Thru-Hiking Culture

Congratulations to these 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 2

Congratulations to these 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 2

Embarking on the iconic Appalachian Trail – a 2,190-mile journey that weaves through the heart of America's wilderness, traversing fourteen states along the contours of the Appalachian Mountain Range

Aug 16, 2023 : Kendra Slagter
Congratulations to these 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 1

Congratulations to these 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 1

Ah, the Appalachian Trail – an iconic trail woven through the fabric of America's wilderness. Stretching over 2,190 miles and spanning fourteen states, this trail traces the contours of the

Aug 11, 2023 : Kendra Slagter
I fell into a vortex in Oregon’s best trail town

I fell into a vortex in Oregon’s best trail town

Lost Luggage I landed in Medford, Oregon after a trip back east for a family wedding - with both my backpack and kitesurfing gear in tow! My plan was to...

Jul 30, 2023 : Mary
Through the Looking Glass: East Glacier’s Best New Trail Angel

Through the Looking Glass: East Glacier’s Best New Trail Angel

Meet Luna, owner of the CDT's best new hostel, Looking Glass Basecamp. Her inspiring story of triumph in the face of global catastrophe.

Jul 14, 2023 : Matthew Kok
This PCT Poem Perfectly Captures the Thru-Hiking Experience

This PCT Poem Perfectly Captures the Thru-Hiking Experience

The poem below is a guest submission by Noah "Juice Boxx" Bernays. Bernays wrote it during his PCT thru-hike in 2022, and it still evokes powerful thoughts and memories of...

Jul 6, 2023 : Guest Post
Tales From The Trail

Tales From The Trail

What have I learned? I have only been hiking for 5 weeks and have covered just over 500 miles. I have met so many amazing people and I’ve learned so...

May 29, 2023 : Amelia Hill
What Is a Trail Name and How Do I Get One?

What Is a Trail Name and How Do I Get One?

A thru-hike is a unique opportunity that attracts a very unique crowd of people. Who else would unabashedly refer to themselves as "hiker trash?" It only makes sense that this...

May 24, 2023 : Rachel Shoemaker
Carl “Professor” Stanfield: Reflections on the Calendar Year Triple Crown

Carl “Professor” Stanfield: Reflections on the Calendar Year Triple Crown

In 2022, I set out to backpack more miles in a calendar year than had ever been done. My goal was to average nearly 30 miles a day over 365...

May 23, 2023 : Carl Stanfield
Lessons Learned The Harder Way

Lessons Learned The Harder Way

Day 39 11 miles Earworm of the day: Baxter 3rd is Under Fucking Siege, Penelope Scott Yeah... I was grumpy from being over tired. Do things like interacting, hiking, and...

May 20, 2023 : Guinevere Drabik
Language and Overalls

Language and Overalls

Two months! My coworker and I have been at the terminus for two months now working. And let me say, there have so many incredible people that I have met. From...

May 8, 2023 : Morgan Skinner