Section Hiking the Appalachian Trail

In this episode we discuss a recent trip to Shenandoah National Park where we came across two cool groups: Climb4 and Latinos Outdoors . This episode then discusses the pros and cons of hiking alone, with a partner, or in a group. There are certainly some good reasons for doing all three. Here are the Gaia GPS tracks of our recent trip to SNP: Friday Saturday Sunday

In this episode our fearless host recounts the various sections he and his colleagues have hiked between Duncannan, PA through the Leigh River Water Gap... which he realizes, had he taken a few more minutes to review the map is 37 miles away from the Delaware River Water Gap and the border with New Jersey... Sigh. Gaia GPS Links to our hikes: Duncannan to Clarks Ferry Shelter Clarks Ferry Shelter...

The episode in which our protagonist hikes south from Harpers Ferry, WVA to Lindon, VA.  Its a beautiful hike, except, in his hubris he makes several mistakes... what are they?  Listen and find out! 

In this adventure our congested narrator describes his time on the trail in Maryland on the Appalacian Trail.  He has some words about people who can't control their dogs and some other stories of people just trying to go on a hike.  Maryland is a great place to hike, whether its a start or a section.   Section Hiking the Appalachian Trails is sponsored by Hudson Pines: your gateway...

Honestly it had been so long since I had hiked through the southern part of the Shendandoah National Park that I couldn't recall all that needed to be recalled.  So I grabbed my friend Alex and hiked it again.  We did it in 3 days, rather than 4.  But there were some lessons learned... which you'll hear.  Of course, you will also hear me stammer as I try to explain, but don't,...

So what happened to Stephen? Was he injured? Was he able to continue? Did the rest of us stick on the trail?  What happens?  We are about to find out! 

Do you feel ripped off by endless sequels? So do I, but it didn't stop our intrepid hikers from leaving the episode on a cliff hanger!  What cliffhanger is possible you ask on a hiking trip from point A to point B? You will have to listen to find out.   We talk about falls, poop, owls, poison ivy, the gamut.  Everything you never knew you needed in a podcast episode about the AT in...

Jon talks about being ready to tackle the GA portion of the Appalachian Trail.  

In this latest update of our intrepid section hiker we talk about his planning efforts for his trip to GA in May, his recent shake down/section hike in PA, and an effort to keep his feet from falling apart so he can keep hiking! 

Catching up on previous trips, Jon explains what happens when he leaves the confines of Big Meadows state park and heads south to Swift Gap.   Along the way there's some beautiful terrain, albeit not all that difficult.  Along the way we learn about the 53 cemeteries in the park and we talk about the history of the Lewis Mountain Campground.   For more information about the formatio...

In this episode Jon describes what happened to him in 2021, gives an overview of the trips he was able to take, and some of the ways life got in the way of his broader hiking.   He also talks about some of the new gear additions he had, including a Sea To Summit sleeping bag liner, a new Hammock Gear Wunderluxe set up, and he talks briefly about how Merrell hiking shoes failed him, although h...

In the which we determine whether it is better to proceed quick in order to eat what is considered a good meal and whether rolling one's ankle should keep our hiker from pursuing his quest.  

In the which our intrepid hiker relearns the wonders of ibuprofen, enjoys a coke and wanders up and down the hills to bird's nest #3.  He meets some retirees who explain to him that the hiking he thinks is somewhat challenging is nothing compared to southern VA... The weather was also beautiful and the forest glorious to behold.  

In this protein of our adventure, our backpacker leaves the bear infested area of Compton Gap and hikes his way up and over several areas of Shenandoah National Park to Matthew Arms campground.  We also learn that his dinner of dehydrated yams was gross and what to do for shock.  

In the which our erstwhile explorer begins a multi-way trip through the Shenandoah National Park as he heads southbound on the Appalachian Trail and has adventures along the way.  Plus, he may have come across a bear at night, which was not an experience he had hoped for along the way.   Please subscribe, leave comments on the podcast, and join us on Instagram @section_hiking_the_AT and...

Wherein our intrepid adventurers take a 15 mile overnight jaunt from the middle of now where to a beautiful state park and then tell you about it.   An article on the types of animals you may find along the AT is here ! 

Today we discuss the southern most section in Pennsylvania as we leave this fair state for Maryland.  It's a great long hike, that is heavily wooded.   Also, we answer a question about how to get started backpacking! Give it a listen.   Andrew Skurka's Peanut Noodle recipe   The 10 essentials from the American Hiking Society

After a hiatus, the erstwhile host of this podcast begins again, like the newest version of Batman or Spiderman or Pride and Prejudice (if that's your jam).  The podcast is going to be focused on presenting useful information for the listener about the trail itself and not be a prep for someone like me whose figuring out how to hike it... gonna be the best. time. ever!

In this episode, our intrepid host comments on a recent Supreme Court case involving the Appalachian Trail and whether the Forest Service (rather than the National Parks Service) is allowed to issue permits for a natural gas pipeline that crosses the trail.   Also, in the absence of Major League Baseball, our host looks back at how awful color commentary is for major league sporting events! &...

In the which our host ends the first season of this podcast.  He concedes temporary defeat by COVID-19 and works towards preparing himself for future hikes after the pandemic passes.  In the meantime there's lots to prepare for future endeavors -- this should be fun! 

In the which your intrepid host and his friend Alex brave the elements and a disease they don't believe they have caught to hike a 14 mile portion of the Appalachian Trail.  There was literally no one out there... except for a couple of dummies that were us.  In today's episode we discuss the hike, review lessons learned, and discuss what the future holds regarding first section hike. &n...

In the which our intrepid host discusses the concerns raised by different groups about backpacking in the time of COVID-19.  In all seriousness, this is a big deal and we ought to treat it as such.  Does this mean that we shouldn't do any backpacking?  That's another question all together.  Next weekend the plan is to go hiking up on the AT in southern PA again.  So we'll...

In the which our intrepid host hikes along the Appalachian Trail up in Pennsylvania with his good friend and even better sport, Alex Bates, testing out his various plans and ideas.  Not all of them (the plans and ideas that is) make it through to the end.  Plus, we use some transitions in this episode as our erstwhile sophistication related to podcasting marginally increases!  Reall...

I came down with a cold this weekend and am in no place to record a full podcast episode.  So what we're going to do is send you to our instagram account: Section_hiking_the_AT.  This week, I'll take pictures of the gear I'm planning to take, its weight and the alternatives to have a visual display of what I had planned to discuss.  So check us out on Instagram and we'll catch up ne...

In the which our intrepid hiker discusses a variety of topics to include some meals that he plans to take with him on the trail, what he ended up putting into his first aid kit, how he thinks about keeping his throat from getting parched, and what he does to keep from paying full retail when shopping for backpacking gear, Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National...