Why I’m Hiking Lists

My AT “Why” Redux

My AT “Why” Redux

Last year, I first journaled my “why” on The Trek: Quiet Man Hikes the AT: Why, I wrote then; For many section hikers the desire to hike the AT started...

Feb 8, 2025 : Rick "Quiet Man"
My 5 W’s For Thru Hiking the AT

My 5 W’s For Thru Hiking the AT

With two months until I step through the arch at Amicalola Falls, now's as good a time as any for an introduction.    WHO Hi, I'm Justin. I'm a professional...

Feb 7, 2025 : Justin Hadley
Do You Need a Reason to Hike the Appalachian Trail?

Do You Need a Reason to Hike the Appalachian Trail?

As I’ve pondered over my reasons for wanting to commit to such a long, arduous hike, one with the potential to be life-changing, I’ve realized that a list of reasons...

Jan 20, 2025 : Sarah Y.
Why Am I Choosing to Hike 6,000 Miles?

Why Am I Choosing to Hike 6,000 Miles?

This Trail is Absurdly Long... What brings someone to willingly set out to walk 6,000 miles? There's plenty of shorter trails out there, right? I'm sure some are quite pretty...

Dec 26, 2024 : Steve Hoekwater
More Than a Dream – The Inspiration Behind My Drive to Thru Hike the Pacific Crest Trail

More Than a Dream – The Inspiration Behind My Drive to Thru Hike the Pacific Crest Trail

Join me as I reflect on the important experiences of my life that guided me to my desire to go on a thru hike. Each of these experiences laid the...

Dec 14, 2024 : Scott Mulvihill
Why I am Hiking the AT

Why I am Hiking the AT

So why now? Honestly there are a lot of reasons I give for hiking the AT now.  It is the right time?  It is a dream of mine? They are...

Dec 2, 2024 : Heather Forester
You’re Doing What????

You’re Doing What????

Why I am hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2025. A list of my reasons and some helpful links to show my family I won't be eaten by bears.

Nov 29, 2024 : Elayna Simmons
Want Enjoyment? Delay Employment (Hike the PCT Instead)

Want Enjoyment? Delay Employment (Hike the PCT Instead)

While all of my peers will be spending their last semester of college applying for jobs, I'll be spending my last semester on shakedown hikes and meticulously curating my gear...

Nov 20, 2024 : Carson Hopwood
Why Hike the Appalachian Trail?

Why Hike the Appalachian Trail?

Perhaps the better question is: Why am I hiking the "Appalachian Trail"? While it may be an easy question, there is no easy answer. the Italian word sfida comes to...

Nov 17, 2024 : Dave Santi
Why I’m Hiking The Long Trail

Why I’m Hiking The Long Trail

Hi I'm Mike, also known as Jukebox on trail. Let's start there.  How I got my Trail Name  One night during my 2022 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail I was...

Sep 19, 2024 : Mike Fox