Thru-Hiking Culture
Hiker’s Choice: The Best Hostels on the Appalachian Trail
Hostels are a special part of the Appalachian Trail experience. From renovated farmhouses to uniquely styled bunkhouses to rooms in private homes, each hostel has its own character. In our...
22 Trek Bloggers on the Appalachian Trail You Should Be Following in 2024
As the hiking season officially kicks into high gear, the Appalachian Trail welcomes yet another class of thru-hikers, all of who are hopeful to complete the entire 2,190-mile journey. Some...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...