Chuck proved to be fine fellow and housed my first trail friends, Stan and Tina, the night before we headed out to the trail.Īround noon the next day, we stood atop Springer Mountain, then turned and headed towards Maine. Through I contacted a “trail angel” in Atlanta who offered to bring me to the trailhead on March 31. I’m a lightweight backpacker at heart, and going lightweight seemed to make even more sense on such an epic hike, where staying fit physically and mentally was so important. A thru-hike would offer me several things I was looking for a grand adventure, a physical challenge, travel in new places, a summer in the outdoors, and a chance to meet new people.Īfter a great deal of research and preparation, I selected my equipment. In August of 2000 I left for six weeks alone in the Alaska wilderness (see my video page.)ĭuring a fall and winter of travel, writing and planning, I decided that I’d attempt a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I realized that it was time for me to take a summer off to recharge my batteries and to enjoy some of the adventures I’d been dreaming about. In the fall of 2000, I’d been fighting wildfires for many years. Some choose to hike the entire trail in one calendar year this is called a “thru-hike.” A thru-hike normally takes from 4-7 months and winds along the 2,168 miles and 14 states the trail passes through. Most folks are out to enjoy a section hike, a few hours or days of exploring a favorite stretch of trail. There are many reasons to hike the Appalachian Trail, and many ways to do your hiking. During my summer on The Trail however, I was known by my trail name of “Colter.” I was a career smokejumper out of Fairbanks, Alaska. Mile 2168 Why I Hiked, and how You can Successfully Through-Hike the Trail

Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike Gear List.

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