THRUHIKE: A Photographic Journey on the Appalachian Trail (Part 1)

A thruhike is an end-to-end, continuous hike of a long distance trail. In 2014, Max Mishkin completed a five-month thruhike of the Appalachian Trail. During his 2189.3 mile journey, Max photographed the intimate and majestic moments that came to define his life.

About Max “Bear Bag” Mishkin and Mishkin Photography

In 2014, I quit my job. I had worked in political and legal organizing for a few years and I had planned on attending law school that fall. It was a wonderful plan – for a different person.

The siren’s call of the mountains lured me away from my safe and reliable career. Unlike a greek hero, I eagerly reset my course – and headed straight for the Appalachian Trail.

Now, two years after completing my 2185.3 mile thruhike of the AT, I am a transformed person. My pursuit of the Sirens did not end in calamity, as many friends and family feared. Instead of being dashed-upon the rocks, I found a home and a new career on the Trail.

My photo essay, THRUHIKE documents my Appalachian Trail adventure through a series of black-and-white images. Over the past couple years THRUHIKE has been featured in the Connecticut Artists Exhibition, traveled to gallery and public spaces as a complete show and (most recently) was featured in the Summer 2016 issue of ATC’s Journeys Magazine. Now, in partnership with Appalachian Trials, I am excited to share my images with you. Every two weeks I will post more images from THRUHIKE here on Appalachian Trials.

To see more of my essay THRUHIKE or any of my other photographs you can visit my website and follow Mishkin Photography on Instagram.

PART 1: Georgia to Virginia

Fontana Dam - Mile 164.2

Fontana Dam – Mile 164.2

Clingman's Dome - Mile 199.4

Clingman’s Dome – Mile 199.4

Max Patch - Mile 253.9

Max Patch – Mile 253.9

Max Patch - Mile 253.9

Max Patch – Mile 253.9

Fields - Mile 319.4

Fields – Mile 319.4

Big Bald - Mile 324.7

Big Bald – Mile 324.7

Big Bald - Mile 324.7

Big Bald – Mile 324.7

Overmountain Shelter - Mile 383.5

Overmountain Shelter – Mile 383.5

Kincora Hostel - Mile 417.9

Kincora Hostel – Mile 417.9

Grayson Highlands - Mile 500.1

Grayson Highlands – Mile 500.1

Kimberling Creek - Mile 608.3

Kimberling Creek – Mile 608.3

Pine Swamp Branch - Mile 654.6

Pine Swamp Branch – Mile 654.6

Farm - Around Mile 675

Farm – Around Mile 675

The Home Place - Mile 707.7

The Home Place – Mile 707.7

Blue Ridge Parkway - Around 745

Blue Ridge Parkway – Around 745

Cole Mountain - 811.2

Cole Mountain – 811.2

Cole Mountain - 811.2

Cole Mountain – 811.2

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Comments 2

  • TBR : Nov 7th

    Nice work!

    Reply
  • Kate : Nov 8th

    I L O V E your work! Can’t wait to see next grouping of photos. Black & white images are such a fun retro way to view the majesty of the AT and the humans who pass through while on their individual journey. Great job!

    Reply

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