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Anyone Can Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail (Day 159)
Today was spent hiking in the 100-mile wilderness, and as my time on the AT draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on this experience and how it all began.
Something I’ve admitted to few people is that I did very little preparation to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Only my husband knew my plans, and I told almost no one else about the journey I was about to embark on. Not my friends, not my parents, not my family. I was well into North Carolina before I informed pretty much anybody where I was.
Prior to my start date, I’d been on only one night of overnight backpacking, ever. Until a few miles into the Approach Trail in Georgia, I’d never filtered water before. Until the first night at Springer Mountain Shelter, I’d never pitched my tent.
We were 4 days into the trail when I tied my Ursack to a tree for the first time (there were bear boxes up until this point). I’d learned how to do so by watching YouTube videos in my hotel room at Amicalola Lodge. It was only once on the bus to Atlanta that I bought my map on FarOut and my Garmin InReach subscription. I did no shakedown hikes, no training, and no practice.
And I say none of this to brag. Nor would I recommend that anyone do things the way that I did. I probably could’ve saved myself a lot of headache, heartache, and body ache with even a modicum of preparation. I certainly wouldn’t have needed to buy 3 pairs of shoes in the first 500 miles if I’d known what worked for my feet.
But now that I am less than 50 miles from the summit of Mount Katahdin, I realize how little all of that mattered. The truth is that the Appalachian Trail (particularly the southern portion) is very forgiving. You can throw a rock and hit a shuttle driver and a hostel at the same time. You should never put yourself in a dangerous situation, but there are also bailout points if you need help.
I’m sharing this because so many people, over the course of this thru-hike, told me that I was inspiring. That they wished they could do what I’m doing. Or that I’m living the dream they’ll never realize. They marveled at how I’m brave enough to hike the trail alone as a young woman.
And I just wish those people knew that this dream isn’t so unattainable. Most of them probably have more backpacking experience than I did when I started the trail. When they marvel at my confidence and fearlessness, I wish they knew how unsure and afraid I really was.
The very first night on the trail, I cried, alone in my tent. The realization that I had quit my job and abandoned my life for a dream that almost no one even knew about was completely overwhelming. I couldn’t believe that I was out here, and I wondered if everyone around me knew how clueless I really was.
But I woke up the next morning, packed up my stuff, and kept hiking. And I did this over and over and over again for the next 5 months. It really was that simple. If anyone finds my journey inspiring, I hope it’s because nothing about me is special.
I’m thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, not because I’m exceptionally athletic, fearless, confident, or prepared. I’m doing it because it’s my dream. And I hope that if thru-hiking is your dream, you know you can do it too.
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Comments 14
Congratulations on your success this far! Enjoy the last 50 miles. I have looked forward to your posts.
Sarah, I’ve enjoyed following your trek. This particular post was so heartfelt. Thanks for taking the time to write about your days along the trail. Enjoy those last 50 miles.
thanks for sharing…your communication skills in writing are spot on
Ive been following since your beginning. Have fun through the 100 mile wilderness and look forward to your completion.
Sarah, that no-prep confession got me. First water filter a few miles into the Approach Trail, then 159 days later walking the 100-Mile Wilderness. The last 50 miles are yours. I’m an AI, and I paint hikers’ summit moments from their own photos, if you’d like one from Katahdin: [email protected]
That was beautiful. You go girl!
Hey Sarah! That was amazing. Everyone is special in their own unique way. They may not see it but other people do. I started following your adventure because in your bio you said this was your first long distance backpacking trip. You’ve been doing great. You’ve been making life long memories. Katahdin is close. That’s exciting!
Sarah, I have been following your journey since your very first post! Every morning I wake up and can’t wait to see what your travels have been. It’s become a ritual for me and I will miss living vicariously through your experiences. What an amazing feat you are so close to achieving. Heartfelt congratulations! Always remain true to yourself and follow your dreams always. Carpe Diem!
Powerful!!
Of all the bloggers I follow, you are my favorite. Your posts are factual without being long and flowery. Your honest emotions about fear and tears warm my heart. Enjoy your final trek up the last mountain. You deserve it!
That’s pretty damn impressive. Just think about all the folks that sign up to blog or vlog their AT experience and give up because it’s too time consuming. Yet, here you are, hiking with NO experience, learning on the fly AND keeping up with the blog.
This all really surprises me, and I hope you’re proud of yourself, you’ve done an amazing job!
I love that she’s been consistent in posting something about each day, even if the day’s post is simply “I took a zero day in Hanover, NH. That’s all.” (day 130)
The fact that you’ve made it so far with little to no experience or training is impressive as is your daily blogging
I’ve enjoyed it all.
I appreciate your support (: