Trail Correspondents: S5 Episode 8 | The Social Experience

Every thru-hike finds its own social rhythm—tramily, shelter mates, or long solo stretches. Our 2026 Trail Correspondents reflect on the people who’ve shaped their hikes, the friendships that formed faster than expected, and the solitude that proved just as meaningful. These stories from the AT, PCT, and CDT show the social side of the trail is as unpredictable as the miles themselves.

Listen to this Episode

Correspondent Roster

In this episode, we hear from:

• Logan “Pipsqueek” Hannah – Instagram
• Parrish “Quip” McWhorter – Instagram
• Jessica “Hellman” Bagnell – Instagram
• Scott “Steady” Anderson – Facebook
• Sorrel “Big Dawg” Perka- Instagram
• Danny “NoCo” Nelson – Instagram
• MacKenzie “Wilt” Wieder – Instagram
• TJ “Gimli” McQuiston – Instagram
• Chris “Vibes” Becraft – Instagram

Sponsor

Trail Correspondents is presented by Altra. Use code “TREK10” for 10% off at checkout at altrarunning.com

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Questions, comments, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected].

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Credits

Hosted, produced, and edited by Andrew “Shanty” Baldwin (Instagram). Trail Correspondents is a production of The Trek.