Beating the recession on the Appalachian Trail

by Kraig Becker on

Yesterday we introduced you to one of the world’s classic treks in the from of The Appalachian Trail. Turns out you might not have needed in introduction at all, as according to NPR, many Americans are heading to the AT to beat the recession.

According to the story, a number of hikers who have lost their jobs, have decided to take advantage of their time off, and spend some extended time on the AT. The more adventurous are even electing to thru-hike the entire 2175 mile length, which generally takes anywhere from five to seven months to complete.

Some of the hikers that NPR spoke to saw the loss of their jobs as an opportunity to do something that they might not have the chance to do later on in life. Most are young, still in their 20’s, and don’t quite have the responsibilities that will come as they get older, such as families, a mortgage, or well established careers. They’re focusing on the long distance hike with the hope that when they are finished, and they return to civilization, the economy will be showing signs of recovery.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy website estimates that it will cost somewhere between $3000-$5000 to hike the entire length of the trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia, crossing a total of 14 states in the process. Most of that is spent when hikers leave the trail behind and return to town, where they tend to splurge on hotels and restaurants. While that is a large chunk of change to spend on a single trip in the middle of an economic downturn, overall that’s a fairly inexpensive trip considering the length.

So, if you’ve found that you have a little extra time on your hands, and some severance pay burning a hole in your pocket, maybe you should consider taking on the AT or some other extended adventure. After all, the economy is going to turn around at some point, and when it does, we’re going to be expected to go back to work!

Classic Treks: The Appalachian Trail

by Kraig Becker on

The Appalachian Trail has been mentioned in the news quite a bit in the past week or so, thanks to a certain governor who managed to hike it all the way to Argentina. While “Hiking the AT” may yet become a sexual euphemism due to this recent scandal, for years the trail has been one of the best long distance treks in North America, if not the entire world.

The Appalachian Trail was first conceived back in 1921, with construction being completed in 1937. In 1968 it was designated as the United States’ first national scenic trail, cementing its status as the top trail in the country. Stretching more than 2,175 miles in length, the trail crosses 14 states, running from Maine to Georgia, and while it does pass through six national parks, it doesn’t wander anywhere close to Argentina.

According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website, more than 10,000 people have taken the estimated 5 million footsteps it takes to hike the entire length of the trail. Many of them have done it over the course of a number of years, breaking it into sections, and tackling various lengths as their time allows. A few have thru-hiked the entire trail however, going non-stop across its vast length, stopping in towns along the way to resupply before heading out to the backcountry once again. Typically it takes about six months to finish the entire length of the AT, with some starting in the spring in Georgia and heading north, and others getting underway in the summer in Maine, and moving south.

The Appalchian Trail falls within a days ride of 2/3rds of the American population, and 4 million of us head out on the “foot path” every year. The AT offers everything from great day hikes to months long adventures, serving up spectacular views and stunning vistas across its length. Hikers will also encounter plenty of wildlife as well, with moose, dear, elk, and even black bear making regular appearances through out its length.

With its rich diversity, ease of access, and amazing length, the Appalachian Trail has something to offer just about everyone. Whether you are a bird watcher looking to kill a few hours in the woods or a hardcore backpacker with the desire to add your name to the list of those who have conqured all 2000+ miles, this classic trek has something for you. Even armchair adventurers can can get in on the fun by picking up Bill Bryson’s classic book A Walk in the Woods. America’s first scenic trail, remains its greatest, even if it has gained a bit of noteriety.

Barefoot and Fancy Free

by Iva Skoch on

Interested in cutting down on your luggage size and weight to adapt to those pesky airline baggage restrictions? Want to free yourself from the constrictions and conventions of clothing? Maybe you should take up barefoot hiking. On the heels of articles about Ron Zaleski, a retired health-club owner from Long Island, that he was walking the Appalachian Trail barefoot, the New York Times just ran a story yesterday about barefoot hiking clubs.

And both of these stories followed in the footsteps of a story from the Times last Saturday about barefoot water skiing championships. Is this a trend? Apparently, it’s no longer challenging enough to just walk or run around with shod feet. More punishment is necessary.

While these hikers say this puts them more in touch with the earth, literally and figuratively, experts are skeptical about the practice. The Times quoted Dr. David Samuel, a podiatric surgeon as saying, “I’m sure a lot of Neanderthals died from foot infections.” And a quick search turns up a host of nasty bugs such as hookworm (present in Appalachia), roundworm, and various parasites that one can pick up through the feet, not to mention injuries. The threats are downplayed by some barefoot walking societies.

Mr. Zaleski intends to finish his 2174-mile trek before Christmas, probably hoping to minimize his chances of frostbite. This would make him the first man to have accomplished this feet, er, feat.

Hiking the AT With Carrie and Derrick

by Erik Olsen on

The Appalachian Trail. It snakes and rises and falls and twists and rolls along the entire United States East coast. It is an epic thread of hiking trail, one of the best known, but also one of the more challenging, in the country. Not challenging in the Everest sense. No major altitudes to deal with the Appalachian Trail, no Hillary Step or frozen bodies lying alongside. But it is looooong. How long? Well just ask Carrie and Derrick, a pair of blaze seekers who are attempting to do the entire length of the trail and are posting daily photos and video along the way.

I was quite impressed by the site here and wondered how in the world they are managing to keep it so up to date. I suppose they wait until they get to a place with a decent connection and then write like mad and upload. Whatever the process, you have to salute these two intrepid young adventurers, especially given the gnarly heat wave headed this way (or is it here already?) this week.

The Trail Days Festival, Damascus, Virginia

by Karen Walrond on

Several years ago, when I was living in Houston, I met the very close friend of my very close friend, Everett.  Everett’s friend Kimberly was in town for some last-minute purchases before heading to the Appalachian trail.  I was shocked to learn that she was intending to walk the entire 2,159 mile trail all by herself.

“All by yourself?” I repeated, incredulously.

“Yup,” she calmly responded.  “A lot of people do it.  Although, there will probably be times when I won’t see a soul for days.”

Well, she did manage to do the whole thing, and ended up meeting the man she eventually married on the trip, to boot.  So when I read this article in the New York Times about the Trail Days Festival in Damascas, Virginia, I couldn’t help but wonder if she met her husband here, in what’s touted as “the friendliest town on the Appalachian Trail.”

The festival, it turns out, occurs on May 19th – 21st, and has become “the largest single gathering of hikers anywhere.”  Last year, an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 showed up to what has become “a backpacker’s Mardi Gras,” and a reunion for anyone who has ever trekked the long  Trail.

Sound like a lot of fun.  Of course, it’s unlikely that I’ll ever hike that trail.  Have any of you done it?  Did you make it to the festival?