The Trek Bloggers

The following awesome people are the official bloggers of the The Trek.   In other words, they’re the renegade trail-folk who will be blogging their thru-hikes right here on theTrek.co.  Their job is to be adventurous and share their experiences in vivid detail.  Our job is to live vicariously and envy their existence.

Want to be a Trek Blogger?  You can: apply here

Want to write for this site, but aren’t thru-hiking?  We’re always looking for more backpackers with a passion for writing. Find out more about the The Trek Writers.

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2017

A.J. Matthews (Blue Steel)

Hi everyone! My name's A.J. and I'm hiking the Appalachian Trail this year. A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, my parents took me and my siblings on a roadtrip through the Smoky Mountains. I remember walking up Clingman's Dome and my dad telling me about thru-hikers for the first time. I remember my 10 year old self thinking how crazy people must be for wanting to walk all the way from Georgia to Maine. Fast forward to now and after completing college, military service, and working a mediocre job, I've found there's nothing else I'd rather be doing this year. Join me for the ride as I share the stupid things I do and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!

A.P

28, pursuing the life I want to live.

Aaron "Sling" Owens

Hello hikertrash foodies! Clinical dietitian by profession but spend my days dreaming of the outdoors. My blog focuses on experimentation with trail friendly ultralight foods, meal preparation, menu planning and resupply strategies. Hope you enjoy following my culinary experiments while thru hiking the Appalachian Trail starting 5/23/17.

Abby King

Hey readers! Thanks for tuning in. I'll be writing here about my upcoming PCT hike. I hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2011, the John Muir Trail in 2012, and the Wonderland Trail in 2013. I worked, hiked, skied, and played in the White Mountains in New Hampshire and Maine for a while but now I'm living in Tahoe City, CA where I work as a backcountry ski guide and environmental policy advocate. I am SO excited to hike from Mexico to Canada along the Sierras this Spring.

Abby Rachwalski

Hi, I’m Abby! I was born and bred in the suburbs of Chicago, near the cornfields of central Illinois, and next to the greatest of the Great Lakes. But, at 24 years old, I remain conflicted by a love for higher elevations, sequoia giants, and dramatic vistas. So obviously the logical solution is to venture out on a 2,650 mile long jaunt along the height of the Western United States to embrace that love, right? In April I’ll be taking a hiatus from my job as a nurse to the tiny humans of this world, making my parents officially empty nesters (you’re welcome, Mom & Dad), and pursuing another dream of mine: a thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail with my best friend, Annie. AND I CAN’T WAIT!

Adam Ryan

Hi. I'm Griz. I have bilateral optic neuritis and have less than 5% of my visual field remaining. My passion is hiking. Over the course of 2015-16' I completed hiking the Appalachian trail. In 2017, I completed 650 miles of the PCT. This year, I'm hiking the Appalachian trail again!

Adeline

Howdy, everyone! My name is Adeline, 22, and a photojournalist by trade and writer by heart. I will be stepping off from Maine in July of 2017 for a southbound thru hike. Should be interesting ^_^

Alex Pellerin

Hey everyone! I'm Alex and I'll be heading down to Georgia in May. I'll be skipping my college graduation to start my NOBO thru-hike with my mom! I'm a 22 year old, college senior, from NH- the Whites are my home. I love hiking, doing cool things, eating snacks, and long walks in the woods...(so I guess that's how I got here, huh?)

Alli Huggins

Hey I'm Alli! A native Marylander residing in New Haven, CT with my boyfriend and our rescue cat, Penelope. I am a recent graduate of Yale Divinity School and an alum of the University of Pittsburgh. I am hiking the AT NOBO with two other gals, Sydney and Shelby! I love a full glass of cheap champagne, binge watching HGTV, and sauntering in the woods. Hike on!

Amber Kostka

I'm Amber. I'm a born and raised beach bum relocating to the mountains for stint on the Appalachian Trail. I'll be thru-hiking NOBOish beginning April 2017. Yes, I've read Wild. No, I'm not bringing a gun. I am, however, hoping to raise as much as I can for Alzheimer's Research on behalf of Cure Alzheimer's Fund. https://www.crowdrise.com/appalachian-thru-hike-for-alzheimers/fundraiser/

Amelie

Hi all, I'm Pup, a nature-loving nomad-at-heart and Druid-in-training from England, hiking the AT NOBO in 2017 with my amazing partner. I can't wait to get my paws on the trail in April! I enjoy talking nonsense, making connections with new people and spending time around trees and I have high hopes that the AT will provide all three in abundance... I also blog at www.puponthetrail.wordpress.com Happy Trails!

Amy

I'm known as Amy off the trail, and Tuff Broad on the trail. I hiked the PCT in 2016, and the AT in 2017. Hiking helps me take myself a little less seriously, makes me grateful for these legs of mine, and reminds me how much I like Cheetos. I could eat macaroni and cheese every day. If you'd like to read about what other foods I like, and the trails that I've hiked, you can read more at my personal blog http://www.cookingscraps.com.

Anette LOrsa

Hi there all you wonderful people! I am Happycamel, in heart and soul passionate hiker, adventurer and restless nomad. In my daily life yoga instructor, birth Doula, mom of three and Permaculture farmer living on a farm on a small island called Tjome in Norway. I will travel across the ocean and hike the Pacific Crest Trail through Oregon and Washington; from Ashland to Stehekin, solo this summer, starting July 1st. Looking forward to hit the trail, meet all of you badass hikers and share all of it with you excellent readers here on The Trek and on www.happycamel.no

Anna Zimmerman

My name is Anna. I am an 2017 Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. I'm not a writer but am a photographer and I'm trying to live this one life to the fullest.

Anne Baker

Hi! I'm Anne, a North Carolina native now living in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. In 2017, I put my career on hold to attempt a flip-flop thru-hike from Harpers Ferry with my dad. We hiked more than 1,300 miles before I found out I had cholecystitis, which resulted in the removal of my gallbladder. It was a really weird diagnosis for an otherwise healthy 29-year-old, and for awhile, I was pretty upset about the setback. But now, I'm just grateful I still have 800 miles of the Trail to look forward to. The Universe has taught me that journeys are sometimes better when they are longer -- and that we can't argue with timing.

Ashley and Zach George

Hi! We're Ashley and Zach George from Cincinnati, Ohio. We're 26 & 28, have been together since high school, and were married in October of 2015. We have been working in the professional world for about 5 years now and have quickly realized that working 9a-5p, five days a week until we're 60 just isn't the life for us. We're heading out NOBO on the Appalachian Trail in March of 2017 looking for an adventure and hoping to figure out what the heck comes next.

Ashley Hill

I have suffered with depression on and off for years but recently came out of this severe low point with a brand new attitude to tackle hardships and live life to the fullest. This led me to attempting a flip flop thru-hike of the AT in 2017, making it approximately 700 miles before having to leave due to knee issues. I am hoping to continue LASHing the trail until completion. I grew up deep in the middle of nowhere in Virginia and have loved exploring more of my beloved Appalachian Mountains.

Barbara Richey

Hello My name is Barbara. I live in the Midwest but, spend time in Southwest Florida because of the trails. I retired the end of 2016 and now plan to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. I taught school for a number of years and retired from the military after serving 23 years. I am a vegan and I'll make an effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the trail. My other passions include photography, gardening and herbalism.

Barry Hudson

I'm a Nature addict hiker/backpacker who is doing a 2017 flip flop AT thru hike starting NOBO at Harper's Ferry 4/23. At age 55, hiking has changed my life and I know that this thru hike will be truly magical... even the miserable times.

Becca

Hey! My name's Becca and my adventures have taken me from the Amazon River to the Andes Mountains. Next up on my adventure list is an AT thru hike! Jesus, rescue dogs, essential oils & hiking are the delights of my soul!

Bethany Varner

Howdy! I'm Bethany from Houston, Texas. Ever since learning about the AT a little over a year ago I've been planning my hike, but i'm still having trouble trying to figure out how to keep a pint of blue bell ice cream in my pack without it melting! Just kidding (sort of). It's slightly crazy that people voluntarily hike ~2,190 miles, but hey my mom always says that I'm a nut, so I guess it's the perfect adventure for me!

Big Jim

Howdy!!! I'm Big Jim and I am a thru-hiker for the class of 2017. But, I am a little different. I am actually starting from Panama City, Florida and hiking all the way to the Canadian border and weather permitting continuing hiking the International AT into Canada, Newfoundland and to the trails end at Belle Island. I am walking with a purpose. As a recovering addict alcoholic for over 34 years, and this being my first time ever sober in my adult life, I am taking on this journey impressed by God to walk. This is a spiritual journey of self discovery that I pray will bring a message to all affected by addiction in any way that there is HOPE! There is LIFE after addiction! There is a new life after recovery.

Brook and Kona

Brook and Kona here. Just a girl and her dog on a mission to see the world. We will be hiking the PCT in April 2017, and couldn't be more excited! Born and raised in south Florida, I recently moved to San Diego and fell in love with California. My goal: to see everything the west coast has to offer.

BuzzCut

I'm a mid-lifer who has hiked The Whites and parts of Utah, Arizona, Hawaii and Ireland. I love the outdoors, especially winter in New England (although I haven't given winter in the West a try...yet). My "mid-life-crisis" is requiring that I quit my job and hike the Appalachian Trail this year and I think I'm going to listen to THAT voice since the timid-safe voice hasn't done much for me thus far. I've been reading so much - especially the blogs on The Trek and I can't wait to meet some of this year's thru-hikers!! I'm a little undecided right now about where to start but I'm leaning on flip-flopping, starting at Harper's Ferry. Anyone else?

Caleb Bonner

Hey I'm Caleb! I'm Thru Hiking NOBO starting February 25th, 2017! I'm a backpacker, kayaker, climber, and fisherman who loves all things outdoors. I enjoy good burritos and craft beer. I hope to keep up with my journey, people I've met, and my gear through this blog! If you would like to help me out any way with my hike feel free to get in contact with me! "Adventure is not outside man, it's within"

Carolyn Burman

Howda! My name is Carolyn Burman and I am an AT Nobo thru-hiker hopeful beginning my sojourn on April 15, 2017. My dream to hike the Appalachian Trail began two years ago when I became utterly and over-the-top obsessed with the idea of hiking from Georgia to Maine. For whatever reason, walking from Georgia to my home of New England was exactly the kind of insanity I had been yearning for. In the beginning of my planning, I researched what it would take to rescue a Chihuahua puppy to raise as my hiking companion on the trail, strapping it to the front of my pack like a newborn baby. Unfortunately, after several hours of research on the importance of keeping your pack light, the dream of the Chihuahua faded, but my dream of hiking the AT remained! Anyways, I look forward to sleeping on the earth every night and feeling no guilt about the junk food I will be consuming along the way. Onward and Upward!

Casie Frederick

My name is Casie, also known as "River," and I am currently North Bound on the Appalachian Trail. I enjoy long walks on the beach, as well as through the woods.

Cassie

Hi everyone, Cassie here! I'm a 21 year old girl from central PA who was born to travel. Every place I've been to is stuck in my heart forever- from the giant Redwoods of California to the mountains of the Adirondacks and the rocks of Utah. I'll be skipping out on my graduation for my BSN and setting out on my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail March of 2018. Follow my journey!

Chelsea Bates

I love good wine and the great outdoors. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia. When I grow up, I want to be a gypsy.

Christina Rose

Hi there – I’m Christina! I’m a wife, health coach, marathon runner and soon-to-be thru hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail. I’m prone to wander – seriously, I can’t sit still. I was born and raised in Olympia, WA, graduated from Montana State University – Bozeman, and for the past 3 years, my husband and I have been living an adventurous life in the beautiful state of Wyoming. My motivation for this blog comes from 2 Timothy 1:7 – which calls each and every one of us to be bold. Whether that’s facing your fear, taking a leap of faith, or responding to the call of adventure. Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a dream I’ve had ever since I met my husband. After four years of saying NO, this year, we’re saying YES. Together, backpacking and being outdoors has become an important part of our lives, our faith and will forever remain a priority in our marriage. I hope as you continue to follow me in my wanderings that you will be inspired to go after your dreams. They beckon for a reason. ? Christina Pacific Crest Trail Start Date 5.4.17

Colin Baker

From Austin, TX. Decided to hike the AT a year ago for a new adventure in life. I look forward to the experience and challenges ahead of me. I see it as another growing moment in life. I'm certainly excited to meet new people and friends from all over. Can't wait to get out there.

Danielle OFarrell

Four years ago, I woke up in an Appalachian Trail Shelter on the last day of a 5-day backpacking trip I was leading with Tufts Wilderness Orientation. I squirmed to a sitting position in my sleeping bag and looked out of the open side of the shelter. Of course, I sighed, the birds were chirping and the sky was blue and I just was not ready to go back yet. But back we must go because the incoming freshmen we were leading were due for their welcoming orientation. I rolled over to face my co-leader and one of us voiced what we were thinking, What if we just didn’t go back? What if we just did this? And that was the beginning of my thru-hiking dreams. I kept playing with the day dream and then this year I realized, wait a minute… I could totally do this. So here I am, I am 24 and about to attempt a thru-hike to the Pacific Crest Trail! This trail goes from Mexico to Canada, entering six different North American ecozones and passing through the whole length of my home state of California. I graduated from Tufts University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Child Development and a Dance minor. The following year I worked in New England as an environmental educator and outdoor educator with Christodora and this year in San Francisco I work as an education specialist for Save Nature teaching conservation science and as a sales specialist at REI. And now I am heading off, to immerse myself in the world of nature and biology, a world I have loved since childhood and a world fear is too often forgotten. I am heading off to do a very simple thing–I am off heading off to walk.

David Stasiak

I'm 22 years young from a small town in the great state of Alabama, home of my momma, the greatest college football program ever (Roll Tide), and some of the dankest BBQ you'll ever have the privelege of gnawing on. My community is unlike any place I've been in America. We express a genuine interest in the wellbeing of our neighbors, and as cliche as it might sound, we'd give the shirts off our backs to ANYONE in need. I should feel right at home in the AT community. "This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss — good, not evil. Success, not failure in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it." -- Paul W. "Bear" Bryant

Deane "Roo" Giordano

Hey, y’all. You can call me Roo, shirt for Ruby Throat. I live in the Western North Carolina mountains and I’m planning a flip flop hike (because I never do anything in the “right” order). I’ll start with a new moon on April 26, NOBO from Grayson Highlands State Park (because….ponies!) I’m a card-carrying tree-hugger and a natural born nomad. If you see someone smelling wild roses and marveling at flamboyant fungi along the way, that will be me. Oh, yeah... my knees are totally looking forward to hiking the White Mountains. Please visit me at rubythroatjournal.com, too.

EarthTone

I'm Joe "EarthTone" Harold. I have always had an interest in the outdoors and backpacking. That interest has morphed into an obsession with the A.T. and my wife (LoGear) and I will be feeding that obsession starting in April of 2017. I'm a 30 year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and have just finished up as the Manager at the A.T. Museum in Gardners, PA. You can also follow my life adventures at my personal blog: https://cgmasterchief.blogspot.com/ See you out on the trail.

Elizabeth Connolly

Hey guys- my names Liz. I once gave a snack bag to an Irish man, who was hiking the Appalachian Trail. It changed my life. I'm settled cozy in Southern Maine, and engaged to my best friend! Yoga, reiki, rivers and mountains soothe my soul, but cider and icecream also help with that. I have dreams of hiking the trail and living in the woods.

Emily Ben

I thru hiked the PCT in 2017. I'm a hiker, boulderer and aspiring filmmaker currently working in digital. I live in London, UK so my journey to the trailhead was a long one and planning for my hike was been a complicated affair at times. I'll be writing about my experiences as an international hiker and as a solo female hiker.

Emily Elizabeth

I’m Emily! On a normal day you can find me either in a tree, field, or forest, most likely being a total goofball and making horrible puns. This June I’ll be EMbarking upon a SOBO hike after I wrap up my final year of nursing school. Although I have zero experience with backcountry cooking, I'll be constructing all my own meals and food drops due to food allergies. Looking forward to the quiet of the woods, the simplicity of living out of a backpack, my legs as my vehicle, and doing more with less.

Emily McCambridge

Hello! I'm Emily, and I'll be doing a flip flop AT thru-hike in April 2017 with my boyfriend Dan and our 1-year-old lab pup Oliver. I grew up a couple miles off the AT in northern NJ, went to college in Washington, DC, and for the past three years have been in the Chicago area, and I'm very excited to leave cities & suburbia behind to live in the woods for half a year! We'll be heading south from Delaware Water Gap April 3rd, so if you're a NOBO hiker in 2017 we'll likely cross paths.

emily sue

my name is emily and i am a future AT thru-hiker. i like the grateful dead, board games, and sandwiches. if all goes as planned, i will be hiking the AT NOBO in 2020. check here for posts about my inevitable changes in gear, shakedown and mini section hikes, and other miscellaneous ramblings of a beginner backpacker.

Eric Guldberg

Hello! My name is Eric Guldberg and I'm from the Great Lake State. Ann Arbor, MI to be exact. I will be NOBO thru hiking the A.T starting March 1st, 2017. I am hiking to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society in honor of my father who has brain cancer. Before I do that I am finishing up a business degree from Hope College. I hope you all follow me on my journey from A2 --> GA --> ME.

Erica Notini

2017 AT Thru Hiker and outdoor enthusiast, I have been hiking in and around the White Mountains of NH since I was 6 with my mom and brothers. After finishing the AT, I pursued my goal of spending my life outside by becoming a guide for a wilderness therapy program. Despite living in the woods for a living, the lure of thru hiking has persisted. Stay tuned for more adventures to come!

Erick Gaudreau

Whats good!! Im Erick but you can just call me Styles. I live in a small 45 min outside of Boston, MA. My love for hiking and just being outside all started when i was young after climbing Mt. Washington NH. Most of my hiking is in NH and Vermont mountains, and hiked the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2015. This year I'm going to attempt a PCT-CDT calendar year hike. follow along for this crazy adventure!!

Flagstaff

I first heard the trail call my name shortly after graduating high school, and after just a few weekend hikes, I could no longer keep myself from a thru-hike. Between medical waivers and appeals for the Navy, being called in for 14 hour shifts at a gas station, and all the other stresses of the daily grind, a 2,600 mile hike sounds like a great break.

Forrest Radarian

I'm Forrest and I'll be traveling SOBO on the AT in 2017. I'm currently an AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, and Biology high school teacher in Phoenix, Arizona. My wife and I are into long distance cycling and trail running. I've done a self-supported bike tour from Canada to Mexico, I've thru-hiked the John Muir Trail, the Loowit Trail around Mt. St. Helen's, and Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon in Northern AZ/Southern UT. Wilderness conservation and environmental justice are my passion. Building an environmental ethos in my students, as well as getting them out into the wild, gives me meaning. Hiking the AT has literally been a goal of mine since I was in elementary school. This thru-hike will be an opportunity to share the wild with my students back in AZ, push myself physically, do an adventure with my wife, and be in the wilderness in the way it always transforms me.

Funky Stuff

I am a 23 year old kid born and raised in South Bend, IN. Graduated college in 2016 and survived 2 months in an accounting internship. Since then I haven't spent more than 5 weeks in the same state. I am addicted to road trips and have been to 49 states in my 93 Buick (help me get her to Hawaii). I make money when I am home by substitute teaching and scalping tickets at every Notre Dame football game. I love having fun, playing games, helping others and listening to good stories. My best friend rose from the grave one time (true story). I am hiking the Appalachian Trail NoBo starting March 26th and taking a couple weeks off the trail in May to go on a mission trip to Guatemala to help some children there (currently accepting financial support).

Gary Stell

I'm a 67 year old retiree from a long career in the Oil and Natural Gas industry. I am a native Oklahoman, I have 5 children and 11 grandchildren. I have always been more comfortable in the woods than any other place. I love God and all kinds of outdoor activities, I hunt, fish, kayak, play golf, hike, camp and enjoy God's creation.

Gas Monkey

Greetings everyone! My name is Ian 'Gas Monkey' Matta, and I'll be hiking NOBO come March of 2017. I'm currently finishing up my degree in Visual Effects at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia with my graduation set for March 14th. (perfect timing.) I first caught the thru hiking bug back in 2010 during a 10 day section hike through the Saddlebacks and Bigelows. Since then I have had the opportunity to hike the 100 mile wilderness, portions of the White Mountains, the whole of Georgia, and countless other mountains on both the east and west coast. I return to the trail because of the serenity and non-aggression. I am a happy guy by nature and the AT provides an escape from all things stress, politics, and judgement. I'm ready to leave my worries at the doorstep, and live life out on the loose for a bit.

Hannah Bosel

Hey! I'm Hannah. I'm a 2017 AT solo NOBO from The-Middle-of-Nowhere, Ohio. I love trees, Harry Potter, summer camp, donuts, airports, dogs, lists, and just about ten-million other things. I'm taking a semester off from college to thru-hike and figure out where I'm supposed to go next.

Heather P

Hey howdy! My husband and I will be starting our NOBO thru attempt in March of 2017. At present, I live in Washington state and I work as an occupational therapist. I am a lover of documentaries, peppermint everything, my sweet dog, and early bedtimes. Louise (our dog) is such a joy, but she won't be coming along with us. My wanderlust is the product of being raised in the military; I don't think I will ever see enough places or meet enough people. My husband had the hare-brained idea to hike the Appalachian Trail...I took that idea and ran with it. Follow along with our adventure! Happy hiking!

Heather Q

Hey there, nice to see you here. My name's Heather and I'm a travel junkie. I love anything and everything new, all the time. My husband loves everything the same, all the time. I know for him, once we do something for the first time, it is already our routine. We love each other infinitely and are looking forward to do the same thing repeatedly every day in new places by hiking the AT in 2017. My husband, Joel, is the social media guru so my social media links take to you his accounts of tracking our adventure! If you want to check out my artwork or keep updated on our adventures and writing beyond the AT our website is happyreign.com. If you want to watch our hike, my husband's YouTube channel is 'Joel Wanders'. If you want to read the love story of what brought the two of us together in our thirties you can buy our love story on Amazon.com just look up Heather Q! Happy Reading!

Hoozurmama

My name is Teri (Hoozurmama) and I'm attempting a NOBO thru hike. My hometown is St. Louis (Go Cardinals!) but I've call Texas home for the last 20 years. After my hike I'm headed to North Carolina. I've spent 32 years in the corporate world but my most important job is being a mom. I'll keep that job but my new "day" job is slaying mountains between GA and ME. I love God, my family, Diet Coke, birds singing (not crackles screaming), the smell of fresh cut grass, baseball, soccer (well basically all sports), Blue Bell ice cream, The Waltons, and the color purple.

Jackie Bannon

I'm Jackie. I'm attempting to thru-hike the PCT this summer. I just graduated from UW-Madison, and I hope I can find as much cheese and love on trail as I did in good ole Wisconsin.

James Shepherd

My name is James. Along with my wife, Rebekah, we hope to spend 2017 rendering the word 'aspiring' no longer necessary when describing us as thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail.

Jeff Santos

Hi. I´m Jeff Santos. I´m from Brazil. When I was a kid I had to walk a league to visit my grandma. A league is around 3.5 miles. I was 7 years old. She lived in a village called Boavista. It´s nice view in Portuguese. That´s what I expected during my thru-hike: nice views. If you don´t speak Portuguese you can use Google Translator to read more at www.longadistancia.com . If you prefer pictures and videos, follow me on Instagram or YouTube. Cheers.

Jennifer Giddens

Recent Auburn Grad headed off for a NOBO hike in March. Hiking to raise funds for Pediatric Cancer Research. - Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light - Yogi Bhajan

Jeremy Gottschalk

Jeremy G is a military veteran and enthusiastic hiker. Starting in Hawaii, Jeremy began the Barefoot Hikers, a social group aimed at trail restoration, history and conservation while building friendships. With some 300 hike events over nine years, the group reached 17,000 Barefoot Hikers without injury or fatalities (very rare in Hawaii). In 2016, Jeremy transitioned into the civilian world with hopes of continuing his hobby as more of a lifestyle. He set out to cover two of the National Scenic Trails, AT and the FNST. Follow along with the OG Hawaii 'Barefoot Hiker' as he attempts the AT!

Jim McNelis (Moonshine)

Greetings fellow hikers! In brief, my name is Jim, I'm 39, and I am originally from Manassas, Virginia. I moved to San Francisco in my early 30s and now live in Truckee, California, which is just north of Lake Tahoe. I consider myself experienced at hiking and camping, but not an expert. I'll be attempting my thru hike with an ultralight setup, and in that category, I am a beginner. Join me as I figure out the nuances of thru hiking with as little as possible along this 2190.3 mile walk.

Jody Chancey

My name is Jody (no trail name yet). I will be hiking from the beaches of Destin, Florida all the way to Canada. I will be traveling most of that distance via the Appalachian Trail. I currently work as a Database Administrator/Web Developer for CACI, Inc.

Juliana Chauncey

Hi I'm Juliana, I'm 25 and from New York, and getting ready to hike the PCT starting on April 3rd, 2017. I've road tripped across the country 12 times, and am excited to switch it up and go border-to-border on foot!

Justin and Wella Jay

Wella and Justin are two former US Army officers that have been living in Alaska for the past four years. We have been afforded the incredible opportunity to thru hike as part of the Warrior Expeditions team in 2017! We look forward to sharing our journey with friends and family as we make our way North!

Kai Meka

Hi there! I'm Kai, I am an adventurer, and an aspiring travel blogger/photographer who currently resides in Southern Maine. I am going to attempt an ultralite SOBO thru-hike of the AT, starting about a month after my 20th birthday in July 2017, with my dog, Cheyenne, joining me for as much of the trail as possible. The ultimate goal is to hike over 2000 miles, and to have as much fun, and as many new experiences as possible in the process!

KatBird & Trail

Newlyweds in recovery, hiking the AT SOBO. Starting over again, sharing our experience, strength, and HOPE! Grateful for the opportunity to take on this adventure; a little anxious but overall EXCITED! God is Good! #ATrecovery2017

Kate Bradley

Hi! My name is Kate. I thru hiked the PCT in 2017, and took on a Mt. Rainier summit attempt as part of the journey. My trail name is Vaya, which means 'Go' in Spanish. Vaya bien!

Kate Gewehr

Hello, my name is Kate! I'm 41 years old and currently live in Madison, Wisconsin. I hiked 567 miles of the Appalachian Trail in 2017 and can't wait to make plans to hike more of it. Before I set out, I decided to give myself my own trail name: Pét-Nat (after a natural sparkling style of wine beloved by wine geeks like me). It turns out that no one on the trail had ever heard of Pét-Nat.

Kate Stillwell

Hi! I’m Kate aka "Ribs". June 8th, Alexa aka "Tink", new grad from “The U”, and I will start our 2,190.3 mile E.P.I.C. SOBO thru-hike and blog up, down and around the trail. We are stoked! As if the AT isn’t hard enough, Alexa’s vegan so our 22 resupply food boxes have been a ginormous challenge! We’ve lined up amazing Trail Angels (Sara VT, Deb NY, Linda & Ed PA, Joyce MD and Nancy NC) who want to bless us with TLC as we wend, stumble, slip, slide and fumble (with style & grace) our way from Maine to Georgia. Alexa is passionate about nonprofits and so created: “Hiking for Nonprofits” where FOR profit companies sponsor our hike with 100% of the $$$$ going directly to nonprofits organizations. Annapolis Subaru stepped up immediately and pledged funds for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) as did Belair Produce who are sponsoring on behalf of Heroes of Tomorrow (HoT) and Maryland Federation of Art (MFA). Please visit their websites and support them all. When all is said and done we will see if we are “Stillwell”. Wanna read more stuff? Check out my blog: www.JustSkedaddle.wordpress.com/ Instagram: @Just_Skedaddle and @hikingfornonprofits WEBSITE: www.KateStillwellPhotography.com SPONSORS & SPONSOREES: http://www.annapolissubaru.com, for http://www.cbf.org , http://www.belairproduce.com, for http://mdfedart.com, and http://www.heroesoftomorrow.org

Katie Eckman

I will be hiking on the Appalachian Trail in April 2017. I will start in Georgia and hike northward. Hoping to share some of that experience with you through this blog!

Katie Sandage

Hey, I'm Katie and I'm thru hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2017. I enjoy long walks through the mud and eating dessert first. In my spare time I like to nerd out on nature and occasionally shoot things.

Keckeley Habel

Hey all! My name is Keckeley and I'm a (very) recent graduate of St. Lawrence University! I'm hiking the AT SOBO starting early June and can't wait to get going. I've been dreaming of doing this hike since I was young after hearing my mom's stories of the same journey. Originally from Kalispell, MT, the Rockies are my home, so I'm excited to explore other mountains, rivers and people! Hike on!

Kelly Ann Baird

Hey ya'll! I'm Kelly Ann and my goofy pup here is Riley. We started backpacking early in 2016 and ever since have been gearing up for some pretty strenuous thru-hikes; the first of which will be our sobo AT thru-hike beginning October, 2017. Prior to backpacking, I was a two sport varsity athlete, captain, and Conference/National Champion for Ohio State. I was also a member of the USA swim team for a couple years. My competitive background has fueled my long distance backpacking adventures to be more on the irregular side. By pushing boundaries and sharing my experiences with others, I hope to inspire more individuals to get outside and explore the world around them, whether that be by taking a stroll around a neighborhood park or walking for months on end across the country. No step is too small because all great adventures begin with the courage to take that initial step.

Kerstin A. La Cross

Hi, my name is Kerstin, aka Weasel! I'm an adventure cartoonist based in the Pacific Northwest who makes silly comics and doodles about trail backpacking. I also occasionally do diary and retail comics.

Keturamarie Lennick

Hey everyone! I'm Ketura a.k.a Littlefoot. I'm a 22 year old from the beautiful state of Arizona. I start hiking mid April from Amicalola Falls, and I hope to see all of you guys out there! Thanks for taking interest in my hike, and I hope you follow along!

Kim

Trail name: Krispies. Hiker, traveler, swim instructor and author of Hold for Hiker Trash, a novel about Trail Angels on the PCT. I call Buffalo, NY my home base, where I’m currently planning an eastbound hike of the Finger Lakes Trail and a southbound hike of the Long Trail.

Kirsten Fraude

Hey! I'm Shutterbug! I'm 25, a photographer, upstate newyorker, lover of nature, and am hoping to become a wilderness therapist one day. In 2017 I hiked about 1500 miles of the Appalachian Trail. I plan on reattempting a thru hike of it someday.

Koty Sapp

A landscape, travel, and lifestyle freelance photographer with a desire to hike across America.

Kristin

My name is Kristin but you can also call me ‘Half Moon’ or ‘Half Moon Lou’ a trail name I was given last year on the trail. I was attempting a NOBO halfway section hike to Harpers Ferry, WV in 2017 when ten days in I found out I had to get my Gall Bladder removed and pulled off the trail. But I’m happy to be reattempting my hike this year, departing from where I left off at mile 69.3. My ten days on the AT were more than incredible and I can’t wait to get back out there and once again live on the trail.

KT Saunders

I answer to Katie, or KT, or Penny (when the whisky kicks in). I’m leaving Texas to hike NOBO in 2017. I have 2 gay cats, I like awkward situations, I speak in sarcasm, and if you see someone talking to a squirrel trying to convince it to be their friend, it’s probably me. Please stop and say hi!

Kylie Torrence

Hey everyone! I'm Kylie. 22 years old from Georgia. I'm an AT NOBO starting on March 27th. You'll probably find me with a camera in hand. I had more written here but it sounded like a dating profile so instead I'm keeping it short and sweet! Happy hiking! :D

Lauren Hafley

my trail name is woodchuck and will remain woodchuck because it was tattooed on the bicep of a man in Damascus. I hiked the AT sobo in 2016 and flipped around on the PCT in 2017. I'm currently living in Brooklyn and working toward becoming a certified trail guide. Come hike with me.

Leah

Hiking 2,189 for Girl Power! As a solo female trekker with little backpacking experience, I am setting out to show women that they (and I) can do anything. I always imagined a thru hike with a partner, but since none showed up I am going solo and stoked about it. Because conquering mountains leads to conquering mountains. Let's go

Leila Pike

Hi. I'm Leila. I'll be tracking my musings and progress here for my 2017 thru-hike of the PCT. I'm from Maine! (Which deserves an exclamation mark). I'm a general outdoor enthusiast, but this will be my first time spending five to six months outdoors. Luckily, I'll have my ever-knowledgeable and experienced friend, Abby, with me (a fellow trek blogger - check her out). Follow me here!

Lil Wayne

This is Lil Wayne the LASHer, having hiked 1,189.8 miles of the AT in 2017! I also run a lit magazine called The Slag Review, am a ceaseless pun generator, and a cheap wine enthusiast. This is the time to live, let's all shout from a mountain top. The Trail Provides and the Dude Abides.

LilyMG

Salutations! My name is Lily, and I hiked the AT from July 1st to December 19th of 2017. I'm currently back in my home state of New York, freezing to death and plotting future expeditions!

Linda Vance

Hey everyone! I'm Linda, a 65-year old research ecologist who had a plan to retire and trade field work for hiking. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans.... So instead, I'll be starting a flip flop the first week in April, and then will take a little time off after Maine to collect baseline data on fire-affected wetlands in Montana. I know, it's a tough life. I'm looking forward to the Trail, but sometimes I wonder exactly why I need to spend so much of my life sleeping on the ground.

Linnea Delucchi

My name is Linnea and I am one of the many love child's of our great God Zeus. I kinda wish my mom was Hera, but my mortal mom is pretty tight. In reality, I grew up in the swanky suburban town of Fair Oaks, along the American River. I spent my summers floating down the river, backpacking, day hiking, and swimming back and forth too many times in a 25 yard pool. In the winters, we skied North Lake Tahoe every weekend we could make it up. I still like all of those things and got the bug to hike the PCT in 2017. Somehow, I managed to complete it and am now addicted. Stoked to see what hike I choose next! Until then, writing, skiing, and traveling await.

Lion Heart

Hi! I'm Lion Heart and I love all things hiking. I'll be thru-hiking NoBo on the PCT in 2017. After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2006, I launched a more active lifestyle with a refreshed perspective on Life. I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2009 and 2013. In 2015, I hiked 700 miles of the Continental Divide Trail. When I'm not thru-hiking, I work as a science teacher, perform as a percussionist, and rally for bicycle advocacy. No matter where my footprints fall or my bicycle tires roll, I believe in treading lightly on this planet and honoring my connection to all things.

Lisa Howatt

Hi! I'm Lisa, a 2017 NOBO PCT thru-hiker (I'm hoping that if I say those words out loud enough I'll come to believe them; I'm not sure I'm there yet) based out of Edmonton, Canada. Although I've been an avid hiker/backpacker for many years this is my first attempt at a thru-hike. I'm a notoriously type A person (I suspect others in my life could chime in here with entertaining stories demonstrating this) so I expect that this experience is going force me to balance those tendencies with the acceptance that nature cannot be always forced into a spreadsheet or to do list. Let's see how this goes... Hiking along with me will be my husband, Dan. We will also be celebrating our 10 year anniversary along the way, likely somewhere in SoCal.

Mackenzie Findeisen

Hi, my name is Mackenzie, but most refer to me as Mack Daddy. Hawaii native, living in Boulder, Colorado (shocker). I am a student at the University of Colorado, Boulder pursuing a BS in Journalism and a BA in Communication. Meanwhile, I spend my time climbing rocks, riding down snowy hills, chasing waterfalls and snuggling with my cat. I fell in love with backpacking when I was 16 and hiked a small portion of the #AT. Since then, I've been busying myself with school and short backpacking trips around Colorado (still haven't found a favorite, suggestions?).

Major League

Hi, I'm Major League (aka Suzanne). I am a 2017 SOBO Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker. I'll begin my journey on June 5th.

Maricruz Mosqueda

Hola amigos! My name is Maricruz Mosqueda. I was born in Zacatecas, Mexico but grew up in Colorado. This year I'm going to through-hike the Pacific Crest Trail! I'm hoping that my journey can inspire the Latinx community to participate in the outdoors more. I’ m mostly going to wing it, so I hope you enjoy my story.

Mary Meixner

I hail from Ohio, the state with no mountains, so this mountain-seeking girl is heading for the Appalachian Trail in 2017! I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 2013 and have been working in the animal care field ever since, taking care of everything from horses to snakes to tigers to bears to eagles. At present, I am the Curator of Birds at a sanctuary for birds in Ohio. I am not sure where in life I want to go from here, so I am hoping that spending four months in the woods will help me discover some direction. Happy Trails! “Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.”

Matthew Morelli

I have spent the last 2 decades (my whole life) exploring and extensively photographing the Southern Appalachians with my dad and friends. I am a sophomore at Kennesaw State University studying to be a high school history teacher. For work I coach a rowing team out of Roswell, Georgia. Thanksgiving 2015 I made a day trip to the top of Springer Mountain and stumbled across a group finishing their SOBO thru-hike. One of them was an 11 year old girl. It was in that moment that I realized the trail was my destiny and this semester is finally my time to do it!

Megan Landstine

Pacific Northwesterner. Amateur Coddiwompler. Cool Wife. Nature Enthusiast. Dog Mom. SOBO2017 "Pickles"

Megan McGowan

On trail I'm known as Sourstraws, or just Straws for short. My husband Paul (aka Piñata) and I quit our careers in 2016 to hike the Appalachian Trail, and we've never looked back. We completed the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017, and are currently making plans for the Continental Divide Trail in 2018! Read more at hikinghammonds.com

Michael Sweet

I'm an English teacher who turned into a superintendent and principal for a small school in rural Michigan. It's been 26 years since I stretched my legs on a long haul hike. The timing is right to hit it again, so I'm heading southbound during the summer and fall of 2017 on the CDT.

Mikaela Kostrubiak

I climb things. I drink things. I smile at things. Starting my NOBO thru hike in March 2017 thanks to the love and support from Levante Brewing Company. Sit back with your favorite beverage and elevate your craft!

Nadine Symons

I am a 54 year old trying to reconnect with myself. Quit my job and started thru hiking March 10th with my dog Yankee last year. Made it to mile 586 then fell down a ravine and broke my ankle. Starting again this year from where I stopped and hopefully will make it to Katahdin. I would rather try and fail then never try at all.

Nick Cellini

Hey, I'm Mismatch, I enjoy long scenic hikes through the woods and a chilled bottle of Mike's Hard Lemonade. AT '15 ME-GA, and setting off for a PCT thru hike attempt in May. I'm currently a personal trainer based out of the cornfields in central Illinois. I have my sights set on hiking the Triple Crown and I'm excited to share all the ups and downs of this journey with you all.

Nick Parsons

Hi guys! In the adult world I am known as Nick, but on the trail I'm called, TreeHouse! I love carrying my life on my back for months at a time, I'm a fan of living simply and simply living. I love music, fresh air, cold frosts on mountain tops and brisk breezes atop of balds! I'm about to go out for a LONG walk starting on February 15, 2017. My feet will carry me 2,190.3 miles from the Southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, Georgia to the Northern terminus, MOUNT KATAHDIN IN MAINE!! Follow along with me as I embark on the journey of a lifetime!!

Olivia Plumb

I'm a recent high school grad who has decided to put off college and other adult-ish things for a year so I can hide out in the woods. If you want to find me on the trail, I'm the one carrying way too many books.

Patrick Donahue

My Name is Patrick "Dragonfly" Donahue and in the summer of 2016 my girlfriend, better known as "Butterfly", attempted a SOBO AT thru-hike. We made it all the way to Duncanon, PA where she was diagnosed with stress fractions in both feet, and my entire pack was stolen. We decided this was a calling to get off the trail and attempt it at a later date. Since then we have moved to central Oregon where we now live. We don't currently have the time for a 6 month hiatus from life so we plan on attacking some shorter trails such as the Lost Coast Trail and sections of the Oregon Desert Trail. -Happy Trails.

Pie

I'm A British Guy, living in Finland and hiking long trails in America! I've been travelling all over the world in the last few years. I had an adventure Thru-Hiking the AT in 2015 and will hopefully be having some more in 2017 on the Continental Divide Trail. I'll be blogging all about my preparations for the CDT in the build up to the hike and will be blogging from the trail in June. Checkout more of my writing at www.pieonthetrail.com and follow me on Instagram @pieonthetrail

Rhys Hora

Howdy All, I'm Rhys, thanks for stoppin' by. If you've made it this far it means you just read all the gibberish I've written above, and for that I'm sorry. I owe you a beer. I'm hiking the the Appalachian Trail because, short answer, I think there's more livin' to be squeezed out of life. Thanks for reading, if you have any questions or want to nerd out about gear, hiking, or shenanigans (I love shenanigans!) feel free to reach out via email or facebook. See you on the trail!

Righteous

Hi! I’m Henry, aka Righteous. After years of summer backpacking trips and a few seasons working in the backcountry for a trail organization along the AT, I completed a SOBO thru hike of the AT in 2013. In 2017, I hit the trail again and hiked the PCT and AZT (both SOBO) back to back. I’m always plotting more adventures, including long-distance bikepacking routes.

Rob Catalanotto

Hi. I'm Rob and I'm a North-bound A.T. thru-hiker. My interests include fly-fishing, hiking and carrying too much food. Follow me as I amble up the Appalachian Trail. Thanks for reading!

Ronn Raszetnik

I'm "Wayfinder," a 34 year old adventurer, spiritual seeker, craft beer geek, and aspiring writer who is taking the path less traveled on the Benton MacKaye Trail in 2017. Born and raised in Florida, I have scaled as many swamps as I have mountains, but hiking in the southern Appalachians always renews my spirit.

Ruth Morley

After living overseas 18 years, I continue to enjoy exploring the world, especially via my own two feet. Doing the 1500 mile GR5 trail from the North Sea to the Mediterranean made me fall in love with long distance hiking. Now that we're back in Ohio, the Appalachian Trail keeps calling me. So in 2017, I answered. I got 500 miles in before tendonitis and the dreaded plantar fasciitis sent me home. I'm healed now, and have enough of my gluten- and dairy-free food dehydrated for 1700 more miles. Will she make it? Did she learn her lesson about not covering too much daily mileage during the first month? Will the body parts cooperate, at least enough to keep on going? I'd truly appreciate your support and encouragement as I give it my SECOND best shot in 2018!

Sabrina Harrison

Hi, I'm Sabrina, aka GoGo. I'm a section hiker out of necessity, but the goal of thru hiking the big trails stalks me in my dreams. I have four kids and a husband who do their best to support my weird desires to smell terrible and torture myself by walking places most normal people use automobiles to reach. I'm still learning - so reading my stuff might make you feel a lot better about yourself.

Sam Getchell

You'll find me wandering the woods, clearing trails, and walking long distances. I hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2015, and will be walking north once again on the PCT in 2017! Hailing from New Hampshire, the mountains have always been my home.

Sara Chico

Hey, everyone! I'm getting an early start on my NOBO and I'll be hitting up Springer Mountain in February (the cold never bothered me anyway, right Elsa?) I'm 24 and I grew up in North Carolina, but I live in Colorado right now, where I'm spoiled rotten playing in the Rockies every chance I get. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a BS in Cellular/Molecular Biology in 2015, and I'm thru hiking the last bit of my gap year before I hopefully start med school in August. I'm a simple gal who loves the usual things in life: big dogs, flannels, and free chips and salsa. Get ready for some serious shenanigans. Happy hiking!

Scott Edwards

I am a class of 2017 Appalachian Trail thru hiker. My background in camping, hiking and backpacking is through scouts. As a youth I spent five summers backpacking in the mountains of New Mexico at Philmont Scout Ranch, two of which were spent teaching others how to do so as a Ranger. As an adult I have continued my love of the outdoors, and have been back to Philmont four times as an adult leader and have led two groups for week long adventures to Isle Royale. It will be amazing to see some of the changes that take place in others on the trail, but I am especially interested to see what I can learn from the trail. The longest I have ever been out at one time is three weeks, and that was over 30 years ago. Hopefully I can convince my wife, Leslie, to write a couple of blog posts about what it is like for those that are left behind as we pursue our dreams of a thru hike. Happy trails......

Scott Farley

An avid hiker that loves to escape the world and run into nature. I do not have a trail name YET so be gentle. Besides hiking I love to ride my Harley Davidson any chance I get. I also do Stand Up Comedy and you can see one of my shows by going to my you-tube channel. I am also an 8 year Marine Veteran and a Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. I am really looking forward to this upcoming 2,189 mile journey on the Appalachian Trail. If you see me out there say hello and carry my gear. Ha

Scuba Steve

Salutations fellow wanderers and followers, fans, friends, and families of wanderers! Our's not to reason why, Ours but to hike and die, Up the Appalachian Trail, hiked the 2017 thru hikers. (With apologies to Alfred, Lord Tennyson). My ambitious plan is to start a NOBO the first week of May, take one week off in mid June, and finish by the first week of September. I will either succeed greatly, or fail spectacularly, either way, it should be quite entertaining and exciting. I am 47, retired military, working on my MBA, a book, and of course a hike! RLTW

Sean Kearns

36 years around the sun. Father of two. I'm also heavily bearded. I'm an avid outdoorsman and I have an unnatural obsession with craft beer. I am currently living in an RV near Asheville, NC, hiking my face off almost every day and loving every minute of it. I started hiking the AT NOBO in 2017 and plan on finishing in 2018.

Shaina Dudek

Hey world, I'm Shaina. Southeast Michigan native. I showed up to my first adventure in the mountains with a suitcase and had no idea that people climbed rocks for fun until 2014. Since then I have gallivanted around the deserts of Utah as a wilderness therapy guide, trekked 2200km of Te Araroa in New Zealand, and have spent more nights under the stars than under a roof. I dabble in paints, poetry, live music, and portable instruments. Follow me and my love and our new harmonica on the trail this May. NOBO PCT 2017.

Shani Arbel

Nature-lover, spreadsheet warrior, amateur yogi and thru-hiker also known as "snapchat." I like books, giggle fits, and fried potatoes in any form. AT '17. PCT TBD?

Shelby Cook

Hey everyone! My name is Shelby, and I'm from Newaygo, Michigan! I studied writing at Wheaton College ('14) in the suburbs of Chicago, and have been floating between the high peaks of Denali, Alaska and the warm beaches of St. John, US Virgin Islands since then. I love coffee, used book stores, front porch sittin’, drinking beer, traveling, playing outside, all things Alaska, Taco Bell, and you. :)

Sierra Knotts

I have been craving a new adventure ever since returning from a year spent abroad in Thailand. And I think I've found one with the vast challenge and mighty experience of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I'll be spending the 5.5 months flip-flopping from Harper's Ferry to Mt. Katahdin and then Harper's Ferry to Springer Mtn. You can find me on the trail strumming my ukelele, reading a good book, snapping pictures of the sunset, or writing about the day in my journal. Things I won't ever be able to get enough of: Snickers Bars, dogs, and naps. Happy trails, everyone!

Socked In

Hikerchick located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I've completed the NH48, NE67, and am working on round 2 of the NH48.

Stephanie Brummett

Hi! Hey! My name is Stephanie, and I'm gearing up (pun very much in-tent-ed... I mean, intended... MUCH eye-roll) for my solo NOBO thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2017. I'm from beautiful San Francisco and am a cliche san franciscan with a love of yoga, rock climbing, waiting in long lines for brunch (our favorite hobby), complaining about rent increases, and "literally freezing" in 50 degree weather. I grew up backpacking and hiking in the Sierras and am eager to get my feet on the ground over in the Appalachian Mountains. You can follow me along on Instagram (@stephbrummett), twitter (@sabrummett), and here!

Steve and Ivetta Severance

Hello! My name is Steve, I'm a 51 year old retired firefighter/paramedic. My wife Ivetta and I will finally be realizing our dream of thru-hiking the AT in 2017. We've been looking forward to this opportunity since we were married 32 years ago! Our trail names are Engine and Caboose...given to us on the AT years ago while hiking in a long line with our four children. In addition to hiking, we enjoy running, cycling, good food and craft beer. We'll be leaving Springer on March 8th and we can't wait to get the journey started. Hope to see you out there!

Stewart Moore

Stewart developed a passion for writing and the outdoors as early as high school. Living in the Southeast's premier climbing city, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Stewart was drawn to the natural beauty of the area and spent a great deal of time climbing and running, experiences that crept into his college applications. As a French Language and Literature major at Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, Stewart grew his passion for languages while continuing to spend ample time trail running. His study of the French language took him to Nantes, Corsica, Geneva, and Guadeloupe, while his dedication to running allowed him to complete over ten marathons and ultra-marathons. Moving to Colorado in 2014, Stewart began a Masters program at Colorado State University focusing in creative non-fiction writing. Combining his outdoor experiences hiking over 1,000 solo miles on long-distance trails with thoughts on familial and personal relationships, Stewart finished his Masters thesis in August of 2016. Stewart currently lives in Frisco, Colorado, teaching yoga at Summit Hot Yoga, skiing and snowboarding at Copper Mountain, and writing a weekly gear roundup for Shoulders of Giants. He is continually active outside and has written freelance work for Elephant Journal and The Flyfish Journal. He is currently planning a Northbound thru-hike of Appalachian Trail starting in mid-April 2017.

Stubbs

Hey y’all! Stubbs here! I’m a Marylander who likes beer (maybe a bit too much!), running, reading, traveling the World, and of course hiking! I will be making my second thru-hike attempt with my husband and best friend, after a pelvic fracture forced me off trail in 2016. I made it over halfway to Boiling Springs, PA and have every intention of conquering the trail in its entirety this time if the odds are in my favor! It’s go time!

Tiffany Taylor Korrigan

I was a prospective 2016 AT NoBo thru-hiker, but leaning more toward a SoBo or flip-flop now. Also I'm a retired Army Sergeant First Class that lives in Kentucky with my three teenagers. I'm newly back into hiking and backpacking after some time away from it while serving in the military. I bring into these new adventures a completely different outlook than I had 20+ years ago when I originally wanted to do this hike.

Tom Abel

My name is Tom, but I am going by the trail name Red Beard. I am 66 years old, and as you can tell from my picture, my beard is no longer red. Red Beard reflects how I see myself when I am not looking in the mirror. I refuse to grow old gracefully. I am a geologist, now retired. I have always enjoyed working in the field and disdained working in the office. I have wanted to thru-hike the AT since 1975 and am finally going in 2017. In the mean time, I will be training physically and mentally (thank you Appalachian Trials) and getting my gear the way I like it. I will occasionally write about my progress. Happy Hiking!

Tom Rainer

Hi. My name is Tom and I'm planning on completing a North Bound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2017 along with one of my sons. I'm recently retired from my job as a technical manager. This adventure offers an opportunity of a lifetime, as I seek to discover the focus for my encore career. I'm happily married to my wife of 38 years and we have three grown children, and four young grand children. I love all kinds of music, singing, playing guitar, country line dancing, and square dancing.

Tom Willard

Haunted by a failed thru hike attempt in 2016, I am back in 2017. My head is clear, the flame is reignited, and I am hungry for the trail.

Tommy Corey

Hey! Twerk here - and yes, I got that trail name exactly how you would think. I hiked about 750 miles of the PCT last year and am returning this year to complete a full thru hike. I'm a photographer in Portland, Oregon and recently turned the dirty 30. I'm a brand ambassador for Hyperlite Mountain Gear and will be posting constantly for my upcoming thru-hike so stay tuned!

Tortugamama

My name is Tortugamama (Tortuga was taken), and Grey Hare and I are recently retired and are very excited to be starting our adventure on the AT. We will be flip flopping beginning in Virginia on April 10. We are life-long outdoor enthusiasts and look forward to hearing from our family and friends, old and new, along the way. Any words of advice will be greatly appreciated!

Travis

My name is Travis. I will be through hiking the PCT in 2017. I worked on cars for the last 13 years as a BMW master technician and shop foreman. Aside from loving to hike, I also love to build and off road Jeeps, and everything that comes with that, such as fabrication and welding. I have recently decided that I did not like my job and situation. My wife and I sold almost everything that we owned to downsize our life pay off most of our debt and are beginning a new chapter in our life starting with an epic adventure across the western United States to the PCT.

Trey Cate

I am a current Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker. I'm actually supposed to be out back fixing the fence, but I figured no one would notice if I snuck away for five months. Shhh. Oh! I keep up with my Instagram pretty regularly so if you have any questions just drop me a line. Hugs, kisses, and well-wishes.

Tyler Burnette

I am currently 22, but will be spending my 23rd birthday on the Appalachian Trail this summer! Recently graduated from Tennessee Tech, and excited to go Walkabout. Hoping this trek will allow me to develop into the person I aspire to be. Will try to post weekly on topics regarding the body, mind, and soul. Also, will be posting a series regarding physical fitness while on trail. I hope that my experience can help fellow and future thru-hikers make the most of the journey of a lifetime!

Up-n-Ready

Zero to Hero. I've only completed day hikes before planning the AT Thru Hike. After a friend talked me into hiking with him who has since dropped out, I'll be going Solo. I've always lived the life of adventure -- surfing, skydiving, snowboarding, skiing, day hiking, camping, etc. Now I'm looking AT my next adventure -- Thru Hiking! Also, I'm hiking for a cause - the Air Force Enlisted Village (afev.us). Please sponsor me at: hikefor.com/LarryBoy/AT/2017

Vermont

Hello Everybody! My name is Jordan and I am 29 years old. I am currently planning my first (full length) Thru-hike, and will begin sometime in March 2017! This is just the beginning. I intend to complete the triple crown and then move toward advanced mountaineering. My current goals are to summit Everest and own an adventure related business by the time I am 40! I am the definition of "free spirit". I have lived in almost every state on the eastern seaboard! I was born in StateCollege, PA and raised in Londonderry, VT. I'll admit, I was a spoiled ski resort brat. Anyway, now I have developed this strange urge to walk up mountains? I Don't know... sounds kind of silly when I actually think about it. This is not my first appearance on the AT. Some of you may have seen me and my Siberian Husky back in 2015 as we hiked from Damascus, VA - Roanoke, VA (Hiking under the trail names "Vermont and Mukluk"). I have also completed all of PA and All of VT! "I don't expect anybody to care about my dreams, I just want to be the one who inspires you to follow you own" - Vermont

Waterfall

Hi, I'm Waterfall, a retired elementary school teacher. I've been section hiking the AT for seventeen years and have finished one fourth of it in all that time. I know, I hear all of the thru hikers out there saying, "What?!". This year is the first time I'm going to be on the trail for two months straight, hoping to do another fourth of the trail. Next year I'll do the other half. I needed a blog space and The Trek was gracious enough to allow me to share space on their site with the Bloggers of 2017 thru hikers. Trust me, I'm honored. I'm not doing the AT hike your way, thru hikers, I'm doing it my way, a little at a time. But, I have the same thoughts in my mind as all of you, that I will get it done. I'm excited, nervous, and anxious and can't wait to get out there, again.

Comments 10

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  • DSNN real hikers : Jun 26th

    the world has come full circle.
    A#holes are even apparently through hikers now. A#holes are everywhere bust surprised to seem the on the AT.
    We had a simple But big back pack into ethan pond this weekend. Big because we brought everything for an easy trip and can sort through what gear we haven’t used since last year, what is useless, what is usefull, etc for bigger hikes over the summer. A smart thing to do before an important backpack.
    One of the kids, (everyone carrying big packs including seasoned 13 year olds., and NOT beginners by any stretch) got sick, so we stopped at Zealand hut.
    We were laughed at by a group going through (supposedly) from Georgia and, oooh, new jersey).

    Don’t judge anyone by what they are wearing or carrying every time.
    Mass#holes are everywhere, and being new hapmshire natives, we are used to inexperienced tourists.

    But I expected better from Thru-hikers.
    I am guessing many claim to be but are not.

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