Why I’m Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2025 | My Story + Plans

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  • Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
  • Last week, I shared with you all about my intention to thru hike the Appalachian Trail next year! Thank you all so much for your love and support and shared excitement 💙
    Join me for a quick hike around Sandy Creek Nature Center while I share more about the WHY behind my decision to thru hike the trail in 2025. I’ll be answering the questions of…
    1:05 Why the Appalachian Trail?
    4:15 Why a thru hike?
    7:53 Why 2025?
    11:20 Why am I vlogging it?
    Thanks for watching and supporting my journey!
    -
    Follow my adventures on Instagram:
    @adventure_outdoors / / adventure_outdoors
    -
    Buy me a coffee:
    buymeacoffee.c...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 119

  • @timmonahanjustoutforawalk7331
    @timmonahanjustoutforawalk7331 2 місяці тому +22

    I follow 3 to 5 thru hikers a year. 2 things I look for from the vloggers are videos that are not crazy long & videos that show alot of the terrain. I hope ur one of them. Good luck on ur hike

    • @danielstoddart
      @danielstoddart Місяць тому +3

      I've watched about 4 or 5 video through hikes so far. Based on my experience, I think 10 minute updates are the ideal length of time. 10 minutes is a doable daily investment. If a video is an hour long, I'm just not going to have enough time to watch it all.

    • @soniadowney7427
      @soniadowney7427 28 днів тому +2

      I follow hikers who don't use music, don't talk too much and keep the camera focused on the trail. In other words, no long selfie. 😊

    • @soniadowney7427
      @soniadowney7427 28 днів тому

      ​@@danielstoddart try Loamseeker, just love her informative videos

  • @suemoore1965
    @suemoore1965 День тому

    THANKS FOR SHARING 💕🤍👣

  • @jsweevil
    @jsweevil 22 дні тому +3

    For years i was unable to get out and do more than a day hike or a very rare overnight backpacking trip at a local state park.
    I absolutely loved binging hiking videos and living vicariously through vloggers thru hiking long trails. As a caretaker, i had no ability to get out there, so watching those videos was my lifeline.
    This year, i am finally getting the chance to thru hike the AT at 62yo. Just know that vlogging can be incredibly helpful to those that cant get out there themselves. I doubt i will vlog myself, just have a facebook page and IG account to keep family and friends updated on my progress, but know that many out there will be highly appreciative to those like yourself who do vlog.

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  22 дні тому +1

      @@jsweevil thank you so much for your encouragement!! I wish you the best on your own journey 🥾

    • @jsweevil
      @jsweevil 21 день тому

      @adventure_outdoors thank you! ❤️

  • @dougwoods9885
    @dougwoods9885 2 місяці тому +10

    Congratulations on your trip. I plan to start February 1 2026. I live in up state new York and work outside so the cold should be no problem. I'm almost 70 so it's now or never for me. I'll be following you so good luck

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому

      You got this! So cool to hear about your journey 🤙🏽

  • @karenpaulson
    @karenpaulson 17 днів тому +1

    I'm so happy you popped up on my feed! I was looking around for a thru-hiker to follow and here you are! My husband and I love to tune in to a hiker in the evening and see how things are going. Good luck!

  • @jaritza9625
    @jaritza9625 23 дні тому +1

    I’m turning 30 this year and planning to hike the AT as well! 🤗❤️ see you there !

  • @WildCloudberry
    @WildCloudberry 7 днів тому

    Best of luck! Can't wait to follow your hike!

  • @tailgunnerhikes4703
    @tailgunnerhikes4703 13 днів тому

    Just found your intro videos. As for video frequency, obviously first do what you want to remember your trip. As someone who follows about half dozen thru hikers per year, I spend about an hour a night on UA-cam. Thus daily ones (especially over 5-6 minutes) are hard to keep up with. Every 3-4 days seems to work well (20 minute length) as I can cycle around to those hikers. You are in my pre-season group of one to two dozen vlogger which I will have to trim down based on content once you get on trail.

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  13 днів тому

      Thanks so much for the support and encouragement! Whether or not you decide to keep watching my videos, I hope you find an amazing group of thru hikers to follow this year!

  • @sixpackhikers
    @sixpackhikers Місяць тому +3

    Hope to see you out there! My husband, 4 kids, and I are starting a little before you. You’ll probably catch us 😉

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  Місяць тому +1

      That’s awesome! I’ll be looking out for you 😊 happy hiking!!

    • @sixpackhikers
      @sixpackhikers Місяць тому +1

      @ happy trails to you too!

  • @kaishinbrough7639
    @kaishinbrough7639 Місяць тому +1

    NOBO '24. Just subscribed. Super excited to see your vlog and re-live the AT

  • @jamesadams2334
    @jamesadams2334 2 місяці тому +4

    I wish you good luck on your hike. Have a great time and enjoy the process of walking there. It will change your life forever. I throw a St. Patrick's Day party for the new batch of thru hikers each year at Gooch Gap and have been doing it since 2003. Good to hear about your trail magic. Looking forward to following your vlog.
    geek

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому

      Awesome!! I’ve done TM at Gooch Shelter the past few years on the first weekend of March. Usually we’ll hike a few pizzas + fruit into the shelter!

  • @forrestwhite8052
    @forrestwhite8052 2 місяці тому +2

    I volunteer to drive the free shuttle for the City of Hiawassee. I love meeting the different people doing this hike.

  • @BackCountryBean
    @BackCountryBean 29 днів тому +1

    I’m starting march 15! Best of luck! I’ll give you a follow!

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  29 днів тому

      @@BackCountryBean happy trails! Hope to see you out there!

  • @iwnlis4347
    @iwnlis4347 2 місяці тому +2

    Can’t wait for your AT thru hike! 👍🥾⛰️

  • @stanthemanhikes2965
    @stanthemanhikes2965 2 місяці тому +3

    Hi good luck to you. You’re gonna love it. My year was 2022. If I had to do it again I would probably vlog daily instead of several days at a clip. I think editing and uploading would have been much easier that way. I’m out doing trail magic quite a bit so hope to see you out there. Have fun!!

  • @Casual_BackPacking
    @Casual_BackPacking 2 місяці тому +1

    I am rooting for you in your AT thru hike quest.

  • @fl-rando
    @fl-rando 2 місяці тому +1

    Great video, thanks for sharing

  • @jhayft0703
    @jhayft0703 2 місяці тому +2

    I follow a few people each year for the last couple of years and super excited to follow you!

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому +1

      Thanks so much! Excited to have you along for the journey ☺️

    • @jhayft0703
      @jhayft0703 2 місяці тому

      @ 💕💕💕💕💕

  • @Lucitt13
    @Lucitt13 2 місяці тому +1

    I'm planning on starting March 1st. The temps up here is southwest Ohio finally dropped into the high teens low 20's during the mornings. Perfect training weather for the start. Maybe I'll see you out there. Good luck and have fun.

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому

      Good luck on your journey as well! It’s gotten down in the 20s here in Georgia too 🥶

  • @robertbarnes4
    @robertbarnes4 2 місяці тому

    I been following hikes fir about 8 years. I try to follow 3-4 people. I wish you the best and I be watching. I have done different part of the AT. 👍

  • @jenniejenkins6608
    @jenniejenkins6608 Місяць тому

    Thank you from the southern portion for calling it the Appa-latch-in trail 😊

  • @miken7629
    @miken7629 2 місяці тому +3

    Good thing you are doing this while you are young, once a person gets debt & responsibilities they will be trapped into working for the next 40 years.

  • @MikeM.nomiles
    @MikeM.nomiles 2 місяці тому +1

    Hi there Megan. Best of luck on your amazing journey. Im a trail angel here in ME and have helped many hikers im sure you are aware of including candy mama this year on her FKT run. Looking forward to watching your vids. "No Miles"

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому

      Looking forward to connecting when I get further north on trail!

  • @leelagreenwood
    @leelagreenwood 2 місяці тому +1

    I’m starting on March 14th I hope I run into you on the trail!

  • @derekbaggett189
    @derekbaggett189 Місяць тому

    That’s awesome. I’m in GA also. Just got into hiking to become more active. I live near Columbus so have a State Park near me (FD Roosevelt State Park).
    March 9th is a good day. It’s my b-day.

  • @elizabethcole5582
    @elizabethcole5582 2 місяці тому

    Every year I follow a few thru hikers. I enjoy all the different perspectives. I live very close to the trail, only about 30 minutes away from several road crossings, so I try to get out there a few times a year. Having watched several thru hikers and their vlogs, I prefer almost daily 15 to 25 minute vlogs. However, many of the hikers say it's a lot of work, and I'm betting it is. So every few days is great as long as we all know you're OK. I look forward to watching your journey.

  • @Go-With-Mo
    @Go-With-Mo 2 місяці тому

    I appreciate your attitude concerning your thru hike attempt. Make it your hike. Thanks for taking us along. Looking forward to the adventure.

  • @somerandomguy4149
    @somerandomguy4149 Місяць тому

    Definitely looking forward to watching you hike the A.T every year for the past 4 years I follow about 4 or 5 people and I just love the A.T it's actually live in NC about 2 hours away from roan mountain near Charlotte which is the last mountain other than hump mountain. Before you go into TN so Definitely looking forward to watching your hike from start to finish.

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  Місяць тому +1

      @@somerandomguy4149 I’ve hiked the area on Roan Mountain a few times - it’s beautiful there! Thanks for coming along on the journey.

  • @divemaster289
    @divemaster289 Місяць тому

    Good luck on your journey. I thru hiked it this year, it's life changing!

  • @MJG70
    @MJG70 2 місяці тому

    WOW! You are well l traveled. I love hiking in the UK. I hope you get far more subscribers/attention to your channel for doing this hike!

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому

      Thank you! And I love hiking in the Lake District (UK) as well!

  • @Camp43Maine
    @Camp43Maine 2 місяці тому

    Best of luck and when you get to Rangeley, be sure to stay at Camp 43!

  • @KatieHikes
    @KatieHikes 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for answering my questions from your last video. Wishing you the best adventure! Hope to see you out there

  • @steveblindlost9424
    @steveblindlost9424 2 місяці тому

    Wish you the best in your upcoming hike. Enjoy your positive attitude.

  • @bevgipson1959
    @bevgipson1959 Місяць тому

    I follow a few through hikers each season. Glad I ran across you now so I can subscribe and follow you! You are easy to listen to. Look forward to joining you on your adventure!

  • @jjames2925
    @jjames2925 2 місяці тому +1

    Hi there! We are from near you and Sandy Creek nature trail! We are going to join you and root our local hiker on!!

  • @MrGhris
    @MrGhris 2 місяці тому

    Have fun! Might see you around, I'll be hiking the trail somewhere starting in March 2025.

  • @alexwbanks70
    @alexwbanks70 2 місяці тому

    I find a few hikers every year to follow and I think you're one of them for next year.

  • @crmasek39
    @crmasek39 Місяць тому

    Congratulations! I'm excited to follow your journey and enjoy the trail through your perspective.

  • @BRIANDRAUGHN-o8x
    @BRIANDRAUGHN-o8x 2 місяці тому

    Good luck on your epic journey. I look forward to your vlogs. 👣👣👣

  • @myjourneytosanity
    @myjourneytosanity 2 місяці тому

    I'm so excited to watch your journey! I can't hike the trail due to disability (working on conditioning so one day I can!), but I am planning on driving down from Nova Scotia each year to do trail magic. Maybe I'll see you out there!

  • @Lifesvagabond
    @Lifesvagabond Місяць тому

    Yeah buddy!! I am doing a thru this year too!! Good luck!!

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  Місяць тому +1

      @@Lifesvagabond awesome! Wish you the best on your thru hike as well!

  • @boxman48patrickcasey32
    @boxman48patrickcasey32 2 місяці тому

    Looking forward to following your hike...you seem to know what you're about to embark on!!!

  • @markviers998
    @markviers998 2 місяці тому

    Have a good hike, looking forward to getting to tag along.

  • @robertrossi4038
    @robertrossi4038 2 місяці тому

    Looking forward to following your adventure. My wife and I are attempting in 2026. Always trying to learn tips and tricks prior to our start date. Good luck.

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому

      So exciting! I’m still dialing in my gear, but watching past thru hikers has definitely been a huge help 🥾

  • @ISuckatHiking
    @ISuckatHiking Місяць тому

    I will be following! I finished my thru hike in 2024 and look for a few to follow every year. You have made my list!

    • @sheilahenry7279
      @sheilahenry7279 Місяць тому +1

      Good to see you here. I followed your (& Leo) hike all of this year. Picking out mine to follow this yr. I was hoping to be one of the hikers & maybe I will??

    • @ISuckatHiking
      @ISuckatHiking Місяць тому

      @sheilahenry7279 you should

    • @divemaster289
      @divemaster289 Місяць тому

      I thru hiked it this year also. Had a day hiker ask me if I was "I suck at hiking" from UA-cam. Lol

    • @ISuckatHiking
      @ISuckatHiking Місяць тому

      @divemaster289 then you must be one good looking dude

    • @divemaster289
      @divemaster289 Місяць тому +1

      @@ISuckatHiking obviously! I started with Chuck and Heather Reed, I know he was talking to u. Glad they made it. Congrats to u!

  • @OG-PapaDude
    @OG-PapaDude 2 місяці тому +2

    My "official" start date is March 5th, but I'm heading out there next month (from Oklahoma) to lend a hand making sure we can make it all the way to Mama K. I'm sure I'll see ya out there.

  • @flippinwithamy3397
    @flippinwithamy3397 22 дні тому

    New subscriber here. I’ll follow you. Good luck.

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  22 дні тому +1

      @@flippinwithamy3397 welcome along! Thanks for the follow ☺️

  • @richardh.5404
    @richardh.5404 2 місяці тому

    Best of luck!

  • @KrizAkoni
    @KrizAkoni 2 місяці тому

    Enjoy the journey - hope to see you out there!

  • @DarrellSampson-s9m
    @DarrellSampson-s9m 2 місяці тому

    Congratulations on your thru hike attempt, you will do great. Are you going to do a gear list video before you start?

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому

      I’m thinking I might hold off and do a video afterwards about what I started with vs what I finished with!

  • @MJG70
    @MJG70 2 місяці тому

    Thanks!

  • @jamesbonner5989
    @jamesbonner5989 2 місяці тому

    Looking forward to following.

  • @Outcast.takes.a.hike.
    @Outcast.takes.a.hike. 2 місяці тому

    Look forward to seeing you on trial 😊

  • @SusanMcGahee-sc1fr
    @SusanMcGahee-sc1fr 2 місяці тому

    Great video!

  • @HikingwithRouletteRun
    @HikingwithRouletteRun 2 місяці тому +1

    So funny, as somebody who has spent some quality time in the woods in the South, very near the beginning and well before you told us you were from Georgia, I thought to my self, "the woods look like they're in the South."
    Somehow, I got lucky last season and I only followed one hiker from start to finish Rissa Roams, and she did a flip flop hike and took seven months to do it. She did almost daily vlogs of her hike, she may have missed one or two day during the entire hike, but it wasn't many at all. She's from the North Georgia/Chattanooga area somewhere.
    In regards to the trail, I highly suggest you check in with Ramdino Hiking the Trails. He's really keeping people updated on the condition of the trail in the aftermath of Hurricane Hellene. There is major damage to the trail in East Tennessee, West North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. The hiking clubs are working very had to get the trail cleared.
    I'm looking forward to seeing how you get along.

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому +1

      I followed Rissa as well this year and was happy to see when she finished! I know there will be a few sections that might be diverted, but lots of friends working on the trail have said there are lots of developments being made!

  • @MJG70
    @MJG70 2 місяці тому

    smart to start at the trail head . i would do the same.

  • @walterlangston4484
    @walterlangston4484 Місяць тому

    Would love to thru hike the trail but don't have the but at least I can section hike every year

  • @idoeverything
    @idoeverything 2 місяці тому

    I’m registered for March 8th. I hope to see you!

  • @crocketthikes7717
    @crocketthikes7717 2 місяці тому

    I’ll be 3 weeks ahead of u in mid February just after valentines day

  • @annehedonia156
    @annehedonia156 Місяць тому +1

    Aren't sections of the trail closed indefinitely now?

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  Місяць тому

      @@annehedonia156 There is still an ~150 mile section down here that currently has a suggested reroute. I’ll plan to skip that section if it’s still closed when I get there and come back later to either hike the trail or the reroute.

  • @flashconti
    @flashconti Місяць тому

    IMHO - Read my book Only When I Step On It to get a good dose of motivation - good luck and enjoy your journey!

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  Місяць тому

      I will check it out - thanks for the recommendation!

    • @flashconti
      @flashconti Місяць тому

      @ LMK and I can send you a code to listen to the audible version for free - great job with your videos

  • @wandering_butnotlost
    @wandering_butnotlost 2 місяці тому +3

    Excited to go on your journey with you! But please don't give us your start date or real time updates on where you are, it's not safe!

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому +1

      I’ll be delaying my videos quite a bit per usual. I feel alright sharing my start weekend seeing as loads of people will also be starting then, and I’ll be starting with a group of friends 😊 Thanks for the concern!

  • @crocketthikes7717
    @crocketthikes7717 2 місяці тому +2

    I’m legally blind hiker Crockett

  • @alexwbanks70
    @alexwbanks70 2 місяці тому

    Oh just got to the part where you said you normally don't show your face a lot. You might want to and hope you do. It seems like the viewers like to get to know the personalities. Its like hanging out just like you said. EDIT: I just watched another video of yours of the 4 pass loop. You don't have to change a thing!

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому

      Thanks for the kind words! I'll keep that in mind as I decide what kind of videos I want to create on the AT!

  • @TheP1rata
    @TheP1rata 2 місяці тому

    Looking forward to your AT hike. Just my opinion, but don’t share your posting gap in the future.

  • @jhayft0703
    @jhayft0703 2 місяці тому +1

    Also what do you do for a job? How did you get enough time off to do this?

    • @adventure_outdoors
      @adventure_outdoors  2 місяці тому +2

      I stepped down from my admin job last year and have been working as a substitute teacher + farm sitter since then. Both jobs are super flexible with timing, so I get to make my own schedule! Thanks for the questions!

    • @jhayft0703
      @jhayft0703 2 місяці тому

      @@adventure_outdoorsI work from home also and make my own hours! It’s the best! I’m new subscriber so I’ll follow your entire journey!

  • @sausagefingers2885
    @sausagefingers2885 2 місяці тому

    Hiked it 20 years ago. Keep a journal of good stories and pics of people / events, preferably non digital or with redundant backups. Memories fade with age and old computer hard drives go bad. Don't bother capturing scenery