Thru-Hiking Culture

The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead?

The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead?

It’s March, and the Appalachian Trail is teeming with humanity. Thousands attempt to hike the iconic footpath each year — and for better or worse, many of them start in...

Mar 8, 2024 : Kelly Floro
Lessons Learned: Going into my 2nd Thru-Hike

Lessons Learned: Going into my 2nd Thru-Hike

New Year, New Trail After a year away from thru-hiking, it's time to get back onto the trail. Since immersing myself in thru-hiking culture in 2017, it's been a significant...

Feb 26, 2024 : Thomas Allie
Excerpt From Where the Rhododendrons Bloom: New AT Memoir by Audrey Payne

Excerpt From Where the Rhododendrons Bloom: New AT Memoir by Audrey Payne

There was a time, not so very long ago, when doing the most mundane activities sent my body into spasms of pain. Sitting at my desk for more than 15...

Feb 8, 2024 : Audrey Payne
The Slow and Grueling Transition to Society

The Slow and Grueling Transition to Society

It has been well over a minute since I summited Katahdin and my return to society, the "real world". While it is nice to sleep in a warm soft bed...

Feb 4, 2024 : Guinevere Drabik
Returning to Trail in 2024!

Returning to Trail in 2024!

Optimist Prime Here! After a long hiatus, I am back with big news! The dream of the Triple Crown continues with the Appalachian Trail in 2024. After a year break...

Feb 3, 2024 : Thomas Allie
Book Review: Tales from the Trail – Stories from the Oldest Hiker Hostel on the Appalachian Trail

Book Review: Tales from the Trail – Stories from the Oldest Hiker Hostel on the Appalachian Trail

Most AT thru-hikers and even some sectional hikers have probably spent a night or two sleeping and showering at the Hiker Hostel of The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in...

Jan 24, 2024 : John Edward Harris
Essential Gear for a 4,400-Mile Thru-Hike

Essential Gear for a 4,400-Mile Thru-Hike

Embarking on a thru-hike is no small feat. While the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail have secured their place as two of the most popular long-distance trails in the...

Jan 19, 2024 : Kendra Slagter
Top Tents and Shelters on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey

Top Tents and Shelters on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey

This installment of the 2023 Appalachian Trail survey covers shelters of all kinds. We'll discuss the types of shelters used, the type and size chosen based on hiking companions, and...

Jan 11, 2024 : Kate Richard
The 164 Day Recap of Everything You Wanted To Know, And Maybe Some You Didnt

The 164 Day Recap of Everything You Wanted To Know, And Maybe Some You Didnt

I’ve said this before but it’s wild to consider your self an expert after doing something for the first time. But when that first time takes over 5 months to...

Dec 30, 2023 : Derek Witteman
The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey

The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey

In this third installment of the 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Survey we're covering all things footwear. Picking shoes is one of the most personal gear choices when it comes to...

Dec 28, 2023 : Kate Richard