Podcasts about Appalachian Trail

Running nearly 2,200 miles along the spine of the Appalachian Range from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail arguably is the world's most famous long-distance trail. Some think it's also one that can be very crowded in spots. Morgan Sommerville, the director of visitor use management for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, joins us today to discuss the trail in general and whether it's too crowded.

7/6/26 - 7/8/25 Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Strange Disappearances Along the Appalachian TrailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.

I'm alive in Bangor, Maine — a sentence that somehow feels like the opening line of a novel. In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I walk you through my chaotic arrival to the start of my Appalachian Trail FKT training camp, including a 1 a.m. walk from the airport (no Ubers in Bangor, apparently) and my deep dive into specificity. I'm testing everything: my exact 7,000-calorie-per-day nutrition, gear kit, FKT pacing strategy, and resupply logistics — all in the hardest section of the trail.I also talk about working on the road, training smart, respecting the difficulty of the White Mountains, and building the blueprint for a successful AT attempt. Plus: some sponsor shoutouts to Garage Grown Gear, CS Instant Coffee, and Janji (yes, I am currently dressed head-to-toe in Janji gear — including the pockets I'll be eating out of for the next 40+ days).Want to support the mission? Check out patreon.com/freeoutside — and until next time, stay elite, my friends.Sound Bites"I just went to Tim Hortons.""I got from Garage Grown Gear.""Life's pretty crazy, you know?"Chapters00:00 Journey to Bangor, Maine03:22 Training for the Appalachian Trail10:27 Preparation and Gear for the TrailSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

What drives someone to leave behind comfort and pursue something deeply meaningful? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Tanner Critz - a martial artist, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and founder of Unity Martial Arts in Little Rock. This conversation isn't just about hiking 2,200 miles or building a successful dojo. It's about identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to follow your own path - especially when it's steep and uncertain. Tanner opens up about his pivotal adventures: hiking the AT alone with a hidden bleeding ulcer, turning a quiet martial arts passion into a thriving community, and facing a near-death COVID experience that shook his world. We explore what it means to live with intention, take risks that matter, and find a sense of home in both place and people. Arthur Brooks says that to live a happy, meaningful life, we all have to answer two questions...Why am I here, and What am I willing to die for?  If you've ever asked yourself either of these questions - this episode is for you.

Our guests today are Jim and Sarah Klepzig, a couple who lost their 22-year-old son, Tristan, in a terrible car accident five years ago. Tristan is on the left in the picture below, taken just two weeks prior to his accident. How they responded to this tragedy, turning to hiking as a way to heal, has been inspiring and helped the two of them navigate the world after their son. They carry keyrings to commemorate Tristan on their hikes up the Appalachian Trail and other trails. Tristan was a big fan of cinnamon rolls, so the family instigated “Run 4 The Rolls,” a 5k fun run in Jacksonville, Florida. You can follow their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/run4therolls/?hl=en and read more about the 5k at https://1stplacesports.com/races/run-for-the-rolls/ Beth and Andrew continue to eat their way north, running into trail magic with amazing regularity. Here they are sampling some Pennsylvania rocks. Dave is on the verge of the Vermont / New Hampshire border. Things are about to get real! The calm waters of Stratton Mountain will be a distant memory next week!   I used my hike last year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/. I hope you want to support this critical mission. Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out. I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, “I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell.” You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/ If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com . If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, 3821 Milflores Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Any support is gratefully received. Additionally, you can “Zelle” me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or “Venmo“ me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work! If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

This week we talk about Noah Wyle urging Congress to reauthorize the Lorna Breen Act, an ice cream challenge that can only be done along the Appalachian Trail and elective changes to eye color and other cosmetic surgery trends.

High Strangeness Along The APPALACHIAN TRAILBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Kristy and Annette—two inspiring women who completely transformed their lives after retirement. In 2015, they sold everything they owned, bought an RV, and set out to live life on their own terms. What began as a “retirement gift” hike on the Colorado Trail quickly evolved into a bold new chapter of full-time adventure. Since then, Kristy and Annette have completed the Triple Crown of Hiking—the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail—and spend each year splitting their time between life on the road and life on foot. Together, they share their journey of choosing freedom, rejecting fear, and expanding the limits of what life after 50 can look like. This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams, explore the unknown, and live life unapologetically. If you've ever felt the urge to change direction, embrace the outdoors, or reclaim your time and energy for what truly lights you up—this conversation is for you.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x   Show notes Annette - working as a teacher and school Librarian  Deciding to retire in 2015  Doing a lot of backpacking trips before retirement  Giving themselves the trip to do the Colorado Trail as a retirement present Getting hooked on long hikes Travelling and hiking full time since them Growing up in California and being outdoorsy, but not getting into travelling and hiking until moving to Colorado as a senior in high school  Loving the South West of America Hiking the Appalachian Trail and having a blast! Meeting Kristy, born in Washington, USA before moving to Colorado at 8 years old Growing up adventuring and spending time in the mountains and woods Going to college on a basketball scholarship Always being active  Really enjoying the backpacking and spending long periods of time in nature as she's gotten older Working as a mental health therapist and working with children who had early trauma Making a change in 2015 and deciding to end that chapter  Thinking that life is a gift and it goes by really fast and wanting to live it up while they can Wanting to do all of the hard things Wanting to write a new chapter and try new things Selling everything they owned and buying an RV Deciding to walk more long distance trails Wanting to hike the triple crown  How Kristy and Annette met at a sweat lodge (sauna) in 2003 Meeting for a coffee and saying ‘wanting to walk the earth' Starting to go on weekend trips  Wanting to stay out in nature for longer Seeing a financial planner  Starting to think differently  Figuring out how to live the cheapest way and to do the things they love Starting adventuring 10 years ago full time at 51 and 57 Having a 5 year plan Completing the plan in 4 years Not caring about stuff and not being materialistic  Loving this lifestyle  Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019 How demanding it was (aged 62) Starting slow and building and seeing how their bodies held up for the long haul Having to change plans due to covid Starting the continental divide trail  The amazing people met along the way The simplicity of life on the trail Sharing their dreams with family and friends Other people's fears The dream verses the reality of this life Wanting to create her life how she wants it Planning for the year ahead Wanting to expand the confines of their life until they die  Claiming space in the world and making it exactly how you want it Handling disagreements  How plans evolve overtime Having low expectations and why it can be a key for happiness Planning a trip to South America  Booking the hiking part of the trip and keeping the rest free Working within a framework  Annettee doing the researching  Creating the grand plans! Training and doing a marathon while selling the house! Getting into pack rafts  Leaving the RV while hiking  Making this life work The triple hike and the differences between the big three hikes Water carries, desert, hiking at elevation, sun levels, resupply Why the Appalachian Trail is a good beginner trail for newbies  Watch the videos on YouTube  Wanting to inspire people to get outside especially older people Words of advice for women listening  Starting small and find what you love Building success into it  Figure out what works for you Setting yourself up for big success  Why life is a huge gift Don't let it (life) go to waste Be in your power   Social Media Instagram @wanderwomen_kristy_annette  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RVsters/  Youtube: @wanderwomenkristyannette5021   

7/5/25 Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

7/2/25 - 7/4/25 Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Last month, Post columnist Dana Milbank hiked part of the Appalachian Trail with his brother. Along the way, he detached from the news and reacquainted himself with nature. In the process, he received a real-life lesson about how the world around us can reduce cognitive fatigue and enhance well-being. He reflects on his journey in a recent essay.Check out some of the other columns about Milbank's adventures in nature:Dana Milbank: Technology broke our connection to nature. Here is a way back.Dana Milbank: Nature's lesson for the politically worried: Spring will come againDana Milbank: My new tractor will either extend my life or end it quicklySubscribe to The Washington Post here.

Welcome to Episode 178 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Tonight, Tad and Tad and I chat with Appalachian Trail ridge runner Dillon Utter! Dillon tells us what it's like being a ridge runner on the AT. We also chat about the Woodland Valley UMP, recent rescues and an unfortunate death at Kaaterskill Falls. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform, share the show, donate if you feel like it… or just keep tuning in. I'm just grateful you're here. And as always... VOLUNTEER!!!!Links for the Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ISLCatskillsPodcast, Donate a coffee to support the show! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills, Like to be a sponsor or monthly supporter of the show? Go here! - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills/membershipThanks to the sponsors of the show: Outdoor chronicles photography - https://www.outdoorchroniclesphotography.com/, Trailbound Project - https://www.trailboundproject.com/, Camp Catskill - https://campcatskill.co/, Another Summit - https://www.guardianrevival.org/programs/another-summitLinks: AT Ridge Runners, 3500 Club Dinner, Woodland Valley UMP, Troegs Beer, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Volunteer Opportunities: Trailhead stewards for 3500 Club -https://www.catskill3500club.org/trailhead-stewardship, Catskills Trail Crew - https://www.nynjtc.org/trailcrew/catskills-trail-crew, NYNJTC Volunteering - https://www.nynjtc.org/catskills, Catskill Center - https://catskillcenter.org/, Catskill Mountain Club - https://catskillmountainclub.org/about-us/, Catskill Mountainkeeper - https://www.catskillmountainkeeper.org/, Bramley Mountain Fire Tower - https://bramleymountainfiretower.org/ Post Hike Brews and Bites - Vanish Brewery#AT #hikertrash #ridgerunner # #hikehudson #hikethehudson #hudsonvalleyhiking #NYC #history #husdonvalley #hikingNY #kaaterskill #bluehole #catskillhiking #visitcatskills #catskillstrails #catskillmountains #catskillspodcast #catskills #catskillpark #catskillshiker #catskillmountainsnewyork #hiking #catskill3500club #catskill3500 #hikethecatskills

6/30/25 - 7/1/25 Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

WHAT A REINVENTION!! Wrong Turn Full Reaction Watch Along:   / thereelrejects   Visit https://huel.com/rejects to get 15% off your order Now that they've seen the first 6, Roxy Striar & Tara Erickson venture deeper into the Appalachian wilderness for their Wrong Turn 2021 Reaction, Breakdown, and Spoiler-Filled Review — the seventh installment in the long-running franchise, directed by Mike P. Nelson (The Domestics) and written by original series creator Alan B. McElroy (Halloween 4, Spawn). Ditching the inbred cannibals of earlier entries, this reinvention introduces a new threat: a secretive, self-sufficient cult called The Foundation. Charlotte Vega (The Lodgers, Warrior Nun) stars as Jen Shaw, a young woman who sets off on a hiking trip through the Appalachian Trail with her boyfriend Darius (Adain Bradley – The 100, All American) and their close-knit group of friends. What starts as an adventurous detour quickly spirals into a brutal fight for survival when the group encounters a deadly community living off the grid and abiding by ancient, merciless laws. Bill Sage (We Are What We Are, American Psycho) gives a chilling performance as John Venable, the cold-blooded leader of The Foundation. Also featured are Matthew Modine (Stranger Things, Full Metal Jacket) as Jen's father Scott Shaw, who launches a desperate search for his daughter, and Daisy Head (Shadow and Bone, Underworld: Blood Wars) as Edith, a high-ranking cult member. With harrowing traps, underground trials, and twisted moral dilemmas, the film reimagines the Wrong Turn formula with fresh brutality and thought-provoking questions about civilization versus survivalism. Iconic and highly searched scenes include the spiked log ambush, the courtroom execution sequence, and the shocking ending that takes place during the end credits. Join Roxy & Tara as they dig into the blood-soaked reinvention, dissect the film's major deviations from franchise tradition, and debate its place among modern horror reboots. Follow Roxy Striar YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheWhirlGirls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxystriar/?hl=en Twitter:  https://twitter.com/roxystriar Follow Tara Erickson: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaraErickson Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/taraerickson/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thetaraerickson Intense Suspense by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ Follow Us On Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/  Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reelrejects?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/reelrejects Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ Music Used In Ad:  Hat the Jazz by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... POWERED BY @GFUEL Visit https://gfuel.ly/3wD5Ygo and use code REJECTNATION for 20% off select tubs!! Head Editor: https://www.instagram.com/praperhq/?hl=en Co-Editor: Greg Alba Co-Editor: John Humphrey Music In Video: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Ask Us A QUESTION On CAMEO: https://www.cameo.com/thereelrejects Follow TheReelRejects On FACEBOOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM:  FB:  https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thereelrejects Follow GREG ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/thegregalba/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thegregalba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Outside/In, we're sharing an episode from our friends and partners at Common Land.Common Land explores the creation stories behind protected land. Each season takes a deep dive into the history, science and politics behind the creation of one particular patch of protected, common land.Season two of Common Land, produced in partnership with New Hampshire Public Radio, follows documentarian Matthew Podolsky as he attempts to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail with his 65-year-old mom, Candy. Matt and his mom face extreme weather, illness, and injury as they trek 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. Along the way, Matt shares stories of remarkable people, surprising history, and the modern challenges facing the Appalachian Trail — all as the iconic footpath marks its 100th anniversary.You can listen to episode two of the new season right now, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen. SUPPORTOutside/In is made possible with listener support. Click here to become a sustaining member of Outside/In. Follow Outside/In on Instagram or join our private discussion group on Facebook. WIN A NEW CAR OR 25K IN CASH DURING NHPR'S SUMMER RAFFLE! GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.

6/29/25 - Jester goes over her logistics plan for The White Mountains of New Hampshire.  Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

This episode features runner, adventurer, and creator of the wildly popular Tough Girl podcast and Tough Girl Challenges, Sarah Williams. These days, Sarah is well known for taking on incredible challenges, but it wasn't always that way. Here, Sarah tells her adventuring lifestyle origin story: how she transitioned from working in wealth management in London to exploring the world through epic adventures to challenge herself, to motivate other women, and to raise the visibility of women adventurers. Among her many, many adventuring accolades, Sarah has completed the 500-mile Camino Francés, the 870-mile Wales Coast Path, and she recently finished Te Araroa, the 1,860-mile hike across New Zealand, covering both the north and south islands. In her story, Sarah talks about what first inspired her to pursue the adventuring life in her mid-30s, and her first big challenges: Marathon des Sables, the notoriously difficult multi-day running race in Morocco, in the Sahara Desert, and hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail in the US in 100 days. Sarah shares the many challenges and doubts she experienced on her way to becoming the adventurer she is today. And how, in the end, she discovered how to believe in herself. That's a strength she carries to this day. Beyond her own adventures, Sarah is passionately focused on inspiring and highlighting women adventurers all over the globe. This year, the Tough Girl podcast will reach over 800 episodes, and counting! How to Keep Up with Sarah Williams Instagram: @toughgirlchallenges⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: toughgirlchallenges.com To support WRS, please rate and review the show iTunes/Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-running-stories/id1495427631⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8Hr2RysbV4fdwNhiMAXc?si=1c5e18155b4b44fa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music Credits Cormac O'Regan, of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Playtoh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coma-Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, via⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rockot⁠⁠⁠, via⁠⁠⁠ Pixabay⁠ aidanpinsent⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠penguinmusic⁠⁠, via ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ ⁠chillmore⁠⁠, via ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RomanBelov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, via⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulYudin⁠⁠, via⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories WRS Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@womensrunningstories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ facebook.com/WomensRunningStories⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ womensrunningstories.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Women's Running Stories is a proud member of the Evergreen network:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://evergreenpodcasts.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Garmire is a professional ultramarathon athlete, coach, author, podcast host, and one of a very few to have participated in all Cocodona 250 events. Long ultras are not even long for Jeff, as he has also completed some monster through hikes like John Muir Trail, Arizona Trail, Continental Divide and more. He is currently gearing up for an unsupported attempt on the Appalachian Trail in August. Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach's Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com/bitter CurraNZ: curranzusa.com Code: Bitter20deal (20% Off) Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo  Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter Jeff: freeoutside.com | IG: @thefreeoutside | YouTube: @JeffGarmire | Podcast: Free Outside Podcast

6/28/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

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6/27/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Anniversaries and birthdays give us time to reflect on individuals, accomplishments, and moments in history. They often refresh our memories and can serve as motivators to do something. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which was established in 1925, just two years after the first sections of the Appalachian Trail opened. To discuss the trail, some of its history, and the challenges it faces today, our guests are Sandi Marra, CEO of the Conservancy, and Brendan Mysliwiec, the Conservancy's Director of Federal Policy.

6/26/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

6/25/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Get to know our 2025 Trail Team of thru-hiking trail correspondents in this episode - with stories of type II fun! Stay tuned for more episodes featuring them in the coming months. Our hikers are backpacking on the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Camino de Santiago, Eastern Continental Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Hexatrek, Fisherman's Trail, and more.You can follow along with all of our Trail Team members on the ⁠THRU-r Instagram page⁠.Connect & follow along with our featured Trail Team members on their personal Instagram pages:⁠⁠Raven⁠⁠⁠⁠Pickles & Freight Train⁠⁠⁠Vegas⁠⁠⁠⁠Scratch⁠⁠⁠⁠Ravenclaw⁠Def Pos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you love what we're doing here on the podcast and over at THRU-r, you can become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Virtual Trail Angel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ via our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal Donation Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. As a grassroots thru-hiker run organization, we really appreciate the support!Did you enjoy this episode? Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Trail Family⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cheer's YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cheer's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis

6/24/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

STRANGE Disappearances Along The APPALACHIAN TRAILBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.

6/23/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

When a hiker emerges from the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee claiming he murdered a woman with a hatchet, it seems unfathomable… But when investigators discover the brutal truth, they realize they're dealing with a dangerous man who has a disturbing past in multiple U.S. states.View source material and photos for this episode at: parkpredators.com/the-confession Park Predators is an audiochuck production. Connect with us on social media:Instagram: @parkpredators | @audiochuckTwitter: @ParkPredators | @audiochuckFacebook: /ParkPredators  | /audiochuckllcTikTok:  @audiochuck

6/22/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

We can't seem to get enough of John Kelly's FKT attempt on the Appalachian Trail, and we shared a few final thoughts about it before he finishes in the next couple of weeks. We also discussed Faith Kipyegon's upcoming attempt to break 4:00 for the mile, and we offered our predictions for the Western States Endurance Run this weekend. Of course, with the Peachtree Road Race coming up in Atlanta, we talked a bit about that, too.

Creepypasta Scary Story

6/21/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

6/20/25 - Audio Vlog Standing Bear Farm Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/f2bcf6d1  Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Pippa chats with Hike about her first big backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail and how that experience started her on the path that led her to hike in the North Carolina mountains. Pippa is also a singer-songwriter who gets a lot of inspiration from hiking in the outdoors. We specifically touch on the Roan Highlands and the AT from Carver Gap to Route 19e, Black Mountain Crest Trail / Mt. Mitchell and her upcoming Art Loeb thru-hike. It's important to note that the Black Mountain Crest Trail has some closures due to being impacted by Hurricane Helene last year. Make sure to check out the most recent information by visiting the state park and forest service info and you can also learn more about North Carolina peaks via the High Peaks Trail Association: https://nchighpeaks.org/You can find out more about her upcoming shows and follow her hikes by checking out the links below:Connect with Pippa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pippahooverFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pippahoovermusic/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Z7Qs2TAekHLIZ3D02XT35?si=8aa8xZScRqyOtObiZqHZBQPippa's band's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1opTfiIaSKLhG2v6BM5kUq?si=w0kyyqD7QTKvirN0BNhCiQHer band's 10-year anniversary show: https://catscradle.com/event/honey-magpie-2/cats-cradle-back-room/carrboro-north-carolina/Support the showConnect with Hike:Instagram: @thehikepodcast @shenandoahexplorerFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com

Discover why Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park with Johnny Mac as he explores the misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage of Appalachia. Navigate the tourist attractions of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to find authentic mountain experiences, then venture into Cades Cove for the best black bear viewing and preserved mountain history. Learn which waterfall hikes offer the biggest rewards for the least effort, how to experience the park's famous scenic drives, and when to visit for spectacular fall foliage. From the challenging Appalachian Trail sections to easy family-friendly walks, Johnny reveals how to balance the park's incredible popularity with meaningful wilderness encounters. Understand the deep mountain culture preserved within park boundaries and why these ancient peaks continue to capture hearts with their timeless beauty. For a commercial free experience please visit www.caloroga.com/plus

6/19/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Backpack the Pinhoti Trail and get into the history! Appalachian Trail & Pinhoti Trail thru-hiker Katie "Oats" Houston tells about her experiences while hiking this amazing trail (part solo, and part with her dog "Thru"!).Here, we go into her many tips and tricks for trekking along the Pinhoti, history of the trail, hiking with a dog, and we also touch on the benefits of hiking for mental health.In this episode, you'll learn about:How NOT to get stranded at the Northern TerminusTips on how to extend your hike, the best places to stay, and the animal encounters you may experienceHiking with a dog and how to ensure they thrive on trail & so much more!Applicable Links:Pinhoti Experience FoundationThe Hearn Inn, Cave Springs, GARebuild Hot Springs Beloved AshevilleRadiolab episode - Quantum BirdsStuff You Should Know episode - The Trail of TearsConnect with Oats by using the links below:Oats on the Pinhoti series on The TrekOats' Website Oats' InstagramSawyer's Website Help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Connect With THRU-r & Cheer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Trail Family⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cheer's YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cheer's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis

6/18/25 - Audio Vlog First Section: Connecticut/Massachusetts ✅ West Cornwall Rd - Tyringham Rd. (52 Miles) Second Section: Vermont/New Hampshire VT. 103 - Lyme Dorchester Rd. (83 Miles) Third Section: New Hampshire/Maine NH 25C - Katahdin (403 Miles) Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Should the Blazers try to move up in the draft? Cal Raleigh's record-breaking season. Worst Day on the Web: eating a half-gallon of ice cream halfway through the Appalachian Trail? Wisconsin suing Miami for poaching a player.

Who is Al Leong? You'll know him when you see him. Pacers throttle Thunder to force Game 7. Ace Bailey and his camp are not helping his draft stock. What the Lakers sale means for the rest of the league. Should the Blazers move up in the draft? The Big Dumper's record-breaking season. Worst Day on the Web: eating a half-gallon of ice cream halfway through the Appalachian Trail. Wisconsin suing Miami for poaching a player. Dodgers are busy on and off the field. Have the Pacers overachieved? "Or" - NBA Finals, Shedeur Sanders, Mariners. Portland Fire, and our update on Al Leong.

This is it; the final days on my Camino trip in Spain. We cover the final four days, as well as interviews with Dave, plus Beth and Andrew from the Appalachian Trail. Next week, we'll be back to normal!

6/17/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

6/16/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

6/15/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

This week, we talked about the new standards released by the Boston Athletic Association that will add time to a runner's BQ if they ran on a downhill course. We also caught up with John Kelly's Appalachian Trail run, the latest from the NCAA Track and Field Championship, and the new of the cancellation of the final Grand Slam Track event of the year.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Chris Brunton aka “Trailboss”. Trailboss is a legendary force in the construction and maintenance of the Appalachian Trail, most notably, the infamous Rollercoaster section of the trail through Virginia.  Trailboss enlightens us with some history of the trail, the process for procuring the trail's corridor through that section, how he met his wife (CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy) Sandi Marra, why he dedicates his life to the AT, and much more. We wrap the show with a brief overview of the difference between freezing and refrigerating food for Chaunce, the triple of the longest minutes, and a listener provides a hack for staying hydrated when you can't reach the side pockets on your pack. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.  Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 50% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com. Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek. Ka'Chava: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 15% off at kachava.com. [divider] Interview with Chris “Trailboss” Brunton Time stamps & Questions 00:05:20 - Trail Days Day 2 00:13:25 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon and apply to blog for the Trek! 00:15:30 - Introducing Trailboss 00:18:00 - Tell us about growing up in England 00:21:00 - How did you get started doing trail work? 00:33:00 - What brought you to the US? 00:37:00 - What was it like to emigrate to the US? 00:38:55 - How did you deal with the aftermath of handshake agreements? 00:42:10 - What was the mindset when building the Rollercoaster section? 00:47:50 - When did the section get its name and its sign? 00:53:40 - What is the motive in purchasing land near the trail corridor? 00:54:50 - What are the positive benefits of the ATC? 01:02:00 - Discussion about Benton McCaye and Myron Avery 01:06:40 - What are the rewarding aspects of doing trail maintenance? 01:12:30 - How did the PATC get started? Segments Trek Propaganda: “We Are Transforming These Mountains in a Way Humans Have Never Seen”: The Future of the Sierra Nevada, John Muir's Range of Light by Karl Ford QOTD:  Does ice cream expire and if so why? Triple Crown of the longest minutes Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

6/14/25 - Audio Vlog Connect With Jester: Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com Website: http://jestersectionhiker.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart