Thru-Hiking Culture

Hikers Share Their Trail Names and the Stories Behind Them

Hikers Share Their Trail Names and the Stories Behind Them

Who doesn't love a good trail name story? No one knows exactly how the tradition of taking a trail name first came about, but it is undoubtedly one of the...

Apr 22, 2025 : The Editors
I Completed my PCT Thru Hike at a Sequoia Tree (An Ode)

I Completed my PCT Thru Hike at a Sequoia Tree (An Ode)

This is a story of thru hikes, snow, and blizzards as much as it is an ode to a very special tree. 

Apr 20, 2025 : Anna "Blaze" M
GA.ME On!

GA.ME On!

Explore vs. Exploit Exploration is a fundamental aspect of human nature. This drive manifests in various forms, from grand adventures to smaller ones, to everyday choices we make when ordering...

Apr 20, 2025 : Oana and Steve
These Are the Worst Sections of the Appalachian Trail, According to Thru-Hikers

These Are the Worst Sections of the Appalachian Trail, According to Thru-Hikers

In our recent 2024 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, respondents didn’t hold back when naming the sections that left them less than impressed. While many parts of the AT are loved...

Apr 15, 2025 : Katie Jackson
10 Ways the Appalachian Trail Has Changed in the Last 10 Years

10 Ways the Appalachian Trail Has Changed in the Last 10 Years

Times change, but the Appalachian Trail always stays the same … or does it? For hikers, the white blazes can feel like the one constant in an unpredictable world, a...

Apr 14, 2025 : Kelly Floro
MILE 100

MILE 100

It was insanely hot today. I have decided that 4am wake up alarms MUST be set to avoid the sweltering heat of that fickle mistress we call the desert.  I...

Apr 10, 2025 : Starfish
Day 1: From Stone Arches to White Blazes – It Begins

Day 1: From Stone Arches to White Blazes – It Begins

Waking Up to Day One After a night of wine, gear explosions, and meeting trail friends around the fire at Amicalola Lodge, the morning came fast. Although my nerves had...

Apr 7, 2025 : Sunnybrook
The WHY of Why I’m Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: About Challenges, Nature and Expectations

The WHY of Why I’m Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: About Challenges, Nature and Expectations

Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write this post, but as my start date is coming closer, this topic popped into my head again, leading to new realizations...

Apr 7, 2025 : Simon von Hubatius
The Great Stair Climb

The Great Stair Climb

Being in Arizona, coming from Texas I gained 2 hours (not to mention 6000 feet of elevation.) Which means I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 5:30am ready to start...

Apr 3, 2025 : Starfish
I Should’ve Asked More Questions

I Should’ve Asked More Questions

This morning was the very definition of nuttiness. Tho if I'm being honest, a 4am wake up call for an early flight is fairly nutty by itself. Allow me to...

Apr 2, 2025 : Starfish