There is no bad reason to hike to the Appalachian Trail, I believe. Everyone has their reasons and I think a lot of the time it is multiple reasons that are compounded into one. This is me, I have a myriad of reasons I will be hiking but the main one is because I want to and I can.

Hiking For Adventure

I love a good adventure, and embarking on a journey along the Appalachian Trail is a profound adventure that resonates deeply with my spirit of adventure, love for the outdoors, and desire for a meaningful challenge. This decision to hike the trail is not just a whim but a culmination of experiences and inspirations that have shaped my life over the years.

Having lived in Asia and The Middle East over the last 15 years, I’ve been fortunate to immerse myself in diverse cultures and landscapes that lead me on a lot of adventures. Growing up in Pennsylvania I was always into the outdoors, and my parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for the natural world and the adventures it could hold. The Appalachian Trail was talked about, and I hiked on bits of it always fascinated me.

A friend of mine, Travis, teaching in South Korea mention spoke highly of thru-hiking in 2011 and I had to do it.

Hiking For a Challenge

As an ultra runner and Freediver, I’ve always sought out challenges that push my limits and test my endurance. From holding my breath for six minutes or running 50 miles in a single shot, hiking the Appalachian Trail in Crocs will be my biggest one yet.

The Appalachian Trail, with its grueling 2,198.4 miles stretching from Georgia to Maine presents a formidable challenge that excites me. It’s not just about the physical endurance required to complete the trail, but also the mental resilience needed to persevere through the tough days and I am sure that there will be many.

The unpredictable weather, which I hope will hold up also will be a challenge.  Past hikers find that the trail is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, and I am eager to experience this for myself (I know it is a bit daft but eh).

Hiking For Solituted (Mostly)

In addition to the challenge, I am also seeking Solitude and Solace on the trail. Being a man of leisure, I enjoy my solitude and spend a lot of time in nature or just alone. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, leaving little room for reflection and introspection (cliche I know).

The Appalachian Trail offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the noise and distractions of modern life and find peace in the rhythm of walking, the simplicity of trail life, and the beauty of nature. While I will be posting on here and Instagram which will be my form of communication with the outside world. I do like to keep in touch with my friends and people I care about.

Hiking For Solace

I am drawn to this promise of solace and the chance to reconnect with myself in the tranquility of the wilderness. Whilst, planned on coming back to The States and hiking the trail this year but I had to move my plans up when my dad died and I abruptly had to move home from Bali, Indonesia.

I have not had a ton of time to sort things out and this should, Inshallah, give me time to come to peace with what has transpired over the last year.

While my love for the outdoors is another driving force behind my decision to hike the Appalachian Trail. There is something incredibly freeing about being surrounded by nature, waking up to the sound of birds chirping, and defending myself against squirrels.

Hiking For Friends

Finally, my decision to embark on this journey was also inspired by my friends. Hearing their stories of adventure, camaraderie, and craic is not something I can let go by. I also will have friends join me on the trail and bring trail magic along the way, what could be better?

My decision to hike the Appalachian Trail is a reflection of my passion for adventure, love for the outdoors, desire for a challenge, quest for solace, and inspiration. As I prepare to take my first steps on the trail, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adventure that lies ahead.

Teagan Out

All Photos from the Trail are from former thru-hiker Travis “Nugs of Knowledge”