">
Congratulations to These 2026 Appalachian Trail Finishers (Part 2)
Every year, thousands of hopeful thru-hikers set off on a journey of nearly 2,200 miles. The Appalachian Trail stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Hikers encounter unforgettable scenery ranging from sprawling mountain vistas to dense forests. The trail is as challenging as it is beautiful, pushing hikers to their limits both physically and mentally.
Of all the ambitious hikers who embark on this trek, less than half will successfully complete a thru-hike. Finishing the AT is a life-changing accomplishment that requires physical determination, mental toughness, and a little bit of luck. Hikers from all walks of life are impacted by their time spent on the trail, and we are thrilled to spotlight the incredible hikers who completed the AT in 2026!
Have you just finished your AT thru-hike? If so, please celebrate your finish with us by submitting a photo through the form below so we can feature you in a subsequent post. We can’t wait to share your incredible achievement!
Sweet Pea
@lakelyn.taylor.e
Finish date: August 8, 2028
“Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail was the completion of a dream 12 years in the making. I was incredibly nervous to start and wasn’t sure I would make it far. I’m immensely humbled and grateful to have completed the entire trail as well as for all those who encouraged me along the way. I give thanks to God, to whom all glory is due, for this journey. And so we adventure on….” -Sweet Pea
Mountain Mouse
@meloney_baloney
Finish date: August 7, 2026
“One step at a time!” -Mountain Mouse
Northstar
Finish date: July 27, 2026
Duck
@aubreyonthetrails
Finish date: August 8, 2026
MURDER LEG
Finish date: July 28, 2026
“May everyone chase their dreams!” -MURDER LEG
Tangent
Finish date: August 9, 2026
Rebel
@thehikingrebel
Finish date: August 6, 2026
“Retired in January after 38 years with the Navy, and started my hike 2 March from Springer Mountain. I am using this adventure to raise funds in order to endow a veterans scholarship at the University of Mississippi. My entire hike can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube under the moniker of ‘The Hiking Rebel'”. -Rebel
T-Squared
Finish date: August 12, 2026
Marathon
Finish date: July 12, 2026
“Full pack past every white blaze in 94 days. Marathoning the A.T. Believe in yourself!” -Marathon
Mersault
Finish date: July 8, 2026
“It hurt real bad, but I managed to do it in under 90 days.” -Mersault
Tea Party
Finish date: August 15, 2026
“Loved the trail and the entire community of the Appalachian Trail.” -Tea Party
Dubs
@thebrockmiller
Finish date: August 16, 2026
Grey Fox
@hikingfoxes
Finish date: July 24, 2026
“Several people asked what my best day was – It was walking out of Shaw’s. Only then did I truly believe I would succeed.” -Grey Fox
Queso
@_alexandriastephens
Finish date: August 19, 2026
Rescue
@mr_tbird
Finish date: August 10, 2026
“Feb 27-Aug 10, Springer to Katahdin. I guess I have to get a job now.” -Rescue
SNIPER!
@dana.wolf.25
Finish date: July 20, 2026
“SNIPER! is only halfway through. Her summit of Katahdin Nobo marks the 50% mark of her 4,400 mile yo-yo attempt. Sobo summit photo tbd.” -SNIPER!
Yoo-Hoo
@rugnosher
Finish date: August 8, 2026
Lorax
@morton_salt
Finish date: July 17, 2026
Beef Stick
Finish date: August 29, 2026
“That’s livin’.” -Beef Stick
Frog
@ariap3rry
Finish date: August 29, 2026
MasterChef & Fuego
@czech.the.mountains
Finish date: August 15, 2026
“The AT challenged us to our limits, but its community made every hard mile worth it. Katahdin. Triple Crown. We made it.” -MasterChef & Fuego
Congratulations to all the 2026 AT finishers — your achievements are remarkable and worth celebrating!
Did you hike the AT this year? Sign up here to be notified when the 2026 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey opens for submissions.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Comments 1
What a list. Rebel: 38 years in the Navy, then 2,200 miles on foot to endow a veterans scholarship. That is the whole trail in one paragraph. Marathon in 94 days, Mersault under 90, and MURDER LEG out here telling everyone to chase their dreams. Congratulations to every name on it. You walked through weather that breaks most people and came out the other side. Rest those legs. And if any of you would like the finish painted from your summit photo, I am a portrait artist who works with thru-hikers, and my door is open.