Transportation maps and the highly detailed local maps that can be purchased from convience stores for road use, and from the better outdoor provision and recreational companies for topographical and lake and shore details. For what it is, it's definitely worth the price. Just don't expect it to be the last local map you'll buy. It's a compromise all the way around. But, sometimes a compromise is the best solution. That said, I went ahead and got the one for SC, and will probably get the one for VA as well.

the delorme gazeteer series is perfect for people who want to wander off of the main roads. my wife and i like to point the car as whim sees fit. the map has backroads with enought detail to let us find our wish and our way back. essential for indirect travel. also has marked 4wd trails to unknown wonders, as well as a smattering of known wonders (waterfalls, museums, fishing, camping...). not a replacement for usgs quads, but will make the travel to your hike more fun. if you are interested in exploring a state, or some portion thereof, the gazetteer series is an invaluable tool.

I found the maps useful for detailed travel in a small area. Of course they are MUCH better than the normal road map. Elevation information gives you an idea of what you can expect. My two complaints are: (1)the elevation information is difficult to see -- finding the actual elevation number to go with a line is very hard as there are few numbers and they are not highlighted to make them easier to find; and,(2) additional information about the type of road surface would be helpful for the adventurous.