Thru-Hiking Culture

The Psychological Impact of a Thru-Hike on Children and Adolescents

The Psychological Impact of a Thru-Hike on Children and Adolescents

When considering the most difficult part of a long-distance hike, many thru-hikers cite the mental game. The physical challenges are undeniable, and those thru-hikers who choose to leave the trail

Jun 8, 2018 : Scott
Hiking with History: Shenandoah National Park

Hiking with History: Shenandoah National Park

For many long-distance hikers, the value of Shenandoah National Park is usually measured in easy trail miles, beautiful views, plentiful black bears, and easily accessible waysides where they can

May 23, 2018 : Hiker Historian (Trailname: “Double H”)
In the End, My Hike Is My Own

In the End, My Hike Is My Own

No matter how much it seems that other hikers’ decisions put pressure you — they have nothing to do with you. They have nothing to do with me. My hike...

May 22, 2018 : Elise Wallace
Book Review: “North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail”

Book Review: “North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail”

"North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail"  Author: Scott Jurek MSRP: $28 (hardcover, 304 pages) Publisher: Hachette Book Group Accomplished runner Scott Jurek has released a

May 14, 2018 : Tess Mullaney
Stories From The Trail Ep 11 – Mother’s Day Special: Miss Janet

Stories From The Trail Ep 11 – Mother’s Day Special: Miss Janet

The Appalachian Trail wouldn't be what it is today without Miss Janet. It doesn't take long for a new or aspiring thru-hiker to start hearing her name, and for good...

May 12, 2018 : Gary Sizer
Parenting in the Woods: The Changing Parent/Child Dynamic During a Thru-Hike

Parenting in the Woods: The Changing Parent/Child Dynamic During a Thru-Hike

Through years of push and pull, parents and children develop a dynamic all their own. What happens to that dynamic when thrust into the extremes of long distance hiking?

May 9, 2018 : Scott
Pox & Puss Episode #68 – Trail Days 2016 with Lucky

Pox & Puss Episode #68 – Trail Days 2016 with Lucky

We continue our Trail Days 2016 interviews with Lucky. Lucky and her boyfriend Little Santa came all the way from California to hike the Appalachian Trail. Be sure to visit

May 8, 2018 : Pox & Puss Podcast
Trekking Makes Me a Modern Girl

Trekking Makes Me a Modern Girl

“We’re going unplugged,” I told my mother. Going unplugged was the whole point. The Appalachian Trail was a place to get back to nature, to make space for our own...

May 6, 2018 : Marina Clementi
Stories from the Trail #9 – Starting a Thru-Hike Tomorrow

Stories from the Trail #9 – Starting a Thru-Hike Tomorrow

If you were starting the Appalachian Trail tomorrow, what questions would you have? New AT hiker Chris Clevenger called the show the day before hitting the approach trail. He's been...

Apr 10, 2018 : Gary Sizer
Hike Faster, I Hear Banjos: Misconceptions about the Southern Appalachians

Hike Faster, I Hear Banjos: Misconceptions about the Southern Appalachians

Every year, people from all walks of life, some from different colors and nationalities, pass through a greatly misunderstood place--the Southern Appalachians--where TV and movies would have you believe the...

Mar 22, 2018 : Bloodhound