As the snow melts in the PCT’s Sierra Mountains and Katahdin opens to AT hikers, we find ourselves deep in the throes of thru-hiking season once more. For months now, The Trek’s Blogging/Vlogging Class of 2022 has been proving that they not only have a knack for creative content, but that they’ve also got some killer trail legs. Here are 22 intrepid adventurers on the AT right now that you should be following this season.
Featured image via Trek Blogger @maryleavines.
Hey there! My name’s Willy. I grew up hiking in the Shenandoah’s and always dreamed of attempting an AT thru-hike. After 5 years of hating my corporate job and with my 30th birthday fast approaching (quarter-life crisis, anyone?) I’m finally doing the damn thing – quit my job, moved out of CA, and am coming home to the welcoming bosom of the Appalachians. I’m blogging with the goal of one day supporting myself as a writer. Subscribe to follow along as I walk, and walk, and then walk some more!
Excerpt: “The AT through West Virginia and Maryland is “only” 43.6 miles (according to the 2022 AWOL AT Guide), so if you’re truly determined (and a little touched in the head), you could set foot in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania in one day on the trail. Add in the extra miles to get to campsites before and after the state borders, and I was looking at an ~45 mile day. A few friends had already completed it (lookin’ at you, Marathon) and I figured I was just crazy enough to try. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Hi Everyone! I’m going to be starting my nobo thru hike of the AT in February 2022, and I’m so excited (Squeee!). During every day life I’m a wildlife biologist, book worm, burrito loving, adventurer. I can’t wait to see you out there!
Excerpt: “Most popular campsites along the trail are festooned with dangling bits of stuck paracord from similar bear hang outcomes, and although I’d been hoping to avoid a similar fate, it had finally happened to me. After fruitlessly tugging on the line for a while I cut the paracord, and after some grumbling managed to tie a rock to my remaining cord and set up a solid bear hang on a different branch. Added to my shopping list for the next town: a new rock bag and carabiner.”
I’m a hiker linguist nerd taking some time to do the AT before my knees get too old. I love to forage and learn the landscape wherever I am. When I’m not on the trail I work with Indigenous languages, and I’ll be moving to Portland with my wife once I’m done the trail.
Excerpt: “Four days ago, I crossed the Delaware River and left Pennsylvania behind. I knew this would be a big milestone, but I hadn’t realized just how different the Jersey trail would be! The glaciers carved this landscape into a patchwork of cliffs, lakes, and valleys that’s a real pleasure to walk through. It’s been one of my favorite sections of the trail so far.”
Hiking the Appalachian Trail will fulfill a lifelong dream for me. I had the good fortune of enjoying New Hampshire’s White Mountains as a summer playground for many years as a youngster — a critical element in growing into future roles as student, son, hiker, skier, college grad, military officer, husband, systems analyst, father, and leader. I don’t often let my mind drift to beta mode. I prefer active mental activities such as analytical problem solving, reading, poker, alternative music, fantasy sports, the stock market, craft beer, and puzzles of any type. Like everyone else, I’m constantly attempting to balance the life scales of mental, physical, and spiritual me — but I’ll try to do it with a laugh and a smile, OK?
Excerpt: “I found out firsthand the next morning how nasty these creatures could be, as I pulled my pack down and started to rearrange gear. My beloved alpaca hoodie had a quarter-sized hole chewed in it, right at the belly button. The mouse had crawled into my pack and chewed through a plastic liner and a towel to munch on my most costly clothing item. Almost unbelievably—a few minutes after my discovery, the little hoodie chomper appeared in front of me. (I knew it was him, I could see it in his eyes!)”
My name is Traci. I lead women’s camping trips and adventure getaways as a registered Maine Recreational Guide, own an Airbnb yurt business, and manage several rental properties. I have taught and coached on the collegiate level. I even survived a stint of teaching driver’s ed. My résumé is vast and varied, but that doesn’t define me. I really just have a passion for loving and laughing with people and meeting challenges. I cherish my husband, Chuck, our adult children and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Excerpt: “As I left Harpers Ferry I couldn’t help but to be excited. Mentally, I was on a high because I knew the next state to tackle was West Virginia. It’s the shortest state to hike, and each state I complete, is one closer to Maine. Thank you West Virginia for sharing your chirping birds and your gracious trail that allowed me to cruise on into Maryland.”
“What are we going to do today?”
“The same thing we do every day, Pinky, try to hike to Katahdin!”
We started our honeymoon hike on March 14 at Amicalola Falls. Life on the trail is challenging at times but mostly it’s surprising, beautiful and incredibly fun. We’re currently in Virginia, our home state. Follow along for long winded posts with as many pictures as we have the patience to upload!
Excerpt: “It’s been such a treat to spend a few days with friends and get spoiled with the amenities of Gramma’s house. I feel 200% better than I did this time last week when I was full of doubt. It’s amazing what a change in weather, the love of friends, and finally feeling well has done for us.”
Hi! My name is Ashley. I’m 32 years old, paramedic, beer-tender, yoga instructor AND I’ll be officially setting out on my great NOBO AT adventure on March 27th! I was born and raised in western NC but have lived in Wilmington, NC the past 14 years and am ready to trade the coast for six months in the woods.
Excerpt: “This is my second week on the trail and a second milestone has been hit, crossing into my home state of North Carolina! But let’s go back to where I ended at last, Blue Mountain Shelter. Never in my life would I have ever scarfed down a cheeseburger and coleslaw and beans and chips and a muffin and an apple and 2 mini snickers at 10 am…but I did today!”
Mike from Boston, aka Dipper, heading north on the AT in 2022. Come see what’s on my mind grapes!
Excerpt: “The trail wasn’t a trail anymore, it was just rivers and mud and bridges that were slippery enough to be more dangerous than the trail itself. At a certain point, I just gave in to the insanity and sang ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ while kicking up puddles.”
I’m an avid hiker, world explorer, nature enthusiast, and an artist by hobby. I spent my childhood summers mostly outdoors – hiking, camping, and swimming in frigid northern lakes. I’ve also traveled across the world from Thailand to Iceland, exploring nature and hiking hundreds of miles across mountains, forests and deserts. In my ‘indoor’ life, I am a marketing executive with a strong passion for strategic planning, data, consumer insights, and analytics. I am a creative problem solver in business and in the outdoors.
Excerpt: “Strangely, I hadn’t seen another hiker in hours, but that wasn’t so unusual. Certainly there were people somewhere right behind me. They always are. I shook off the uneasy feeling of being totally alone and kept moving forward, keeping one eye on the clouds that seemed to be getting darker and one on the steep climb up. I hoped I wasn’t the only hiker heading into the snowstorm.”
I’ve been a backpacker for more than a decade, but my first thru-hike was the Colorado Trail in 2019. It was amazing! Since then I hiked the South Dakota Centennial Trail and attempted the Uinta Highline Trail. This summer I am hiking the Appalachian trail northbound, starting in the first half of April. Excited to spend months in the woods, find a trail family, and explore the eastern United States!
Excerpt: “It’s fun being gathered in one place and it would be nice to hike out as a group. Sonic’s right foot is bothering him so he wants to see if it feels better tomorrow. Hobble-It may zero if he stays. When I put out to the universe the energy of the trail family that I wanted, it’s exactly the one I found. I’m so happy and grateful to be a part of this tramily! They are such awesome people!”
My name is Annie and I am a NOBO AT thru-hiker starting on February 27th. I am 25 years old and grew up in New Hampshire and recently moved out of NYC back to NH to begin my thru hiking journey! I’ve been planning on a career change into the non-profit world since 2020 and I just left my job in the corporate world and am using this hike to do something adventurous and unconventional before jumping to a job right away!
Excerpt: “My favorite things so far: coffee in the morning, town food (obviously), the top of a hard climb, frosty mornings, a cold water flow, PB&J, a shower after 11 days, and my crocs! I am so amazed by how much I love this lifestyle and the routine. My biggest hits so far are combining oatmeal flavors, carrying a whole jar of peanut butter at all times, and honey buns – yum.”
Emilee is a writer and 2022 NOBO thru-hiker from the small Appalachian Town of Tazewell, Virginia. She’s lived in Boston, Nashville, and now on the trail, but will always be most at home in the mountains.
Excerpt: “As much as my writing and hiking focuses on loss, and as much time as I spend thinking about the things that have been taken from me and the things I’ve given up to be out on the trail, I’m overwhelmed again and again – seriously, every single day – by what this experience has provided me: the little just-in-time necessities (thank you, pot lid gods!); the assuring of Dad’s presence; and the most thoughtful, generous, insightful people I’ve ever known and could hope to share each instance of magic with.”
Just a mini mountain goat by the name of Danyelle, here to goat all over the Appalachian Trail. I’ve done some things, and I’ve seen some stuff. In my brief time frolicking this earth, I have resolved to make it my mission to experience everything I can, and share it with everyone I can. My favorite things are the sweet smell of grass after it rains, and sitting atop a collection of seashells on the beach like Smaug over his mountain of treasure.
Excerpt: “Pennsylvania is not the crazy state that people make it out to be. Its relatively flat, with some rocky chunks, but it holds beautiful people, and beautiful nature. PA, you’re not without your challenges, but you’re not so bad… Though my shoes will be glad to say goodbye to you.”
My name is Mary, but you can also call me Newfound. I was born and raised in south Louisiana, but hiking, backpacking, and adventure-seeking has taken me all across (and outside) the country. Years ago, during one of those road trips, I first set foot on the Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap… and knew that I would thru-hike the trail one day
Excerpt: “Ultimately, I’m thankful for the trying days of Tennessee – the way it showed me what the lows I’ll no doubt experience in Virginia and beyond will feel like, the perspective it gave me, and the little reckoning by the river it gifted me. I feel stronger, more capable, and ready for the next leg of this journey.”
Hi! Most people meet me about 100 yards before they see me, so let’s just get this greeting going, shall we? Im a musician, teacher, performer, storyteller, lover of karaoke, herbalist, aspiring polyglot and tree huggin’ dirt worshipper. Over the past 25 years I’ve chased a military musician all over the globe, visited 25 different countries and had all kinds of fun adventures. Now it’s time to explore the ol’ US of A for a bit. Originally from Long Island, NY, now setting up shop not far from the AT in Massachusetts, Ive never lived anywhere more than 4 years since I was 12. So yeah, there’s a bit of wanderlust in my blood. I decided at 30 to run a mile for the first time in my life, and I’ve been finding ways to push the goalposts a little further back ever since. My 2022 AT hike is just the challenge I need, and will cement my reputation as the crazy one in the family. Follow me on Instagram for decent photos but better tales!
Excerpt: “I’ve always been a tough cookie. As a kid, I always had scraped knees, some new bump or bruise from climbing trees or riding my bike or whatever. One of the toughest challenges for me on this journey is realizing when to rub some dirt on it and walk it off, and when to take things seriously and accept that I’m not invincible.”
I’m Wendy, trail name Serendipity! Excited to share my AT NOBO 2022 experience with you all. Back home in Connecticut I’m a Physical Therapist. I work in home care with a mostly geriatric population. My patients impart much wisdom. They tell me if there is something I want to do, do it now, don’t wait. So I’m doing it now!
Excerpt: “The Appalachian Trail, similar to yoga, often attracts people who are in transition, looking for meaning, exploring identity. I first heard the special language of the Appalachian Trail in the White Mountains when a dear friend and I were hiking the Presidential range and staying in the huts. It was here that I was first introduced to the concept of a trail name.”
Asterisk is a first time thru hiker, who currently lives off of candy and poptarts. On alternating days, and sometimes even alternating hours, she has aspirations to hike every long trail she can get to, and she hopes to never hike again. It’s a constant seesaw, but it has gotten her this far!
Excerpt: “There comes a time when you’re no longer meeting a dozen new people every day, you no longer feel a thrill when you collect water straight out of the earth (and through a filter of course) and even beautiful overlooks dim slightly. Sure, you still stop to take it in, but you’re no longer lingering. To me, that means you’ve made a home here.”
Meredith is a nonprofit leader and community organizer. Her and her partner, Austin, are attempting a NOBO thru-hike of the AT. She lives in Washington DC, loves a good poop story, and is aiming to share their misadventures on the AT — the good, the bad, the ugly.
Excerpt: “I’m now 45 days into my attempted thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Yesterday, a few hikers and I joked that — regardless of our ages — we’ve all grown up a lot in just a few weeks. The trail has thrown a lot at us, physically and mentally, and we’ve either adapted or learned some hard lessons. For me, it’s been a lot of both.”
I’m a documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and former wildlife biologist who has been dreaming about a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail for almost 20 years. My connection with the AT began in 2003 when I hiked the Northernmost 600 miles of the trail. Since then I’ve worked as a wildlife biologist on the California condor recovery team in Arizona and Utah, co-founded a non-profit, produced several independent documentaries, helped launch a podcast series called “Earth to Humans”, and co-directed a film that won the audience award an Sundance. I have an amazing wife and 8-year-old son who are supporting me on my 2022 AT thru-hike attempt.
Excerpt: “The clouds closed in on us as the forest closed in on us, and by the time we neared the top, our visibility was only about 20 feet in any direction. Occasionally we would enter a particularly dense section of the forest and the darkness would envelop us. All of us were loving it – the fog, the cool weather, the beautiful forest – we were in awe of everything that surrounded us.”
Hey guys, what’s good? My name is Carly and I’m wicked excited to be sharing my AT adventure with you! I was originally supposed to hike the AT in March of 2021. However, after one glorious season as a snowmaker and a fabulously broken leg, I unfortunately had to postpone until 2022. Patience has never been a virtue of mine but here we are a year later, gearing up to start my NOBO thru-hike of the AT! I grew up in Boston and spent the better part of the last five years in upstate New York exploring the Adirondacks with my university’s outing club. It was here I developed a deep love of all things outdoors, including backpacking, skiing, and climbing. A few fun facts about me: My favorite summit snack is a cucumber, I’m a type one diabetic, and I am a firm proponent of carrying peanut butter in a Ziploc bag while backpacking. Happy trails!
Excerpt: “Now that it’s finally getting warm, the biggest issue diabetes wise has been making sure all my various devices are sticking to me and not sweating off. For you non-diabetic folks, imagine trying to keep an extra-large bandaid stuck to you for ten days straight, all while sweating and walking through humidity and rain. As you can imagine, it’s not very easy.”
Hi! My name is Chandler. I am hiking the AT! I am from the Pacific Northwest, but I now reside in Washington DC. Things I enjoy: chocolate, kombucha, Seinfeld.
Excerpt: “Yes. I don’t want to leave the Broken Fiddle Hostel. My bed is so comfortable. I’m so cozy in my current state. I have a diner within walking distance. I might go in a bit to eat breakfast. Life is so simple here in Damascus. I will have to leave though because if I zero here, I may never want to leave.”
I am trying to learn more about being a human and being Indigenous through what truly connects us to this world: nature. I am on a healing journey and I am excited to make my way through many lands to learn from my ancestors and our greatest relatives.
Excerpt: “I saw a frog, some fishes and some tadpoles that had grown their legs. This put a smile on my face and I walked off happily. This led to a dirt road that passed through a beautiful field, which shined brightly on this morning. I wondered how long the field existed and if the Tsalagi Nation hunted deer here. While pondering, I loosened my back up before heading back into the woods.”
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Katie (she/her) has the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, and Lone Star Hiking Trail under her belt with a bucket list of many, many more. She is the Social Media Lead for The Trek and enjoys any opportunity to write about her adventures, good trail ethics, and trail stewardship. Check out her adventures with Thru the husky @oatshikes on Instagram or www.oatshikes.com
Ladyjaneadventures is on the APT and has a you tube channel as well
Great suggestion, I’ll have to check them out!
Give Owen Eigenbrot a follow. He is almost to Katahdin but is doing the IAT at some point later this year
Another great one is Quadzilla, the healthy gamer on YouTube, he is doing the triple crown, fun to watch with a positive attitude