Hi, I'm Abigail. I'm a local journalist and outdoor enthusiast sectioning the Arizona Trail. Midwestern-raised and coming to love the Southwest.

I'm Allison, I like long walks on the beach when it's raining, so I think I'll like a long walk in the woods while it's raining. Tree cover, am I right? I'm a New Englander, gone Virginian, currently calling the AT my home (try explaining that to strangers). I like to hike, climb, ski, read, do yoga and run marathons really slow to raise money for charity. When I'm not outdoors, you can find me snuggling my rescue pup and binge watching tv shows and documentaries (instant gratification is my worst enemy and leads to sleepless nights). Follow my journey SOBO on the AT.

My name is Allison and I'm always looking for the next big adventure. I am a traveling nurse who loves backpacking, cycling, fly fishing, weight lifting, and rock climbing. I love spending time with my partner Rachael and our fur-baby sprout. This is where you can follow along my thru-hike of the PCT in 2020.

Hello! I'm Amara, I've got a goal of hiking the Appalachian Trail NOBO in March 2021 and I hope to become an illustrator after I take my first adventure on the AT. I might end up doing the Triple Crown though, who knows....

Starting my 2020 AT flip-flop hike in May. North Carolina native, still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Always asking, 'what comes next?' The AT is a great way to find out.

Living my best life with a dead mans child and a hole in my heart. I am Angela. I am a widowed mother of three, and a pediatric nurse. I am a novice hiker. I have found peace in the woods since my husbands death. It’s the only place in the world now where I feel like I belong. I’m beyond excited to venture out and thru-hike the AT. I am a survivor. I am lost. I’m hoping to heal and find myself again. I want to show the world that there’s power in grief, and even when life is painful there’s still so much beauty in the world.

Dirtbag mountain girl from Maine headed to Georgia in March to walk home. I'm a recent college grad and outdoor instructor obsessed with rock climbing, alpine skiing, and of course, backpacking! There's a good chance I'll shower more on the trail than I do in real life.

Hey! I hiked the AT Sobo last year - 2019 - and just finished up in snowy December. This year I'll be hiking the South West Coast Path (630 mile coastal route in UK, the Tour du Mont Blanc, PCT SOBO and starting the Te Araroa in NZ I'm a teacher by trade but also a writer, speaker and advocate for honesty in mental and physical health. I'm here for all your chat, sass and amusing feedback. Excited to chat with you. You can find me most active on Instagram as @appalachiangail

I'm Becca, a former high school English teacher and cross country/track coach. I enjoy a lot of things, but my absolute favorites include running, reading, writing, and hiking. Don't even get me started on the definite existence of Sasquatch, the endless beauty of Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or how to judge donuts.

Hey! I'm Becky. I'm a Denver-ite, software developer, and lover of running, travel, walruses, and sweet potatoes. I'll be hiking the AT NOBO this year (2021) while following a gluten- and dairy-free diet and trying to keep my head warm.

Avid thru-hiker, runner, climber, skiier, and all around outdoor enthusiast. Planning to finish the triple crown on the northern half of the CDT in the summer of '24

I'm a square peg, a wanderer, a gypsy, and a hippie massage therapist. I've spent my life failing at fitting into what the world calls normal. I don't like to stay in the same place for too long, material possessions feel like weights dragging me down. I want to explore, see new places and meet new people. I believe in being kind to others. Treating others the way I want to be treated. "We aren't all going through the sane thing, but we are all going through something" I'm a novice hiker with most of my experience scrambling the deserts and canyons of the Las Vegas valley. I dream of a triple crown by my 50th birthday in 2025!

Older, wiser, cat-hoarding, tree-hugging, hippie vegetarian. Originally from Montana, currently trapped in the searing hell of central Texas. PCT- maybe next year. IG/YT: FunkyScribe

Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail starting April 6th, 2021.

Caleb's the name, 2,193 mile jaunts in the woods is my game. Hopefully. Follow along if you want to see this Missouri boy attempt to walk from Georgia to Maine celebrating his quarter-life crisis.

I'm a Wisconsin native living in the Pacific Northwest! After completing a 240 mile PCT section hike in 2019, I became completely obsessed with long distance hiking, which ultimately lead to a 2020 NOBO JMT Thru Hike!! I'm also bald. PCT 2021? Instagram: @chadahooche_ Website: www.hikertrashnation.com

Hi, I'm Dee (aka. OneSpeed). My husband and I are blissfully retired from California State Parks, where we spent the bulk of our careers at the beach. We have, for all practical purposes, traded in our swim fins and surfboards for backpacks and trekking poles. Since successfully completing the PCT in 2014, the draw for thru-hiking has not waned. And frankly, it's about damn time for another thru-hike. Bear in mind that Mother Nature and Mr. Murphy (of "Murphy's Law") tend to accompany us regularly, so we're accustomed to a bit of misadventure...from time to time. Join us as we travel along this adventure smorgasbord, that is the CDT, as we live our motto: "You can Wonder all your want, or you can Wander and find out." You can follow or peruse our other adventures at 2moremiles.com

Bruce "Dudley" Watts ... Dudley was to hike the AT in 2020 but Covid killed those plans. So in 2020 and 2021, he remained in Canada and thru-hiked the Rideau Trail, backpacked in Algonquin Park and thru-hiked the GDT (the Canadian extension of the CDT). In 2022 Dudley is finally on the AT. He will be VLOGing his adventure this time on his own YouTube Channel starting in April. :) Dudley is the creator of CAMPOLOGY.ca

We have never been very good at listening to society. They told us we were too young to get married, but we did it anyways. We were told to get good paying jobs, buy a house, have kids, and work hard to get that promotion. So we got an education, we got that job, we bought that house, and realized there is so much more to life, and so much more to the definition of "success". So we are quitting our jobs, selling our house, and leaving it all to hike the PCT together, as husband and wife. We got tired of being inspired by others, it's time to be our own inspiration.

This is Hayden, a.k.a. "LLC." I hiked from Amicalola through the Smokies on the AT in 2020 #coronavirus. Other than long walks through the woods, I enjoy books, pour-over coffee, and red ales. My special abilities include dancing to Selena Gomez, parallel parking, and having lots of opinions. This fall, I'll be attending law school at an undetermined location. You can reach me at [email protected].

Wildlife rehabilitator and man's best hiking partner looking to walk over 2,000 miles. Jack (dog) and Elise headed NOBO on the AT late February 2020.

Apple+at+chin born and raised. I probably didn't hike the AT in 2020, but hopefully I didn't die from the 'Roner virus either

Hi guys, my name is Jacob and I'm a physiotherapist from Australia. I'll be trading the sun, surf and sand for 5 months on the Appalachian Training heading SOBO in 2020. I've been drawn to outdoors from a young age and have always toyed with the idea of pushing my limits on a Thru-hike. I've trekked around Australia and South America and I'm excited to tackle my next massive adventure on the AT. Make sure you say G'day if you see me out there!

I'm Jamie, trail name Ivy, and I'm stoked to join the long distance backpacking world after years of listening to podcasts, doing trail maintenance, lurking in backpacking forums, and planning epic trips in my head. I live in Manhattan, and when I'm not out on weekend hiking trips, I like lifting heavy sh*t with my gym buddies and following it up with bottomless brunch. Read about my September, 2020 hike on the southern portion of Vermont's Long Trail while I prepare to conquer the north next year!

Hey I'm Jeff (he/him/his). I am a human who loves to move on trails wherever they lead. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and found my passion for hiking there. I love spending time in natural spaces and find growth each time I am outside. This 2021 I will be attempting the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail. Pending the state of the world and unknown's. Starting Feb 25.

Originally from the great state of Oregon, but after college became a California Girl. I currently work in the Construction industry and spend all my free time hiking, baking, sewing, and dreaming of the day in 2020 I'll finally step on trail for my NOBO PCT Thru Hike!

A former bunhead ballerina turned skoolie dwelling mountain woman. After eleven years being the mom to 34 children in foster care and at risk homes I have decided to trek the PCT solo. I am going to just take a walk and hopefully not die.

I am a solo thru-hiker with over 3,000 miles under my belt, making me a passionate conduit for culture, lingo, and other backcountry knowledge. Through my work, I am able to educate audiences on good trail ethics and strive for an outdoor community where everyone feels like they belong. Check out my adventures with Thru the husky on my website www.oatshikes.com, and Instagram @oatshikes.

My name is Kayla, I am 25 years young and I’m thru-hiking the AT in 2020. I've suffered from depression since I was in middle school. Writing and the great outdoors have become the best ways for me to feel better and get some relief. I have 2 German Shepherd dogs, Willow and Kenai (Kenai is actually my parents but I call him mine sometimes). I work as a hostess and food runner at a restaurant. I love chocolate ice cream and thin mints (I keep a couple boxes in my freezer to snack on throughout the year, don't judge).

Jambo!Jambo! I tried to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2020 but was thwarted by COVID. Someday the stars will align and I will hike the AT, but until then, I am putting my sights on the John Muir Trail. I snagged a SOBO permit and will hit the trail in July 2020. When tapping away on my keyboard, you can find me skiing, running, and exploring the mountains of NH and Maine.

I’m Kelly, an IT consultant hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. As a youth, my fondest memories were of camping, hiking and backpacking in the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Thirty years later (my god has it been that long), I still vividly recall the first time I climbed the head-wall into Three Isle Lake and boiling up hot dogs on the top of Heart Mountain. As a father of two, I try to get out into the wilderness as often as I can, passing a spirit of outdoor adventure onto my kids. Over the past few years I’ve had a blast exploring the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, the Teton Crest Trail in Wyoming, and Petain Basin in British Columbia. As a board member of the Outdoor Council of Canada, I strongly believe that everyone should have access to high quality outdoor experiences. For 2020 I’ve set my sights on a NOBO of the Great Divide Trail, 700 rugged miles traversing the Canadian Rockies from the Montana border to north of Jasper. Looking forward to sharing my adventure with everyone. I can also be found at www.twoguysinthewoods.com

Sup y’all!! My name is Kristopher McDill. I am a 36-year-old geography/history teacher. I, along with my wife Kaci, will be attempting a SOBO thru-hike of the AT in 2020. Experiencing the outdoors and helping to educate others are my passions. Follow me and get lost in my adventurous pursuit of life, laughter, and positive vibes.

I will be joining the Appalachian Trail class of 2020! I am an aspiring thru-hiker, as well as a minimalist and aspiring Skoolie dweller! I run a small arts related website with a few of my friends, because art and community are essentials in my life. I'm also a native Mainah (that's how it's really spelled), so anyone going NOBO can just follow me home!

Start Today.

I come from a big, mixed family, which has been pivotal in developing a sense of closeness with those around me. It also plays a role in my ever-changing definition of the word "family" and the individuals I include in it. Growing up, I wanted to become a Renaissance Man - to be well rounded in my interests of art, literature, sport and social interaction. I love reading (especially sci-fi and fantasy series), and I have a great respect for the written word and the power it can carry. I've been a runner, a wrestler, an editor, a tutor, and most importantly a listener. I find the best way to connect with a person is to simply listen to them. I've had three jobs since graduating with a college degree - none of which have related to that degree - and I think I'm well on my way to becoming that Renaissance Man I always envisioned. Now I'm taking time away from my career path to hike the Appalachian Trail as part of the 2020 NOBO class, and continue to develop my personal philosophy.

Unintentionally in my 50's, soon to be intentionally on the AT. I'll be a NOBO flip-flopper, departing from Harper's Ferry in April 2020. I'm a lapsed backpacker, having done the Grand Canyon, RMNP, and Saguaro National Desert - a decade ago. Looking forward to leaving the flatlands of mid-America behind and rediscovering the trail. I have a supportive hubby who has agreed to get by without my wit and charm for several months. I'd say get by without my cooking and cleaning as well - but let's be honest, I wasn't doing that anyway.

Hi, my name is Marijn. I am 22 years old and living in Amsterdam. I’m an intersectional feminist, vegetarian, climbing-enthusiast, queer and a very passionate nurse. In January 2020 I finished my degree and became a registered nurse. Instead of doing things “normal” and start working, I planned on taking some time off to do what I love most: hiking. I was going on a 2650-miles adventure along the Pacific Crest Trail, starting April 2020 going northbound. My plans turned out a little different due to the global pandemic and I started early with my career. To this day I still dream to hike the PCT.

I'm a sport and exercise science professor at Benedictine University outside of Chicago. My love of nature really began in high school and college as an avid cross-country runner training in Wild Life Refuges or State Parks. I fell in love with the Appalachians when I lived in Virginia, and romanticized the idea of Thru-Hiking the AT while running or hiking in SNP. I lived in Colorado during my doctoral work, and taught college courses including some on hiking and took students to RMNP for class. During grad school, I struggled with staying active and gained a lot of weight. I've set the goal of Thru-Hiking the AT in 2021 to motivate myself to take my life back from stress and inactivity.

Hey you guys! Crunchy gardener from the Philadelphia area and aspiring hiker trash here. Embarking on an AT NOBO thru-hike in search of cool plants in pursuit of conservation. When not in the garden or botanizing on the trail, I can be found chugging coffee, dancing at a concert, practicing yoga, or eating tacos on a farm.

I am the author of "Kids Out Wild: A Tale of Love and Suffering on Four of America's National Scenic Trails" and "Gear Up with Kids Out Wild: A Gear Guide for Backpacking Families." My family has hiked the PCT (2019), PNT (2020), the CDT (2021) and the AT (2022) together. We hope to inspire more families to do long-distance trails, create a new level of family unity, deepen our love of the outdoors, meet life-long friends on the trail, and eat less top ramen.

Dogs and thru-hiking, what could possibly go wrong?

Hi! My name's Reanna. I grew up in a small eastern Kentucky town, but currently live in St. Louis, MO. Flannel shirts, weird flavored Pop Tarts, and jamming to Coldplay songs are some of my favorite things on earth along with my dog Honey. I'll be thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2020 and can't wait to share my experience!

Useless fact: I named my left quad "brute-force" and my right quad "ignorance". Alternative fact: originally from the UK, I've lived in the USA for over twenty years. I've spent most of my trail-time in the western states of the US, but also hiked in Scotland, Canada and New Zealand. I planned on being in the PCT class of 2020, but had to postpone. My 2021 SOBO attempt was interrupted by fires and closures. In comparison, my 2023 CDT thru-hike was almost problem-free. --Richard, aka "LowRange"

Hi! My names Risa. I'm an Israeli-American who always has her feet on one side of the globe and her heart on the other. I am an educator, a former combat soldier and a world traveler (trying to reach 30 countries by 30!). This May, I will be hiking over 2,000 miles on the AT with my dogs Kimbo and Sadie. My husband's still not sure when he agreed to this hike but promises to visit us on the trail with beer and dog treats! My first trail name was 'Dill'- think it will stick?

Hello-hello, my trail name is Rainwolf, and I'm from British Columbia, Canada, where I grew up hiking because my family was financially challenged (hiking is free! Kind of. Less free when you are an adult.) I spent my childhood running barefoot by a lake, striding through the Canadian Rockies, and endlessly telling stories, to the potential annoyance of my family. Heights are terrible, dark chocolate oreos are the best, and I am forever on the hunt for good long john doughnuts!

Hi there! I'm Sarah, also known as Lil Bear on the trail. I'm a 33 year old Chicago-area native. As of September 2023, I can officially say I hiked the entire Appalachian Trail! I hiked it in sections over the course of five years, beginning in 2019. I've been blogging about it on The Trek since 2020. For 2019 trail posts or posts about other things, you can find me at www.sarahs-travels.com.

The mountains are calling me everyday and in 2020 I will return. I’ve been hiking all of my life and backpacking since I was 23. I have 2,000 miles of experience, mostly from a long distance AT hike last summer. I’m not a gear head and just prefer what works for me. I’d rather be penniless and on the trail then unhealthy off of it. See you on the trail, in the woods, and on top of a mountain next summer. I’ll be the one with the knee brace on my left knee!

Hi! I'm Shannon! I'm a 35 year old former teacher from the lone star state, wife and most importantly, a mother to three dragon girls. I'm a plus-size, novice hiker attempting a NOBO thru-hike on the PCT 2020! When I'm not obsessing over this exciting opportunity, I can be located anywhere pizza can be found. Other facts: I have a white lab named Zeus, and I am addicted to office supplies. IG: @fireroamingwild

I’m a Pacific Northwest Native recently transplanted to Nashville TN. I’ve worn a lot of different hats over the years a few of those are aerospace mechanic, travel agent, union activist, ballroom dancer and in April 2020 I will begin a new chapter as PCT long distance hiker (we will hopefully add the THRU part later). I grew up in the PNW camping and appreciating the outdoors. I have always felt connected to nature. Unfortunately, for many years I was disconnected from it and suffered physically and emotionally as a result. I discovered hiking again several years ago and started taking frequent day hikes in the Cascades near my home. Those hikes reignited my passion for nature and hiking. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with friends, family and the trail community!

Hola! I'm Stef! I'm a Certified Surgical Technologist hailing from Portland, Maine. I enjoy anything that has to do with getting outside. I'm an avid 4-season hiker, yogi, trail-runner, climber, snowboarder, SUP-er and cat mom. I'm an aspiring thru-hiker, ultra marathoner, vanlifer and dog mom. Currently hiking the PCT NOBO!

I'm Stephanie, a mid-career Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker. I grew up on the Appalachian Trail, equal parts fascinated and scared of the weird and smelly people who passed through my tiny western Maryland hometown every summer. Now, here I am, excited to be part of the weird and smelly PCT Class of 2020. Ten-year-old me would be, like, so totally grossed out.

On the Appalachian Trail (SOBO ’19) I was known as “Swan Dive.” Shortly after completion of my first thru-hike, I took another Swan Dive and dove into the rugged Te Araroa trail located in New Zealand! As a small town Michigander- I left home, hiked across New Zealand and found more than I could have ever asked for. My life changed forever when I stepped foot on that trail. I found my hiking partner, my husband, and my trail family for the rest of my life. One trail baby later and we are still going strong! From America to New Zealand, we keep on hiking. More adventures to come with this family!!

I'm Taryn. I can count on one hand the number of times I've slept in the woods and yet I'm gearing up to thru-hike the Colorado Trail in 2020. I've lost sleep on the specs of synthetic and down sleeping bags and which tent is best. I have no idea what I'm doing but it's gonna be great.

My name is Tracy (aka Scrappy). I am a lifetime outdoor adventure seeker and a lover of all furred and feathered animals. I'm a legal professional by trade, a mom, and a yogi/yoga teacher by passion. I am most content when outdoors in nature, without cell reception. Indian food, iced coffee, sour beers, and whiskey campfire cocktails make me immensely happy.

I have always enjoyed the outdoors but hiking and backpacking is a relatively new to my 40 something years. I got my first taste of hiking doing a fundraiser for CureSearch for Children's Cancer and I was hooked. Luckily I have also infected my husband who is embarking on this journey with me. I hope you enjoy following along on as I prepare for and embark on the experience of a lifetime.

My name is Will and I use he/him/his pronouns. I work as an outdoor educator during the school year and try to fill my summers with running and hiking adventures. In 2020, I plan to thru-hike the Colorado Trail as my first long trail. Between my runs and hikes, I like spending my time eating freshly baked goods, listening to good music, and writing.

2020 FKT of the year award nominee for the speed record of the White Mountains Direttissima (Unsupported New Hampshire 48 Thru-Hike). I'm a long distance hiker and ultra-runner; I got started in long distance when I thru-hiked the AT NOBO in 2019. Follow me on instagram @_will.peterson

Just another young man attempting an extended walk. I've been captivated by nature since my early childhood, and this fascination has blossomed into interesting experiences over the years and various adventures. Fresh out of college, I'll be striving for a Calendar Year Triple Crown starting NOBO on the Appalachian Trail in early February!