Hiker Trash

Sparkles and Pixie met on the Appalachian Trail in 2020. Covid closures forced Pixie to abandon her Thru-Hike attempt and return to France. Sparkles continued on and finished the Trail that year. This year, Pixie has returned to restart her NOBO Thru-Hike while Sparkles plans to hike SOBO from Katahdin to meet Pixie along the way.

In this episode, FIRE talks candidly about his past struggles and how he discovered the healing magic of long distance hiking.

We spoke with Peach during the Appalachian Trail Days festival. With over 5000 miles of hiking under her feet, she shares her humble and humorous beginning on the AT. Her goal is to hike 10,000 miles in 10 years across 6 continents. With such a vast array of experience, her advice to others and herself is simple, "Be too stubborn to quit."

During the 2024 Appalachian Trail Days festival, we caught up with Monty to discuss his 2022 Thru-Hike. He talks about that experience and how it has changed the course of his life and future plans.

We interview Jennifer Fear, AKA Fearless, about her 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike. She shares her motivation for the choice to hike after her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. Her experience along the train inspired her to start the non-profit, Fearsome and the backpacking meal company, Fearsome Fuel. Fearsomeis.orgFearsome on InstagramLocal Exposure Links

In this episode, 21 year old Rusty, from New York city, talks about the life events that led her to the Appalachian Trail.

We talked with NASA at the Appalachian Trail Days Festival, just 530 miles into his Thru-Hike. He shares how he became aquatinted with the Appalachian Trail after a history of drug addiction. We discuss the joys of this hike, trail magic and how his experience on trail is a journey of redemption. NASA on Instagram NASA on YouTubeLocal Exposure Links

In this episode we talked with GMG (Green Mountain Girl.) She shares her adventures and insights of long distance hiking as a senior.

We talked with Twitch and Glitch during the 2024 Trail Days Festival in Damascus, VA. They were married one year prior while on their way to the Trail Days Festival. They discuss the dynamics of hiking as a couple and how the hike is strengthening their relationship. Glitch, a disabled Marine with a traumatic brain injury, shares the healing aspect of this journey.

In this episode we talk with Half Pint about 650 miles into her Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike. She shares her motivation to do a Thru-Hike and how her passion for photography inspired her to document the journey with a panoramic format film camera. Half Pint PatreonLaura E. Partain InstagramLocal Exposure LinkTree

For this episode, we spent some time at Wood's Hole Hostel with Nevill Harris. Listen as she relays the history of her family's property and how she came to be the caretaker of that special place. Nevill describes her approach to running a hostel and creating an environment of community and home. Wood's Hole WebsiteWood's Hole InstagramLocal Exposure Links

In this episode we chat with Thru-Hiker, "F Word" and learn how he got his trail name. (Hint* It is what you think.) He candidly share is struggles with addiction, the loss of his hiking partner to an overdose and his involvement in the non-profit organization, One More Day On The Appalachian Trail that gives hiking scholarships in honor of Nate Loftis (El Chapo.) One More Day On The Appalachian Trail Nate's StoryDonate to One More Day on the ATOne More Day on the AT InstagramSupport Local Exposure Projects

Triple Crown Thru-Hiker, Dijeridoo discusses his adventures, motivations and what it was like to summit Mt. Katahdin at the completion of his triple crown hike. We discuss his plans for the future and how he ended up purchasing a house 1.8 mile from the Appalachian Trail in Bastian, VA. that will become a non-hostel, trail angel haven for hikers. Dijeridoo on Instagram Links to support this project

In this episode we talk with well-known Appalachian Trail hiker, Foghat. Recorded at the Appalachian Trail Days festival in Damasus, VA., this authentic and vulnerable conversation is full of wisdom and insight about hiking and life in general. Follow Foghat on Instagram.You can support this project with a one time gift, a monthly Patreon membership or by sponsoring a podcast. Visit our LinkTree

In this episode we talk with Newfound and Unfiltered, Thru-Hikers and new owners of The Grove Hostel in Franklin, NC. Newfound hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2022, while Unfiltered hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2021 and the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022. They met briefly when Newfound came upon Unfiltered, doing trail magic at Stecoah Gap, NC. As fate would have it, they would later reconnect and team up to become new hostel owners. The Grove HostelThe Grove Hostel on InstagramSupport the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

We met up with Maverick at Uncle Doug's cabin near Blairsville, Georgia. In this Episode, Maverick expounds on his choice to ditch the corporate life to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail in 2022 and how that led to Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023.Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

In this episode we talk with Fancy from the AT class of 2022. She recalls her difficulties, adventures, joy, and reasons for her decision to leave the Trail before completion. Will what she learned about herself and others bring her back to do more than just finish the trail in 2024? Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

In this episode we talk with Neo from the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker class of 2023. Listen along as he describes how he ditched the corporate life to hike the AT, go to live with his grandparents in rural western North Carolina and plans for future adventure.Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

In this episode we catch up with double amputee, Mischief,  during his bike packing adventure from Harper's Ferry, WV to Key West, FL. He shares the gut wrenching tale that led to loss of the majority of his feet and how he endeavored to overcome the disability and return to long distance hiking and biking. Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

In this episode we talk with Gordon and Lisa Simmons, owners of the Hostel Around the Bend. Located at mile 69, near Dick's Creek Gap in Georgia, these relatively new hostel owners stumbled into the hostel world and learned to embrace the culture.Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

In this episode, we talk with CK (Couch to Katahdin) about his 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike and how he completed this journey with zero previous experience.Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

This father/daughter duo Thru-Hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2022. Listen to their adventures, insight and what it was like sharing a tent for six months!Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

In this episode I recount my first night alone in the woods and my first encounter with Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers while on a week long  solo backpacking trip as a teenager in 1982.Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

With 22 years of marriage under their belt, Cough Drop and Dragonfly set out to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail. They decided beforehand, barring injury, they would not give up. Listen to them recount their challenges and triumphs on their journey from Georgia to Maine. Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

Pain and Injury ended Sidetracks Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike attempt after just 200 miles. Determined not to allow Cerebral Palsy stop him, he began training for a return to the Trail.In this Hiker Trash Podcast episode, Sidetrack shares the difficulties and triumphs he encountered on his second attempt  to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail. He also shares his next 4,000 mile epic adventure to raise money for Cerebral Palsy research. Follow these links to follow learn more and support his efforts to raise money for Cerebral Palsy:TEAR is up for CP3forCPTran-European Alpine RouteSidetrack's InstagramSupport the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

In this episode we talk with Panda from Germany. Panda speaks in detail about his motivation, preparation and challenges along the Appalachian Trail. Not only did he hike for personal reasons, Panda  also used his experience as the research subject for his Master's thesis in Social Anthropology. We will hear some of the real life thoughts emotions experienced during a grueling Thru-Hike.The Hiker Trash Podcast is a project of Local Exposure Magazine.Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

This young couple set out to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail in 2022. Fern put her animation business on hold. Gypsy quit his job and moved his belongings into the smallest storage locker he could find, hoping to figure out their future along the trail. They hiked north, completely unaware that a coming twist of fate would transform the Trail into a path to a new home and a new life in Maine. Gypsy however, carried a secret, only to be revealed on the last day of their hike on the summit of Mt. Katahdin.Hiking Homesteaders YouTubeThe Hiker Trash Podcast is a project of Local Exposure Magazine.Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree

This engaging episode is an organic, unscripted, conversation with Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers, Flo and Hippea. Listen to why they hiked the Trail, what they gained from the experience and what adventures they have planned for the future.The Hiker Trash Podcast is a follow up project by Local Exposure Magazine. Creator Ronnie Pettit spent a year following, photographing and interviewing Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers for a coffee table project. That project now lives on in the form of a podcast.Support the showYou can support this work by purchasing books and fine art prints at LocalExposureMagazine.com You can find us on Instagram @local.exposure.magazineJoin our Patreon or make a one-time gift! Linktree