“I really think if there’s something you need to do, want to do, can afford to do, and got the nerve to do… I think you should do it if it’s gonna make you feel better about yourself!”
Dolly Parton
In the previous post I wrote about how thru-hiking the AT felt like part of my identity just waiting to be fulfilled. I love this trail and it has been a part of me for a long time, but what exactly was it about the AT that I found so attractive?
1. Love of Backpacking
Many people who begin an AT thru-hike have limited or sometimes no backpacking experience. It might seem strange, but for many, the AT isn’t really about the backpacking. They are lured to the trail for the soul searching adventure, and the backpacking is a means to an end.
I, on the other hand, came from the opposite angle. It was more my love of backpacking that attracted me to the AT. The soul searching part is just a bonus. Though I am very open to and interested in the lessons that the trail will offer, I love the method of travel as well.
I love the feeling of independence and freedom of having everything you need on your back. I enjoy the intentionality of only packing what you need, what will bring value, and nothing else. I love the attention to detail in preparing for a trip, and then spontaneity that comes when you’re plan inevitably goes out the window. I love being in the woods and I love sleeping outside.
The amazing thing about a thru-hike is that unlike a short backpacking trip, all these feelings become your full-time life.
2. Personal Growth
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Challenges lead to growth, and personal growth is important to me. In a relatively cushy society, I believe it’s good for humans to do hard things. You can’t really know what you’re capable of until you push your limits, both mentally and physically.
I know I have grown from this experience, though I suspect it will take me some time back in the real world to fully unpack what I’ve learned. At a minimum I know that I am stronger, more resilient, and more confident in my abilities.
3. Experience an American treasure
So why the Appalachian Trail? Sure, there are other long distance trails out there. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for example is the AT’s west coast sibling. It boasts epic views that most would consider more impressive than those of the AT. But there’s just something about the AT. There’s a familiarity and comfort in these old, wise, sagging mountains (the Appalachians are the oldest mountains in the world).
The AT is the girl next door that you always knew you were going to marry one day. She may not have the flashy glamor of those west coast girls, but she has a heart of gold and depth of character.
She is legendary. I doubt there’s any other hiking trail in the world that has as much lore and legend surrounding it. It has been the inspiration for countless books, movies, and art. The AT is more than a hiking trail; it’s a symbol of American culture, history, and values.
The community of hikers, volunteers, trail angels, and small towns that surround the AT is truly one of a kind. I have heard many hikers say that hiking the AT has “restored their faith in humanity.” It’s an honor to be a part of this unique community, and to walk in the footsteps of the greats that have traveled this path before me.
It is a true cultural treasure. The trail was built in the 1920s and 30s and holds a rich history of early conservation efforts and outdoor exploration. It reflects a time when Americans began to appreciate and protect their natural heritage. To this day the trail is maintained entirely by volunteers. This cooperative effort across 31 local trail maintenance clubs is an impressive effort of community involvement and the stewardship of public lands.
Over the past six months I have sampled a long thin strip of America in the ultimate slow travel experience. What a special thing it is to participate in this unique American tradition.
“The ultimate purpose of the Appalachian Trail? To walk. To see. And to see what you see.”
Benton MacKaye, founder of the AT
Funny thing, I wrote in Part 1 that I had a hard time verbalizing why I was hiking the AT. Now that I’ve written it down, over two posts, I realize I actually have a LOT to say about it.