Thru-hiking The Appalachian Trail with 15 Kids with Nikki Bettis Shelby Stanger|May 5, 2026 Nikki Bettis turned a simple hike on the Appalachian Trail into an audacious plan to thru hike the entire trail with her fifteen kids, ranging in age from 4 to 21. As a single mom in rural Virginia facing financial and emotional strain, Nikki hoped the physical challenge and months spent outdoors together could help her family reconnect and find a way forward.
Breaking the Self Supported Appalachian Trail FKT with Jeff Garmire Shelby Stanger|March 17, 2026 Jeff Garmire is a legend in the world of fastest known times with more than 20 FKTs on routes including the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and John Muir Trail. On September 21, 2025, he reached Mount Springer after setting a self supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, completing the route in 45 days, 8 hours, and 37 minutes.
Setting a New FKT on the Appalachian Trail with Tara Dower Shelby Stanger|March 18, 2025 Tara Dower has become one of America's top ultra runners, winning numerous 50 and 100-mile races and setting speed records on some of the nation's most challenging trails. In 2024, she achieved a monumental milestone by conquering the 2200-mile Appalachian Trail, surpassing the previous fastest known time (FTK) by 13 hours.
The SWEAT Crew Is the Toughest Team on the Appalachian Trail Graham Averill|May 27, 2022 Each year, millions of backpackers and day hikers set out to tackle all or part of the Appalachian Trail. This is the team tasked with stewarding the 71-mile section that winds through Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
At Home on the Appalachian Trail Jonathan Olivier|February 13, 2020 Janet Hensley grew up a stone’s throw from the AT. Since then, she’s devoted her life to helping people hike it.
Hiker Trash: A Love Letter to the Appalachian Trail Aer Parris|October 10, 2019 A new book offers a rare glimpse into the heart of the thru-hiking community.
The Nature Conservancy Preserves Nearly 400 Square Miles of Appalachian Forest Graham Averill|July 30, 2019 A large land purchase made by The Nature Conservancy will protect a working forest that serves as a migration corridor for wildlife in the Appalachian Mountains.
Best Swimming Holes in the Southern Appalachians Graham Averill|July 22, 2019 The South is known for its hot and muggy summers. Here are 10 of the best swimming holes to help you beat the heat in the Appalachians.
Karel Sabbe Sets New Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail Jonathan Olivier|August 29, 2018 Moving at an astonishing pace, the Belgian ultrarunner smashed the previous Fastest Known Time on the AT by more than four days.
Appalachian Trail (AT) REI Staff|August 3, 2018 One of America’s most iconic footpaths, the Appalachian Trail travels nearly 2,200 miles between Georgia and Maine. Each year thousands of people head north from the trail’s southern terminus in an attempt to hike the whole trail in one year, but only one-fourth of them finish the journey.
How Much Does It Cost to Hike the Appalachian Trail? Aer Parris|June 19, 2018 Learn the true cost of hiking the Appalachian Trail with our comprehensive guide. Plan your budget and make the most of your adventure.
Quiz: Should You Hike the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail? Aer Parris|February 22, 2018 Appalachian Trail versus Pacific Crest Trail is a serious question. But it doesn't have to be. Before you begin your next thru-hike, take this fun quiz.
