Interview
SOBO Winter Thru-Hike Q&A: Scott Benerofe Update
Hello everybody, my name is Katie "Oats" Houston. I am the Social Media Wiz for The Trek, and I’m so excited to be sharing the first of many interviews this...
Painting the AT: How One Artist is Transforming the Trail, One Hostel at a Time
For the last several years, an artist/hiker, Bobbie Drelick, trail name, “Paint Splash”, has been making a splash—a paint splash—on large sections of the Appalachian Trail, transforming drab, ordinary walls...
From Tragedy To Triumph: How the Appalachian Trail Transformed One Woman’s Life
In 2020, many people quit their hikes because of the pandemic. This is a story of one of them who not only handled the challenges hiking during this unique time,...
Nicholas “Click” Reichard on “SToRIES”: An Interview with a Prolific Hiker, Photographer, and Author
Nick is a thru-hiker, photographer, and dad. In the spring of 2021, Nick added another title to his list - published author. His book SToRIES uses an engaging combination of...
Meet the Eating Disorder Survivor Crushing Miles on the PCT
Sarah Mabee didn’t know she’d be hiking part of the Pacific Crest Trail this year. Nine months ago she didn’t have ambitions to hike any long trail, because at the...
Thru-Hiking Through Grief: How Widower Randy Fuller’s 2019 Hike Changed His Life
I don't remember when I met Randy Fuller, aka Survivor, but I know when I said goodbye. Last July, both of us were midway through our northbound Appalachian Trail thru-hike...
Trail Angel Spotlight: Jim “The Spoon Man” Tabor
All along the rock-strewn trails of Pennsylvania, there have been rumors of a man leaving spoons out on the trail for hikers to find. Well, the rumors are true. And...
Interviewing an Artist: Elina Osborne on her PCT Film Experience
It is no secret that thru-hiking is good for the soul, but some people find that a months-long sojourn in the wilderness also does wonders for their creative sides. Year...
How the Hike Changes You: Reflections from 2019 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers
“It’s official,” I told my friend on the phone as I stepped outside and braced against the cold. “I just blew up my life.” The day was January 6, 2019,...
Trail Angel Spotlight: The Trekking Twins
While the average age of trail maintainers on the Appalachian Trail keeps getting older, there are two octogenarians who don't let age get in the way