A fire tower lies directly ahead atop Albert Mountain. As I climb up a winding passage lined with rhododendron, I catch a glimpse of dawn through a break in the...
On my second day, I walk into a road crossing to find a trailer, heavily graffitied with hiker notes. Emblazoned across the middle: TRAL MAJIC ->. Trail magic! I hurry...
The 8.8 mile Approach Trail leads from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Three hikers and I share the shuttle to Amicalola Falls.
“If it were all sunshine and rainbows, you know, we’d all be like - ‘eh, whatever.’ But it’s not. It’s a physical challenge. Something you can sink your teeth into....
Ultimately, I stayed on the trail for a total of 50 days (from 3/27/2016 to 5/16/2016), completing a bit over 500 miles, nearly a quarter of the Appalachian Trail, before...
2016-04-21 — Middle Creek Campground In the early morning hours, I hear the pattering of hail on the roof of the Shelter. I check my watch. 4:45am. We should be...
2016-04-16 — Three Springs Hostel Mail drop day! I fly across the mountainsides, racing past campgrounds and straggling groups of weekend campers, picturing the ice cream and hot shower awaiting...
2016-04-11 — Calf Mountain Shelter 6:00 am. The sky slowly brightens. Laying in my sleeping bag on the second level of the shelter, I hear no one stirring below. I...
