The 2017 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers You Should be Following on Instagram

I present below the coolest thru-hiking Instagrammers you never knew you needed in your life:

Whether we be your friends, family, classmates, colleagues, neighbors, acquaintances, gym buddies, secret crushes, soul mates or complete strangers, join us as we thru-hike America’s long-distance trails this year. We’ll be using #theTrek #AppalachianTrials #TrektheAT  and #TrekthePCT along the way.

You can get the best of all our Appalachian Trail grammers through The Trek: Appalachian Trail and The Trek Instagram accounts.

Take part in our journeys, send us good cheer (we’re really really gonna need it!), and *hopefully* let us inspire your own adventures!

xoxo,

the class of 2017 The Trek bloggers

<3

Shani – @ms.smarie

start off the new year on a high point ⛰ #2017 #outdoorwomen #womenwhohike #radgirlslife #radgirlscollective #thetrek #optoutside #bigschloss

A photo posted by ms.smarie (@ms.smarie) on Jan 1, 2017 at 9:02am PST

Sara – @chico15

The purpose of this glorious life is not to simply endure it, but to soar, stumble, and flourish, as you learn to fall in love with existence. We were born to live my dear not to merely exist. -Becca Lee •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Thank you to all who made yesterday a very special day! I couldn't ask for more loving people in my life! ?: @jasminerossette #thisis24 #mountbierstadt #co14ers #mountainsunrise #stillrecognizedbierstadtinpitchdarknessat6am #thatslove #findyourpark #rei1440project #LetsCamp #optoutside #outdoornation

A photo posted by Sara Chico (@chico15) on Oct 24, 2016 at 10:00am PDT

Rhys – @bananamancometh

#viking #camels need to be a thing. #wehavethesamehair #camelbros #thebeardedcamel #goodhairday

A photo posted by Rhys Hora (@bananamancometh) on Jan 27, 2017 at 2:57pm PST

Bethany – @beevarner

What a way to end 2016!! Got my Appalachian Trail tag! 43 more days people! FOURTY THREE!!! So many exciting events this coming year and I cannot wait ??? #AT2017 #Appalachiantrail #hike #countdown #2017

A photo posted by Bethany Varner (@beevarner) on Dec 31, 2016 at 6:52pm PST

Alli – @ahuggable

great 5 mile shakedown hike filled with so many ups & downs on boulders | oh and it rained | #at2017 #saunteron #shakedownhike #at2017prep #sleepinggiant

A photo posted by A L L I H U G G I N S (@ahuggable) on Jan 26, 2017 at 11:26am PST

Tom – @tomwillard

100 miles! #appalachiantrials #TomOnTheAT #atthruhike2016 #thruhike

A photo posted by Tom Willard (@tomwillard) on May 21, 2016 at 3:16pm PDT

Kylie – @kyleeamandaaa

I've said it before but I'll say it again: I think it's really important to have photos of yourself, whether you like them in that moment or not. Years from now you'll thank yourself.

A photo posted by Kylie Torrence (@kyleeamandaaa) on Jan 26, 2017 at 6:04pm PST

Nick – @np_hikes

TIS' THE SEASON… TO HIKE!!! @appalachiantrail #at2016 #ospreypacks #treehouseontheat #backpacking #thruhiketraining #hikingadventures #hikertrash #hikertrashforlife

A photo posted by NICK "Tree House" (@np_hikes) on Dec 1, 2016 at 12:00pm PST

Kirsten – @kirstiealexandria

It took 3 classes but I was finally able to get myself into the "uncomfortable swing" in my aerial silks class. Shortly after while attempting the drop (where you flip upside down to get out of the swing) I almost fell on my head but I didn't die so that was cool. ???

A photo posted by Kirsten Fraude (@kirstiealexandria) on Aug 22, 2016 at 5:28pm PDT

Maddy – @madison.mumma

The journey to Machu Picchu #salkantaytrail #50miles #wemadeit

A photo posted by Madison Mumma (@madison.mumma) on Jun 9, 2016 at 2:15pm PDT

Pocket Biscuit – @leland_kolson

Here we are, trapped in the amber of the moment. There is no why. -Kurt Vinnegut- . . . . . #at2016 #appalachiantrail #whitemountains #thruhike #hike #hikingadventures #backpacking #camping #adventure #explore #travel #optoutside #thetrek #trektheat #whereigottago #sunset #blueskies #nature #naturephotography #outdoors #thegreatoutdoors #getoutside #getoutstayout #adventurephotography #travelphotography #outdoorphotography #GoPro

A photo posted by Leland Kolson (@leland_kolson) on Jan 28, 2017 at 7:25am PST

Kate – @kisforkate

Showing off my silicone ring from Jason that will be perfect to wear on my thru-hike while we'll be apart for 6 months. I got him a water bottle and a ring for his helix piercing since he doesn't like wearing rings on his fingers.

A photo posted by Kate G (@kisforkate) on Jan 16, 2017 at 7:21am PST

Ronn – @hailstreak

Snow hiking

A photo posted by Ronn Raszetnik (@hailstreak) on Feb 1, 2017 at 7:20pm PST

Kristin – @electriclady26

THE GRAND CANYON!! #grandcanyon #nationalpark #canyon #seventhwonder #aliens #time #science #holycrap

A photo posted by Kristin Bargmann (@electriclady26) on Oct 29, 2016 at 7:00pm PDT

Kai – @invertedturtle

@cheyennetravels and I went on a hike yesterday with some of our friends. @gaia.willow #bradburymountain #bradburymountainstatepark #puppy #puppylove #puppies #puppiesofinstagram #puppies_of_instagram #pupstagram #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogs_of_instagram #dogstagram #selfie #me #australianshepherd #goldenretriever #mutt #goldenaussie #hiking #mountain

A photo posted by Kai Meka (@invertedturtle) on Nov 8, 2015 at 8:37am PST

Shelby – @shelby.cook.3312

Post number TWO today because TWO months from today, we will be at Springer Mountain beginning our thru-hike, and there are only TWO MORE DAYS to get Saunter On shirts designed by @fundthenations!! Go to the website and pick one up! …or two ?? [link in bio!] ?? #saunteron #at2017 #acmnp #acmnp17 #rei #patagonia #blackdiamond #appalachiantrail #springertomaine #nobo #appalachiantrials #thetrek #shirts #shopFTN #pleaseandthanks #practicing #camping #43infloridaisascoldasitgets @ahuggable @sydneyjunejulyaugust @acmnp

A photo posted by Shelby Cook (@shelby.cook.3312) on Jan 8, 2017 at 6:29pm PST

The AT Saunterers – @theatsaunterers

We are finally together in one place!! #saunteron #appalchiantrail #at2017 #hikingpartners @sydneyjunejulyaugust @shelby.cook.3312 @ahuggable @acmnp

A photo posted by SydneyShelbyAlli (@theatsaunterers) on Dec 30, 2016 at 8:18am PST

Mikaela – @bethe_rain

5 more weeks til go time! #at2017 #nobo

A photo posted by Mikaela Kostrubiak (@bethe_rain) on Feb 1, 2017 at 9:20am PST

Joel – @joelreckless

Snowy selfie #joelwanders #selfie #snow #snowy #minnesota #rayban #patagonia #beard #moustache #vsco #vscocam #wanderlust #travel #explore #merinowool #airhoodie

A photo posted by joelreckless (@joelreckless) on Jan 10, 2017 at 10:38am PST

Alex – @apellerin11

Bagged Hancock & South Hancock today??? #NH48 #4000footers

A photo posted by Alex Pellerin (@apellerin11) on Oct 9, 2016 at 12:42pm PDT

Ashley – @ashleynhill7

A photo posted by Ashley Nicole Hill (@ashleynhill7) on Nov 27, 2016 at 10:34am PST

Vanessa – @vanessariel or @thelanesisters

Focus on the light. Watch the patterns that are occurring in your life because there is no such thing as a coincidence. The universe is constantly teaching & showing us lessons until they are learned. We are being shown the way to our higherselves, which is not always rainbows and butterflies. There is suffering and heartache, but also passion and euphoria. So be gentle with the self and treat your mind & body with compassion and love. Because we all deserve love, but we need to spread it in order to receive it. You are the light. #loveistheanswer #sisterswhotravel #sunset #venicebeach #onewiththeuniverse #love #inspiration #aesthetics #braids #adventures #positivevibes #healingenergy #orbs

A photo posted by April & Ariel (@thelanesisters) on Oct 27, 2016 at 10:40am PDT

Hannah – @evergreennineteen

it's official: this hungry hiker is attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail this spring! i can't wait to share more information. for now, if you're interested in donating to my cause, check out my GoFundMe at the link in my bio! #appalachiantrail #thruhike #at

A photo posted by hannah (@evergreennineteen) on Nov 27, 2016 at 8:34am PST

Stubbs – @lynseyhappypants

Throwback: There's a dinosaur in Glasgow #AT2016 #WomenWhoHike #AT #AppalachianTrail #thruhiking #thruhike #hiking #atthruhike #NOBO2016 #dinosaur

A photo posted by "Stubbs" (@lynseyhappypants) on Aug 30, 2016 at 4:15am PDT

Stephanie – @stephbrummett

Me and Half Dome . . ?by my dear friend Rob. ?? ????

A photo posted by Steph Brummett (@stephbrummett) on Oct 12, 2016 at 1:07pm PDT

Amber – @trailblazer.amber

"Let me tell you something: No one is going to look at you, broken and shattered and think – damn, you are beautiful. No one is going to come pick your broken pieces off the floor and assemble them into a beautiful whole. Hell, you won't even look at yourself and think – I made broken look beautiful. You know why? Because all those writers lied to you. Yes. All those with their poems of scraped knuckles and pomegranate songs and loves that ripped through you like hurricanes. Liars. So you and I, we are going to make a plan. You are not going to romanticize days when your brain tells you to smash that mirror, you are not going to romanticize the lover who doesn't understand you but still writes about you. Here is what you're going to romanticize instead: you are going to romanticize the tea and honey kind of love, no hurricanes, but sunshine that builds you up from within, that helps you make it through the worst days. You are going to romanticize gentle hands of a friend in yours, telling you that it is going to be okay. Because it is. And don't trust poets, we're no good, we love pretending that our jagged edges tantamount to a beautiful disaster. You know what is beautiful instead? The days when you can look at yourself in the mirror and smile, scars and all. music that makes your soul flow like a river, books that offer comfort, friends that can give you strength when you can find none, lovers who can make you laugh through tears. Baby, from now on you are going to romanticize healing; August nights that stick to your skin; the day you find your purpose, long car rides and singing so loud no one can shut you up now. Bad news: no one is coming to save you. Good news: you can save yourself." -Lana Rafaela • • #poetry #inspiration #travel #photography #hiking #womenwhohike #wanderlust #solotraveler #explorer #adventure #adventureawaits #hikingadventures #romance #sky #kansas #mountsunflower #dailyquotes #dailyinspiration

A photo posted by Amber (@trailblazer.amber) on Dec 5, 2016 at 6:16pm PST

Caleb – @calebbonner9497

"Society speaks and all men listen, mountains speak and wise men listen" John Muir

A photo posted by Caleb Bonner (@calebbonner9497) on Jan 25, 2017 at 5:45pm PST

Mary – @marybmeixner5

Guys, I love winter. ❄️️❄️️❄️️

A photo posted by Mary Meixner (@marybmeixner5) on Dec 18, 2016 at 7:35am PST

Emily – @Em.m.m

Sunrise hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway

A photo posted by Emily McCambridge (@em.m.m) on Jan 15, 2017 at 6:06am PST

Chris – @cguynn

"Can you spend the night at Westgate?" -Me to Me currently, can't beat this weather, hammock and kindle time!

A photo posted by Chris Guynn (@cguynn) on Jan 14, 2017 at 2:41pm PST

Chelsea – @chulsb88

Sunset ft. DJ #chemtrails

A photo posted by Chelsea Bates (@chulsb88) on Dec 27, 2016 at 4:47pm PST

Alex and Amanda – @twocookstakeawalk

My hiking partner, my lady, my queen, and my best friend ❤️This picture is from one of our most recent hikes. This was a new area to us so we had fun playing on the rocks in the middle of this infinity creek. You pretty much lead the whole time wherever we go unless you're looking for pretty leaves ??? and I'm perfectly fine following. I love you and can't wait to leave in February. #twocookstakeawalk #sycamoretrail #myhikingpartner #shecanleadandiwillfollow #atthruhike2017 #threemonthstogo

A photo posted by Alex and Amanda (@twocookstakeawalk) on Nov 16, 2016 at 9:22am PST

Justin and Wella – @jaysonthetrail

Just another Sunday hike on a frozen lake in a snowstorm ❄️#Alaska #alaskaadventures #snowstorm #sundayfunday #sunday #hiking #babyitscoldoutside #couplesthathike #at2017 #atprep #winter #snow #portageglacier #sharingalaska #swiss #swissgirl @warriorexpeditions

A photo posted by Jays on the Trail ??+?? (@jaysonthetrail) on Jan 15, 2017 at 5:15pm PST

Forrest – @forradical

Christmas in Agua Fria National Monument #azoutdoors

A photo posted by Forrest Radarian (@forradical) on Dec 25, 2016 at 12:23pm PST

Jessica – @themidnightrambler89

Did the Welch-Dickey loop with mom today 38/52 #52hikechallenge #whitemountains #nhhiking

A photo posted by Jessica Tinios (@themidnightrambler89) on Aug 22, 2016 at 1:37pm PDT

Jennifer – @jengid95

Graduation is tomorrow. Tomorrow I officially end my time at Auburn University. But today is the day I've been waiting for for way too long. All of the training, research & planning has led me to be able to announce that, beginning in March of 2017, I will be thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail to raise money for Pediatric Cancer Research. I will be working with the non-profit organization Open Hands Overflowing Hearts. God has laid both of these passions on my heart so heavy that they cannot be ignored. I encourage you to check out the site TrekkinForChange.com to learn more about what next year holds! There, you will be able to read more about the organization, personal stories of different children's battles with cancer & be able to make tax-deductible donations for OHOH. ??????????? ?: @kayla_funk_ ?: @four10films #endchildhoodcancer #becausetheyreworthit #trekkinforchangedotcom #theTrek #openhandsoverflowinghearts #makefuturegenerations #unaware #AppalachianTrials #AppalachianTrail #NoBo17

A photo posted by Jennifer Giddens (@jengid95) on Dec 9, 2016 at 4:03pm PST

Pearl – @pearlgetsaround

Living in the company of good people is a life lived right. Also, enjoying a day on the slopes with those people is pure bliss ❄?⛄ @lukefarls @boltonvalley …… #ski #skiing #getoutside #skibum #getoutside #boltonvalley #adventure #explore #ski #snow #winter #l4l #wild #mountains #mountain #optoutside #nature #outdoor #outside #wilderness #hike #climb #hiking #skiing #riding #boarding #sky #clouds #photography #photo #photooftheday

A photo posted by mountain gal ? (@pearlgetsaround) on Dec 22, 2016 at 4:50am PST

Gail – @gailbarrett4084

I love seeing fungi on the trail.

A photo posted by Gail Barrett (@gailbarrett4084) on Feb 4, 2017 at 2:36pm PST

Becca – @rebecca24732

I like to hike because it's a beautiful way to celebrate Creation! Here's to the first day of 2017 spent outdoors! Hopefully many more will follow ??? Big thanks to @BCBSNC for encouraging people to get outside!! #HikeNCGiveaway

A photo posted by Becca (@rebecca24732) on Jan 1, 2017 at 11:52am PST

Bryan – @bryanhickman98

March 2015-Hiking the High Bridge Trail

A photo posted by Bryan Hickman (@bryanhickman98) on Feb 5, 2017 at 11:58am PST

Heather – @heatherprovoncha

Testing out a backpack with a little hike around Hog Lake! ?⛅?#optoutside #reiflash #bigplans

A photo posted by Heather Provoncha (@heatherprovoncha) on Jun 11, 2016 at 1:25pm PDT

Larry – @destinationkatahdin

Just taking a morning walk…so peaceful

A photo posted by Destination Katahdin (@destinationkatahdin) on Feb 6, 2017 at 7:15pm PST

Leah – @leahtakesthetrail

Does basement camping count as a shakedown hike? What if you bring wine in the Tent? . . . . . . #traininghard #at2017 #appalachiantrail #butitsreallycoldinalaska #trektheat #Nobo2017 #appalachiantrials #mybasementisbetterthankyourshakedown #yourgonnabeatme #bigagnes #enlightenedequipment #neoair #isitMARCHyet??

A photo posted by LeahTakesTheTrail (@leahtakesthetrail) on Jan 14, 2017 at 8:07pm PST

more to come and happy hiking…

-s