Appalachian Trail Blog

Unpacking Fears on the Appalachian Trail

Unpacking Fears on the Appalachian Trail

Unpacking Fears  There is an old saying on trail I love. I think it can be applied to any situation or journey in life. The first time I ever heard...

Jan 23, 2023 : Joanne Gigliotti
Taking Six Months Off Work

Taking Six Months Off Work

Welcome back! After deciding to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail (AT), one of the bigger steps I had to take was telling my boss I would need 6-7 months off work....

Dec 15, 2022 : Nancy Kinnaman
Ever Wonder What Its Like To Live In A Trail Town?

Ever Wonder What Its Like To Live In A Trail Town?

As the warm, busy summer days get shorter, the hikers become less. The town quiets, but people still come around, because there’s still beauty to see. One thing that caught...

Dec 1, 2022 : Josh Widdowfield
My Name’s 301, a Hiker and Trail Angel

My Name’s 301, a Hiker and Trail Angel

As I traveled on the Appalachian Trail in 2021, I had no idea what was in store for me. My name is 301 (three oh one) I’m a hiker, and...

Nov 20, 2022 : Josh Widdowfield
Who Have I Become?

Who Have I Become?

Who Have I Become? A Concluding Synopsis Post Appalachian Trail That's a great question. The answer is colorful and convoluted and anyone that has accomplished the great task of a...

Oct 17, 2022 : Anna Hamrick
Answers Questioned, Part One

Answers Questioned, Part One

I’ve had the pleasure and honor of being in the right place at the right time for two impromptu interviews on the trail. One interview was with the Green Tunnel...

Jul 30, 2022 : Wendy Boller
From Neuroses and Anxiety to Routine and Monotony

From Neuroses and Anxiety to Routine and Monotony

I’ve been noticing some internal shifts. They happened slowly, then all at once. I love that quote, or misquote, from The Sun Also Rises. “Gradually, then suddenly,” is the actual...

Jun 27, 2022 : Wendy Boller
If I Could Plan Again

If I Could Plan Again

A change in planning strategy for the Appalachian Trail

Jun 15, 2022 : Mountain Goat
Why Are We Doing This? Why Am I Doing This?

Why Are We Doing This? Why Am I Doing This?

I was almost at the top of a ridge. I picked my way over rocks. The scent of honeysuckle and wildflowers surrounded me, filled my nostrils. Buzz of bees and...

Jun 12, 2022 : Wendy Boller
Can Bears Trip When They Run?

Can Bears Trip When They Run?

When hiking the Appalachian Trail, all kinds of  thoughts pop into my head. Seemingly random thoughts that make no sense half the time. Maybe it's the exhaustion of the steep...

Jun 8, 2022 : Brit