Category: Appalachian Trail
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The “Correct” Way to Use Trekking Poles
A Day Hike in Rocksylvania Just yesterday, it happened again. I went for a day hike on the AT in Pennsylvania, accessing the trail from the blue-blazed White Rocks Trail. As always, I had my trekking poles with me, ready to use for balance when needed. As the trail ascended toward the rocky ridge, I…
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A Century of FKT
Squeezing In– A light rain began to fall as I poked my head in the shelter, surprised to find it empty. I faced a decision: stay put or try to outrun the incoming storm to reach the next shelter. A sudden cloudburst made the choice for me. I unpacked while rain drummed rhythmically on the…
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What Defines a Thru-hike?
March marks the beginning of the Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hiking season, attracting many hikers aiming to complete the journey from Georgia to Maine. Despite challenges and potential breaks, such as family obligations or weather, the hiking community embraces diverse definitions of “thru-hiking,” emphasizing personal experiences over rigid guidelines.
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Sometimes You Eat the Bear!
Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Vehicle. In late summer 2024, I travelled to Roanoke for some consulting work and took a couple of extra days to hike the Virginia Triple Crown area again. It’s an incredible stretch of the AT, home to three iconic landmarks: Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. It was Labor…