Culture of being an Appalachian Trail hiker

“Hiker Trash” is a term many within the long-term hiking community take on with pride. According to The Trek, a website dedicated to the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, this phrase is used affectionately to refer to a hikers that have sunken down to a lower standard of living than the standard they lived at before embarking […]

Appalachian Trailhead 110: How Franklin, NC benefits from hikers

Story is co-written with Ashley Kairis and Kayla Minion Franklin, North Carolina, sits 110 miles from Springer Mountain, the starting point for most Appalachian Trail hikers. Over the years, Franklin has seen an increase in thru hikers and has welcomed them with open arms. In 2010, Franklin became the very first Appalachian Trail Community. “Every year […]