north carolina

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
Don’t Count The Winter Out

Don’t Count The Winter Out

It's always a bummer in the East after the leaves have fallen, but the winter hikes can bring some great rewards! Growing up in California, I had never heard of...

Dec 4, 2022 : Zach
Great Southeastern Loop: Shining Rock Section

Great Southeastern Loop: Shining Rock Section

The Art Loeb Trail. Wow. What do I say. I feel like the Art Loeb Trail was built entirely as a challenge trail. It's not comfortable. It's got long dry...

Jul 20, 2022 : Zach
Equipment and the Smokies.

Equipment and the Smokies.

My Equipment I'd like to start off talking about my tent. Boundless Camping Denali 2 person Tent, List $193 sale price $125. 65 oz. This is a small tent if...

Jun 30, 2022 : Brit
Two Weeks on the Appalachian Trail

Two Weeks on the Appalachian Trail

135 miles on the Appalachian Trail There have been trials and a lot of misdirection. Even though there are blazes all over the place I still sometimes get confused. The...

Jun 15, 2022 : Brit
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
The Beginning of Something Special

The Beginning of Something Special

Hello to everyone out there on The Trek. I'm Zach, longtime follower, first-time blogger here. In 2007 Andrew Skurka completed the 6,875 Mile Great Western Loop, and with respect to...

Apr 9, 2022 : Zach
Neels Gap to Fontana Dam: A Trip Report

Neels Gap to Fontana Dam: A Trip Report

A trip report from my recent shakedown hike on the Appalachian Trail from Neels Gap to Fontana Dam.

Dec 12, 2020 : Wes Laudeman
Steph’s AT Hike, Days 21-25: Near Fontana Dam to Bluff Mtn

Steph’s AT Hike, Days 21-25: Near Fontana Dam to Bluff Mtn

Overview of days 21-25 of Steph’s Appalachian Trail hike, from near Fontana Dam to Bluff Mountain, NC.

May 11, 2019 : Steph D
Steph’s AT Hike Days 14-20: Franklin, NC, to Fontana Dam

Steph’s AT Hike Days 14-20: Franklin, NC, to Fontana Dam

Trail journal from Days 14-20 on the AT: Franklin, NC to Fontana Dam

Apr 28, 2019 : Steph D