A (long) walk in the woods
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, or simply the AT, is a hiker's Mount Everest. The 2,181-mile trail stretches from Georgia to Maine, and about 11,000 people have informed the Appalachian Trail Conservancy that they've completed the epic trek. While some people hike the AT in sections over many years, those known as thru-hikers attempt to complete the entire trail in a single season, a commitment that takes five to seven months. The AT is the world's most famous long-distance hiking trail, but many of its hikers are also well-known — some for their trail exploits, others for their inspiring stories of courage and accomplishment. Here's a look at some of the AT'S most famous hikers. (Text: Laura Moss)
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Jennifer Pharr Davis beat Andrew Thompson's record in 2011. 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes.
what about the pirate?? @ the hostel in georgia.
One name that needs to be added to this list is Mike Hanson, a lawyer & outdoorsman blind since birth, who just finished hiking the entire trail last October using only assistive technology and accompanied only by his videographer. The whole trip took six months and a documentary will be released some time in 2012. More information can be found at Mike Hike on Facebook.
One name that needs to be added to this list in Mike Hanson, blind from birth, who just finished hiking the entire length of the trail using only assistive technology and having one companion, his videographer, along for the entire trip. His contact information is foudn on FB at Mike's Hike.
This list needs to be updated. Jennifer Pharr Davis as of yesterday, July 31, 2011 holds the overall speed record finishing in just over 46 days
Sounds tempting
I would have thougt the Barefoot Sisters would have made your list. To have hiked the whole trail without boots or shoes seems noteworthy to me.
Bill Bryson's book is really funny. I would have loved to hike with Grandma Gatewood. Am having a bit of trouble bringing up anything but the photos.
Warren Doyle, a professor at Lee's McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C. has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail 16 times. That's more than walking around the world.
How many years did it take to hike the trail 16 times and being a professor at a college when did you have the time?
I was Warren's PhD major advisor when he was at UCONN and set the ("then") record for hiking the trail. The year may have been 1975 or 76 but I'm not sure.
do you have any stories of Harry? he could be very helpful to hikers or a whole lot of trouble if he was drinking. L. Luxemborg devoted 4 pages to him in his book. I knew him after he left the trail in the early 90's so he would have been living on the trail some of the times you were hiking.
no list of famous AT hikers is complete without mentioning Harry Thomas, known to many as "Harry the Indian" Harry was Winnebago and hiked the entire trail numerous times during the 23 years he lived (mostly in a tent) on the trail. Harry met his wife Jeanne there on the trail and in latter years they ran a hostel for hikers in Harpers Ferry.
more can be found about Harry at: .... More
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