In "A Walk in the Woods," Bill Bryson reflects on the relationship Americans have with beauty and nature. He observes a disconnection where beauty is often sought out in places that require travel, rather than being an integral part of daily life. This suggests that people undervalue the natural surroundings that are easily accessible to them.

Moreover, Bryson points out the duality in how nature is perceived: it can either be dominated and transformed for human use, as seen in developments like Tocks Dam, or it can be revered and treated as sacred, as is the case with areas like the Appalachian Trail. This perspective highlights the complex attitudes towards nature in American culture.