Hello! I am a semi-retired construction professional and a thru hiker wannabe. Way back in 1977 at the age of 19, I took a term off from college to hike the PCT. Life got in the way of doing another big hike until 2017 when I retired and did a NOBO on the AT. Since then, I have also done the CT and TRT. In 2022 I changed things up and did a bike tour, pedaling from Yorktown, VA to Astoria, OR. In 2023, I'll be doing the AZT, starting in mid-March.

Abby Evans (she/they) is a strange bird and a (unpublished) poet who will measure their 2023 Appalachian Trail NOBO thru hike by how fast their shaved head hair grows back. They are fundraising during their hike for the Venture Out Project, a nonprofit that leads backpacking and wilderness trips for the LGBTQ+ community (a GoFundMe is linked to their "tip the author" button.) They will continue on the trail one day and one hair follicle at a time. Someday, they will have a head of hair and several pairs of worn out shoes. They’ll be walking through all of the states they grew up in; they were born in Maryland, grew up in New Jersey and went to college at Virginia Tech. They’re not sure where their life is going — but they’re determined to make it to Maine around their 23rd birthday (August 24.)

Howdy! We are Jeff (TBD) and Sarah (Filibuster or Fili), and we are hiking (tramping, as the Kiwis say) the South Island Te Araroa NoBo in New Zealand. We have put cramped cubicles and fluorescent lighting on hold while we travel the globe for a year-ish in search of adventure, awesome trails, great beer, and decent coffee (tea for Sarah). We are relatively experienced backpackers, but Te Araroa is our first thru-hike. We are also as far from hardcore backpackers as we think we can possibly be. Jeff carries quite a bit of (un)necessary electronics with him, and Sarah struggles with her pack’s total weight (it might have something to do with having a first aid kit that has her ready for any potential mega disaster). We also find ourselves to be the last people to reach various campsites; not sure if that's because we are slow or everyone else is superhuman (leaning towards the latter). We hope you enjoy our adventures as well as lessons learned :) If you want to check out more and join us on the trail, follow us on Instagram, visit our website, or peruse our YouTube channel. //// adventuresofjeffandsarah.com ////// youtube.com/@adventuresofjeffandsarah

Hi! My name is Alejandra (she/her). I'm originally from Mexico but now live near Indianapolis, IN. As an archaeologist, I spend most of my time outdoors, but nothing compares to a good ol' backpacking trip. Thanks to my mom, I discovered backpacking in college and haven't looked back since! This year I'm attempting to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. I'm super excited and can't wait to start this adventure. Feel free to follow along on my 2198.4-mile journey! Happy trails!

Hi! My name is Annick, I'm a mountain enthusiast born and raised in a country below sea level. Hiking the PCT in '23 for charity. Thank you, United States, for letting me visit and hike your west coast mountain trail, and thank you, dear reader, for following me along for the hike.

Hi from Grandma Gatewood’s hiking grounds, the Hopewell Culture’s Serpent Mound, and Lake Erie. We are Beth and Tom, trail names Dessert Queen (one who looks at the dessert menu first before the entrée) and Mr. Rook (one who plays chess), lifelong hikers who are setting off on our next adventure, a flip flop thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. Our journey begins in April 2023 as we willfully step onto the Goodloe E. Byron Memorial Pedestrian Walkway to cross the Potomac River with our backpacks filled with gear needed for this six month journey. We are embracing the spirit of the month and the characteristics of the Jungian archetype The Fool by demonstrating confidence, persistence, and courage. We believe that it is not too late to aim high, to practice joy and awe, to be curious and try new things and to face the unknown together.

I am recently retired and about to start my first thru hike. It is my hope to begin a NOBO trek of the Appalachian Trail spring of 2023. It would be an understatement to say I was just a little nervous at the prospect of pursuing such a daunting adventure. I look forward to sharing my progress with family, friends and fellow hiking enthusiasts. I welcome your moral support and look forward to sharing my experiences.

Hi, I'm Björn, from Kiel, Northern Germany. I'm a 35-year-old Civil Engineer and will attempt a Nobo on the PCT in 2023. As an alien, there's lots of stuff to do, before you lock your house in Germany and move to the U.S. for half a year. I love being outside, hiking, climbing, running, and swimming. Cooking, Baking, and dehydrating Food is also a passion of mine.

Heyo! I’m Fortune Cookie. Beginning in late March I’ll be NOBO thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. When I reach the summit of Katahdin, I’ll check the AT off my bucket list. I look forward to what the trail and her hikers will teach me. Here's to learning, growing, and changing for the better. The day-jobs I’m leaving behind for six months are part-time newspaper reporter, weekly columnist, and part-time sales at an art gallery. When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, beach glassing, chasing waterfalls and catching up on sleep.

My name is CJ and I am originally from Queens, NY but have spent most of my life in Northern VA, where I currently call home. I am 47 years old and spent the past 20 plus years managing and helping to open restaurants up and down the East Coast. I still can't believe that in 2023, my girlfriend Brandee and our cattle dog, Beo, are headed north on the AT from Springer Mountain, GA. I am looking forward to sharing this incredible experience of a lifetime with all of you!

Hi, I’m Courtney! I will be setting out NOBO on the AT with my dad and my dog, Jake, in early April.

Howdy! My name is David (he/they), but I go by "Good Soup" on the trail. I'm hiking NOBO on the Appalachian Trail in 2023. I will be documenting my preparations and journey with blog posts here on The Trek. And you get to read them! How neat! Subscribe to my Trek articles if you like 'em. Instagram: @hopefully.its.david

My name is David AKA Wazo. I live in Phoenix. I love hiking, backpacking, camping, and bicycling. In June 2022, I completed the 545-mile AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride that goes from San Francisco to LA and benefits HIV services. I've had a couple complications that have limited my planned thru-hikes over the past couple of years. 2023 will be the charm! I can be reached at [email protected]

Sup Fam! My name is Derek (currently accepting trail name suggestions) and I'll be thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail NOBO in April 2023. Im from Paradise, CA originally and now I live in San Antonio, TX and have had the pleasure of living in WV, HI and Honduras in between. In no particular order I'm a physician, veteran, hiker, nerd, jokester and student of the game. Follow my journey on The Trek, Facebook or Instagram @Barkelycharles.

AT NOBO 2023; 6/48 NH 4000'. I've been dreaming about an AT thru-hike since the pandemic. Now, in between jobs, I finally have the time. When not on trail, I am an attorney, tabletop dungeon master, SCUBA diver, home cook, wife, and pet mom. Subscribe to my articles to follow along, or follow me on Instagram: @eliseisontheAT.

Hey! My names Elliot and I am hiking the AT with my wife Britta. I'm a Brit who moved to America 4 years ago to live in the Smoky Mountains. I lay claim to the titles of 'Worst Boy Scout of all time' and 'Most likely to overpack on a trip'. Both of these titles lead me to believe that Britta and I will have nothing but success on the trail! Follow me on the gram @rollason94

I've been a backpacker for more than a decade, but my first thru-hike was the Colorado Trail in 2019. It spurred further adventures such as the South Dakota Centennial Trail and an attempt of the Uinta Highline Trail. Last summer I thru-hiked the AT northbound, it was an amazing experience! This summer I am reuniting with several tramily members to hike the PCT northbound, starting in the first half of April. Excited to spend another summer in the woods!

I'm a music teacher (she/her) from Vermont who is setting out to thru-hike the AT with my best friend! I'm trading ski season for grassy balds, sugaring season for ramen noodles, and playing music for listening to the birds. I'm most looking forward to eating sour gummy worms every day for 5 months.

Aloha! My name is Goda, trail name Freyja! This year, I will be setting out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail which will be my completion of my Triple Crown! I have been a long-distance backpacker and blogger since 2019. I am in the process of writing my first book about what life is like on trail. Alongside that, I will be sharing my experiences of hitchhiking as a solo woman across the United States! When I’m not backpacking, I make high-end sustainable macramé rope dresses and decor all around the world. You can check those out on my website: GoodVibeGoda.com In celebration of a life-changing feat of thru-hiking the PCT in ‘19, 2% of each purchase price will be donated to the PCTA for maintenance and improvement of the Pacific Crest Trail for backpackers and hikers.

I’m George from the Old North State. I’m going AT Northbound this March with my daughter, Madeline. Looking forward to all the upcoming adventures, and bloggin’ about them for anyone interested in following along… yeehaw!

Hi, I'm Halle! My first thru hike was a lesser-known long distance trail in Southern California called the Backbone Trail. I've been solo hiking for about 5 years now across 50 states and 51 national parks. Other than a hiker, I'm a rock climber, dog mom, vanlifer, wilderness guide, outdoor educator, and more than anything, a leave no trace advocate. Give me ponderosa pine trees, wildflowers, sunrises, and mountain peaks and I'll be a happy hiker! You can follow me at @sunbirdsoul on all social media.

My name is Jamie Bone. My mother describes me as feral. My husband loves me because I'm wild. My friends say I have a way of allowing others to be themselves. Whatever the reason, I'm fortunate and grateful to have wonderful people in my life while I explore this playground called Earth. If I come across you on the street, I'll probably want to hear your story because I love talking to strangers. Loves: backpacking, animals, food, art, games, learning, naps, love

Middle aged woman saying YES to Adventure. A "retired" stay at home mom to 4 grown young adults and 2 dogs. Married to my college sweetheart, who is also my "sponsor" of my attempted Thru Hike - thanks Honey! While grateful for my new beach living location, finding the country club life a bit too slow. The Mountains are calling...

I'm just a girl named Jessica from Pennsylvania. I have an amazing wife--my biggest supporter--and 5 crazy cats that make our days amusing. I'm headed NoBo on the AT with only a year of backpacking experience but hey, how else do we learn? I like long walks through the woods, drinking filtered creek water, and wondering if that noise was a bear who's about to eat all my food. Side note: I'd like to thank Doug for the inspiration to take this journey. If you're reading this, just know that the foundation and encouragement you gave me were monumental.

Hi, I'm Jim, AKA Dirty Gil, and I will be hiking the Florida Trail this winter. Despite being a native Floridian, and being a Florida Trail Association member on and off for more than 30 years, I have never strung the entire trail up in one trip. This is the year to do just that. I completed the AT in 2013, the PCT in 2016, and look to add many more arrows to my quiver of trails. Follow my personal blog on ewokthetrail.com if you want to see daily posts.

My name is Joanne, and I live just outside the Pisgah National Forest of NC close to Asheville. Living in Western NC offers endless opportunities for my family to do what we love - hike and chase waterfalls of course! Long distance section hiking the first 512 miles from Georgia to Virginia of the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Loop in RMNP have collectively been the most amazing experiences of my life, with the exception of motherhood. I am a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, wife, and mother to an amazing kind-spirited 23 yr old daughter. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences on The Trek in preparation for, and during my 2023 Appalachian Trail flip flop thru-hike with a NOBO start in Virginia to Katahdin Maine and a finish in Springer Mountain Georgia. Happy Hiking! “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” — T.S. Eliott Follow Me on Instagram: Joanne_Gigliotti Follow Me on YouTube: Joanne Gigliotti @jojohikes

Hi! I'm Jon, but on the trail I'm known as "The Incident." There's a good story behind my trail name, but I'll have to know you better before I tell it. Maybe after I summit Katahdin. Maybe. I'm married to "Princess Beastmode," father of three grown children, one only of whom has a trail name (Poppywhacker). Mrs. The Incident and I will be living the vanlife with our two golden doodles, Gus & Roux, as I hike the AT in 2023. I'm a mostly retired fluvial geomorphologist (I did river studies) and a published author (my River Elegy books can be found on Amazon). I hope to see you on the trail!

I'm a middle-aged guy from Minnesota who's been in the Air Force his entire adult life. I'm a dad/husband with 2 kids and 2 dogs. I'm backpacking the CDT NOBO in May of '23.

Hi! I'm Josh. I ride bikes, hike and generally try to avoid adulting. I'll be attempting a thru-hike of the PCT in 2023 and sharing bits and pieces of the journey. Thanks for reading!

HEY!!!!!! My name is Journey and I am hiking the PCT with the class of 23' starting in March! I recently graduated high school and I am thrilled to begin this adventure of a lifetime on the trail. I was born and raised in Arizona, and I have grown up spending my summers adventuring and working at an ice cream shop in Colorado. I adore adventures in creation with those I love, thai food, watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, trail running, drawing & journaling, listening to the band Caamp, hammock naps, and drinking tea. SO STOKED to be a Trek Blogger this season, and I would be thrilled if you could check out my fundraiser for global clean water at https://www.charitywater.org/journ-fleishman and follow my hike at @mypctjourney on Instagram!!!!

Oh gosh, where to begin? I am a 52-year-old Texan, currently working as a massage therapist. Previously I was a Homeschool Mom Extraordinaire and am also a recovering accountant. ;) Hiking the AT has been a dream for me since I was 18 years old and first discovered on a trip to Gatlinburg, TN that the trail existed. It never occurred to me at that time that I had it within my power to make it happen. Hindsight is 20/20. My reasons for finally making the trek at this point in life are numerous, that's an onion with many layers. Primarily, I have recently overcome fear that was holding me back. That's a story all in itself. My personal goal is Self-discovery and spiritual communion with nature. My motto: Life is for LIVING. See you on the trail!

Howdy, Patchwork here! Adventurer and far north specialist with years spent in Alaska, Canada, and Lapland on adventures and research. Solo kayaked on Pacific waters in British Columbia, Canada in search of spirit bears, the rarest species of bears in the world. Solo biked through Yukon in winter, Alaska, Kamchatka, done XC skiing adventures in Northwest Territories, solo hiked Pacific Crest Trail. Stayed with Canadian/Alaskan trappers, biologists, and rangers. Titled Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic (Polish edition) and awarded with Colossus / Kolos (the most prestigious travel award in the country). Journalist and podcaster. Public speaker and storyteller at the biggest travel festivals, events, and conferences. Furthermore, naturalist, bear behaviorist and wildlife photographer.

Hey, I'm Kara, trail name pending until I get one! I'm starting the Appalachian Trail in March 2023. My favorite things are food, flowers, and books. I live on a farm in Ohio and enjoy walks with my dog, gardening, and spending time with my family.

I currently reside in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia about an hour outside of Washington DC. Born and raised on the east coast. As an adult I’ve enjoyed playing and exploring multiple areas of the Appalachian Trail. I’m a runner, reader, mother, grandmother, nature lover, educator and I enjoy the beauty in the smallest things. Life is meant to be lived and embraced. On March 30th 2023 I will embark on an epic adventure with my husband and attempt a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. We both long to experience life in a different environment, lifestyle, routine, and face the many challenges together along this journey of self-discovery and growth. We decided several years back this would be how we step into our 25th year of marriage. We are high school sweethearts; we married and started our family at a young age. Surviving and persevering throughout the years of parenthood and quite frankly just growing up together. A lot of life happens in the course of 30 years. Our hike will be a celebration and a journey of self-discovery as we step into the next season of our life together..

Hey y'all, I'm Kelsey. I love root beer floats, my sheltie dogs, beauty pageants, Dolly Parton, vintage home décor, the color green, my mullet man of a husband, cheesy photo booths, and a good night's sleep. Hiking too, I guess. I am a nature educator & certified interpretive guide currently working in plant conservation... until I leave for my nobo AT hike in March 2023. Kurt Hahn said “There is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.” I am hiking to see my "more."

Hi, my name is Kira! (known as Runway on trail) I am a fashion designer and thru hiker, who recently finished an end to end hike of the Long Trail in Vermont. I have a love of nature, reality tv, and chicken pot pie. I document my hikes through writing and drawing and I'm excited to be a blogger for the 2023 season! Stay tuned for my journeys' along the Trans Catalina Trail and the Colorado Trail this year!

Hello Friends! My name is Laura and I'm excited to connect with you as I embark on a northbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail with my husband Paul in April, 2023. I practice and instruct qigong, which has its roots in the observation of nature. This practice offers balance to the physicality of backpacking and I am very happy to bring it with me. I also enjoy painting, gardening and cooking and these are things I shall miss while on the trail. The AT is a pilgrimage. I hope to embrace both my vulnerability and strength while becoming more patient and comfortable with discomfort. I intend on developing a deeper connection with nature and humanity while cultivating inner peace and enhancing my perspective.

My name is Leonie (she/her) and in 2023 I am going to attempt a thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. I have recently retired and have this incredible opportunity to travel and hike my dream trail. I consider myself still a newbie hiker/backpacker and admit that I have lots to learn, I am excited for this journey and look forward to sharing my experiences with my family, friends and blog readers!

Sup? I'm Lightning Rod, I'm a NorCal native and expert in nothing. I've thru hiked the TRT 2020, and LASH’d the PCT in 2022. I’m back this year to attempt the AZT and to finish up the last half of the PCT.

My name is Logan Laliberte, I am a 20 year old backpacker from Lewiston, Maine. I thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2021 and am attempting a thru of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023

Hi, I am Margaret (she/her). In March 2023 I will be walking from Georgia to Maine via the Appalachian Trail. I was born and lived in good ol' Maine for 26 years. For the past 14 years I have been residing in The Netherlands with my amazing wife and our two crazy adorable cats. You are more then welcome to follow me on my 2,198.4 mile adventure.

Hi everyone! I’m Margot (she/her), and I’ll be setting off on the PCT going southbound in July 2023. I’m French but have been living in Australia for the past two years. I’m an avid reader (will I bring my Kindle in my backpack? Only time will tell), and incredibly passionate about snacking. I’m looking forward to taking you all with me on my 2,650-mile walk.

My name is Michael, but on the trail I've answered to Zen, Easy, Yogi, and a few names I'd rather not repeat. I've been hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail for over 30 years, and have just decided to put it all together and complete a lifelong dream of walking from Georgia to Maine. Besides the joys of having a great family, I also love snowboarding, yoga, reading, cooking, and brewing beer, I've also spent over two decades as a funeral director. Living my life so close to death has taught me not to put off my dreams... so the adventure begins.

Hey y'all! Morgan here, my trail name on the AT was Savory though! Well here I am turning to the dark side from thru hiker in 2022 to being a Crest Runner on the PCT in 2023. Just kidding, I'm just excited to write about the behind the scenes of what it is like working for a trail rather than thru hiking the trail.

My sister, Walkie, and I were raised on the Beatles and baseball by New Yorkers in the South. We are section-hiking the Appalachian Trail and excited to share our hike with you. Thank you, Trail!

Hey there, I’m Nala. This year marks my oh-so-glorious second attempt on the Appalachian Trail! I’m passionate about women’s issues, the struggles we face in the woods and while thru-hiking, and the role the great outdoors can play in our divine feminine energy. I hope to inspire women to get out on the trail without compromising our femininity. I’m a 15-year vegan, 2-year healthy plant-based, 1-year aspiring gluten-free gal, and I’ll be trying to replicate the lifestyle during my thru-hike this year. Crazy talk, I know! AT Class of 2016 & 2023, Kilimanjaro 2022, future PCT Class of 2024

My name is Nancy! I will be thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2023. I'm an Office Manager, a licensed Aesthetician, and owner of Skin Rox. My interests range from food to much more "geeky" things. I've always had a passion for writing and telling stories. Come along with me on my adventures!

Hey y'all! I am super pumped to be thru hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2023, going NOBO. I have worked in restaurant operations for most of my career, so I am looking forward to experiencing what the trail has to offer. I grew up in Delaware and currently live in Northern Virginia, so I am excited to see what's been in my backyard in a different way.

I'm Nate Palmer (He/Him) and I'm thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail NOBO! I'm an old soul and a bit of a masochist at heart. I find meaning in identifying opportunity in adversity and sharing my happiness with others. I joined The Trek as a creative outlet and hope to share my journey with you in all of its glory: laughs, tears, and sour gummy worms!

Acrostic introduction N. Not entirely sure why I'm so confident in my ability to do all things. My track record says I should think otherwise I. Incredibly stubborn. My will is strong like bull. C. Cheech and Chong, David Goggins, Zorro the pirate Hunter, and the honorable and majestic Bigfoot are all my patronus's . K. Keep Will Smith's wife's name out yo mouf. But You should know I'm okay if you think my wife is a badass. I'm super grateful and appreciative of her support of my quest . I'm also appreciative of anybody also chooses to follow along.

Hi, I'm Paul. Some of my hobbies include bushcrafting, hiking, writing, and (when I have time) playing the banjo. I have loved the outdoors ever since I've been a child. Most of what I remember the clearest involves going on camping trips or nature walks with my father. These days, I go on long hikes almost every weekend. My general rule is, if I am not sleeping or working, I'm in the woods or at least outdoors. I have wanted to go on a sizable thru-hike ever since I saw the first Lord of the Rings movie in theaters, way back in 2001. I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2021 and will be thru-hiking the PCT in 2023. I'll be updating you all of my comings and goings throughout the whole journey.

I’m a 26 year old solo female hiker who fell in love with thru hiking back in 2017 when I hiked the first 1300 miles of the PCT. After the PCT I went back and finished college and then worked in Boston for a few years. When COVID hit in 2020 I lost my job; and later that year I wound up putting everything in storage and began traveling the US in a 19ft RV. Since then I went back and hiked the entire PCT in 2022, this time doing a SOBO/flip-flop hike. This year in 2023 I am walking from Alabama to Maine (Bama to Baxter). I started on the Pinhoti Trail, which I will then connect to a portion of the Benton MacKaye trail, and then finally I will begin the Appalachian Trail. Cumulatively this Bama to Baxter hike will be over 2600 miles.

Howdy! My name is Ryan, and I'm a life-long Texan based out of Austin. I first moved here to attend The University of Texas (Hook 'em Horns!), and ended up falling in love with the city. On week days, I'm a geographer, but on evenings and weekends I'm a runner, cyclist, and backpacker. Growing up in Scouts, the AT has been on my radar ever since I first learned about it at Northern Tier, and I've been wanting to hike it ever since. As luck would have it, the end of my lease lined up perfectly with NOBO starting season! So in March of 2023, I'll be selling most of my belongings, buying a one way ticket to Amicalola Falls State Park, and hiking the AT NOBO all the way to Mt. Katahdin!

Hi! I'm Sam! I'm tramping the Te Araroa NOBO. I'm hiking, because I want to slow down and speed up. I want to embrace simplicity, forgiveness, and freedom in a way that only a trail can provide. I'm hiking for clarity and peace, for new beginnings and new challenges. I'm hiking, because it's a dream that only I can create into my reality.

I'm Sammi! I'm 31 and am a veterinary assistant. I'm married to a wonderful husband and we have 4 fur babies! We also have chickens and bunnies. I'm setting off on the Appalachian Trail in April. Im starting at Harpers Ferry and doing a north bound flip flop.

I'm Sara Falck. I was born in the north of Sweden, in a small mining town above the polar circle. At 23 years old, I feel like I know both everything and absolutely nothing about life. In 2023 I'm hiking the PCT, northbound, because walking north always felt like going home. @sara_falcken

My name is Scott Hatfield. I will be attempting a Thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail starting in April of 2023.

Hi Friends! Scott here. I am a small business owner, soccer referee, jack-of-all-trades type who loves to pause life to travel and get into an adventure every year or three. I'm excited to be attempting a thru-hike of the PCT (nobo) in 2023. Follow along as I figure this crazy thing out. :-)

Professional plant nerd setting out to hike New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail in 2023! I'm hitting the pause button on a career managing public gardens and landscapes so that I can take some time to dwell deeply in our world's natural spaces. Feeling immensely grateful for this opportunity to live outdoors and walk every day, and excited to carry my pack 1800 miles across a whole country. Also, it's been a minute since my last long-distance thru-hike (read: 20 years), so you can join me in discovering how much aging can really happen to the human body in two decades! Hope you'll read along.

If you’re lost, follow me! My name is Stephen and I’m retired US Army after 23+ years of service. Starting my AT Thru-hike (NOBO) 16 February 23. I decided to complete this journey for three reasons: 1. It’s a bucket list and a once in a lifetime opportunity, 2. I’m looking for some reflection of my career and past experiences, 3. I have the opportunity to take a “gap” year and discover what I want to do for my next career amid my transition from Soldier to civilian. I prefer my steak rare, bourbon with orange bitters, and my inner nerd loves documentaries/history. I’m an avid skier and cyclist who has completed a few triathlons. Looking forward to this challenge and meeting fellow outdoor enthusiasts along the way. I can’t wait to receive a trail name! I’m also trying to help raise money for the Greg Hill Foundation based out of Boston, MA. If you’re interested in learning more, please follow the link! https://www.thegreghillfoundation.org/campaign/stephen-palazzos-appalachian-journey/

Hi! My name is Suzi, I'm 59 years old and fairly new to hiking but love it! I have a wonderful husband of 21 years who will NOT be hiking with me, but will support. I had a long and satisfying career working with computers and am now ready to take on some of the adventures that were tough to do while working. I am very much a newbie hiker and camper, AND a newbie blogger so this will be interesting!!

Hi everyone! My name is Sydney (she/her) and I'm a midwestern gal hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail in the summer of 2023. By the time I'm hiking, I'll be a recent graduate from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). I'm excited to embark on this journey and to share my adventures with all of you, as well as all the weird food combinations I'll likely get up to.

We are The Family. In 2023, we will attempt to complete the Pacific Crest Trail. We might be wrong, and please correct us if we are, but we think this might make us the first family of seven to finish the trail. And since we did the Appalachian Trail in 2020 and the Continental Divide Trail in 2022, The Beast will become the first seven-year-old Triple Crowner (in fairness we didn't 'redline' the CDT, but we did connect a continuous and unbroken footpath from Crazy Cook to Waterton in one year). And we think we will also be the first to carry a baby on TWO long trails! And just to double-down on the weirdness of The Family, we have lived in Chad, Africa for the past 12+ years. So go ahead and subscribe to this blog if you want to know the right/wrong ways to backpack with too many kids! ;)

Hello there My name is Timothy Leid! I will be embarking on a thru hike of the Appalachian trail this year with my wife Savanna for our honeymoon! Me and Savanna met when I was 10 and she was 9. Over the years we've always shared a deep love of hiking and a dream to one day hike the Appalachian trail join us as we attempt to make that dream reality!

My name is Titouan, I am 25 years old and I'll be attempting to thru-hike the PCT in 2023. I am a French filmmaker/photographer who loves sports, movies, music, and being outside.

Hi! My trail name is "Doctor Za" and I'm on a three-year quest to hike the Triple Crown by my 65th year! I completed the PCT in 2022, and I'm gearing up to thru-hike the CDT in 2023. Join me as I plan, prepare and embark on my adventure across the backbone of the continental USA! Follow my journey on Instagram @hiker.todd

My name is Tommy and in 2023 I am thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. I'm based in Northern California (Go Kings) and I like to write about hiking.

Hi everyone! My name is Chris, but my friends call me Tucker. I am 37 (soon to be 38) years old, and I live in Richmond, VA. I recently left my teaching career after more than a decade in the classroom, and I am looking forward to heading out on a new adventure and seeing what life has to offer. Time to hit the trail! If you want to follow along with the adventures - both on the trail and off - check me out on Instagram: @tuck.on.trail. When I'm not hiking around the east coast I am usually on other adventures with my wife Amy, and our dog, Nala. We love to travel, eat, and experience everything that life around us has to offer.