From canvas rucksacks and canned food to ultralight gear and GPS apps, backpacking has come a long way since the 1950s. This article traces the history of hiking culture, honoring pioneers like Grandma Gatewood and exploring how gear—and the mindset behind it—has evolved along the Appalachian Trail.
Tag: Appalachian Trail
Echoes in the Stonework: Tracing the CCC’s Work on the AT
When you hike a section of the Appalachian Trail today—perhaps stepping onto a stone staircase nestled into a hillside, crossing a rustic log footbridge, or resting at a sturdy shelter tucked under the trees—you’re walking in the footprints of thousands. And many of those footprints belong to the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps…
15 Iconic Appalachian Trail Landmarks Every Hiker Should Know
From wild ponies in Virginia to the breathtaking summit of Mount Katahdin, the Appalachian Trail is full of unforgettable landmarks. Whether you’re planning a thru-hike or just dreaming of adventure, these 15 iconic spots showcase the best of the AT.
The “Next Stump” Method
There is a better way of accomplishing our goals—what I like to call the Next Stump Method. It’s all about taking the impossible and breaking it down into something possible to achieve.
101 Miles on the Appalachian Trail Saved My Life.
I was out of commission with just 101 miles completed on the Appalachian Trail. But as it would turn out, those 101 miles would save my life.
History of the Appalachian Trail: From Vision to Reality
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is not just a hiking trail; it’s an enduring symbol of the American spirit of exploration and perseverance. Spanning 2,190+ miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, the trail weaves through 14 states and showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Eastern United States.
Hike Your Own Hike: What it Means to Me.
It’s about more than pace. One of the most used phrases in the hiking community is hike your own hike. It basically means to go at your own pace and to experience the trail in your own way. For me, a plus-size backpacker, the phrase hike your own hike is about much more than keeping…
Lessons Learned On My First Backpacking Trip.
1. Make sure someone knows your plans! It’s not enough to announce, “I’m going off to hike the Appalachian Trail.”, unless of course you’re planning to hike the entire 2,198 miles of it. If you are planning a solo backpacking trip, it is crucial that someone knows where this adventure is to take place. When…
A Fluffy Folks Guide to Hiking in Georgia
The great outdoors can be awe-inspiring, stimulating our senses and challenging our bodies to push further and reach higher towards that next summit. But it can also cause us to gasp for oxygen and fret over whatever it was that just cracked in our lower back. If you are a member of the Fluffy Folks…
An Epic Journey to Len Foote Hike Inn
What is Len Foote Hike Inn? Len Foote Hike Inn is probably one of the most unique experiences the adventure traveler can have. Nestled high in the mountains of north Georgia, Len Foote Hike Inn is not your grandmother’s B&B. Unless, of course, your grandmother is Emma Gatewood. This totally cool and environmentally friendly place…