Thru-Hiking Culture

A Hike Powered by Spreadsheets, Vanity and Gear

A Hike Powered by Spreadsheets, Vanity and Gear

Panic is usually not the best response to challenges, but sometimes it’s a motivator. It worked as the latter last month, when I realized how quickly my departure date was...

Jan 3, 2023 : Ruth Nasrullah
The 10 Lessons I Learned

The 10 Lessons I Learned

On December 12th, I reached the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail. After nearly two weeks of rain, it was finally sunny. I heard birds singing for the first time...

Dec 23, 2022 : Althea Collier
Next Year is Two Weeks Away

Next Year is Two Weeks Away

In 2023, I will hike sections of the Appalachian Trail, creating videotaped presentations on cultural and natural history in each section. I’ll be documenting the preparation here, so sign up...

Dec 16, 2022 : Ruth Nasrullah
Giving Tuesday: Help ATC Protect Vulnerable Species on the Appalachian Trail

Giving Tuesday: Help ATC Protect Vulnerable Species on the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is collecting donations today to support the protection of the AT's more than 1,800 rare, threatened, and endangered species. This number includes the

Nov 29, 2022 : The Editors
Congratulations to these 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 17

Congratulations to these 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 17

This is it. This is the moment. The moment these hikers have been working towards for months: The final steps of their Appalachian Trail thru-hike. 2,193 miles, 14 states, 515,000...

Nov 25, 2022 : Kendra Slagter
Congratulations to these 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 16

Congratulations to these 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 16

Sure, the leaves may be on the ground and the days are getting colder, but that's not stopping these Appalachian Trail thru-hikers from finishing their trek! We're stoked to celebrate...

Nov 15, 2022 : Kendra Slagter
10 Reasons Why the AT Is Better Than the PCT

10 Reasons Why the AT Is Better Than the PCT

Do you already know why the AT is superior to the PCT? Are you trying to figure out if you want to hike an east coast trail? Or just want...

Nov 15, 2022 : Eloise Robbins
New AT Documentary Is a Moving Portrait of Trail Life with an Eating Disorder

New AT Documentary Is a Moving Portrait of Trail Life with an Eating Disorder

"You don't climb mountains without food in your belly," says Aster Wells-Byers in the film, "Food in your Belly." The 15-minute documentary, directed by Lukas Chin and edited by Chin...

Nov 14, 2022 : Penina Crocker
Congratulations to these 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 15

Congratulations to these 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 15

Just look at all these incredible hikers! These folks recently completed their Appalachian Trail thru-hike. They summited peaks, hiked through rainstorms, and overcame every challenge the trail threw

Nov 9, 2022 : Kendra Slagter
The First Rule About the Appalachian Trail is You Don’t Talk About Springer

The First Rule About the Appalachian Trail is You Don’t Talk About Springer

In addition, the anonymity of trail names to is fascinating. One could really know truly nothing about somebody they have been hiking with for weeks. Shit, they could be Tyler...

Nov 5, 2022 : Nash Calvin