The Thru-Hiking Podcast

In this episode we welcome Appalachian Trail trail angel Mike "Pinnacle" DiCello who goes into life as a trail angel, his personal stories from hiker interactions, how he got into trail angeling, and more! Trail angels are an integral part of the thru-hiking community, and we were honored to have Mike on as a guest to spotlight the important and selfless work they do. In this episode, Mi...

Today we welcome thru-hiker Gaby or "Baby Steps" who talks about her treks along the Hadrian's Wall Path in England, the West Highland Way in Scotland, and the Hexatrek in France. Gaby was part of the THRU-r Trail Team in 2025 when she hiked these trails, and it was so fun to follow along with her! In this episode, Baby Steps goes into: 1. Her favorite, worst, & scariest moments (including a d...

In this episode we talk all about the Kungsleden or "Kings Trail" in Sweden with Nikita or "Rowing Boy" as he's known on trail. Nikita is a thru-hiker and emerging film maker . He also won the THRU-r hikership (aka "hiker scholarship") in 2025 when he hiked the trail. In this episode, Nikita goes into: 1. What it's like to hike the Kungsleden and the culture o...

As thru-hikers, we hike through public lands frequently. In this episode, Nicole Brown of Outdoor Alliance comes on to talk about the Roadless Rule - and how the initiative to roll it back will inhibit our access to these parts of public land. She also goes into how we can come together during the comment period to save these precious places along the Pacific Crest Trail and other long trails acro...

Thru-hiker Sandra D. aka "MacGyver" gives us the rundown of her experience hiking internationally versus hiking in the USA . MacGyver has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Hexatrek, Camino , and most recently - up Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. In this episode, we focus on tips and things to keep in mind while traveling and hiking internationally . Listen in for great insight from someone...

Appalachian Trail & international trail thru-hiker Daniel "Lucky Colleague" Clark checks in from England and joins us to talk about his experiences all over the world, with a focus on the Appalachian Trail. We go into lessons learned, favorite and least favorite gear, the power of taking a break, best and worst moments, and so much more. In this episode, you'll learn about: 1. Hi...

New author and triple crowner (aka Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, & Continental Divide Trail thru-hiker & backpacker) J.C. "Catmando" Van Etten joins us to talk all about the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and his new book for aspiring CDT thru-hikers and weekend backpackers alike! In this episode, you'll learn about: 1. His book and how it can help you prepare for y...

Today we're joined by author, speaker, record setter, and highly decorated thru-hiker Heather "Anish" Anderson. Heather just released a new memoir about her attempt to be the first woman to complete the Calendar Year Triple Crown: "Farther." Here she goes into her new book, her journey as a hiker and a writer, and the complicated but beautiful places in between. In this epi...

In this episode, we're joined by Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hiker Nicholas "Sgt Pepper" Kindred. Sgt Pepper was part of the THRU-r Trail Team of trail correspondents in 2025, and here he goes into his PCT experience - including his favorite gear, best, scariest, and worst moments, best food stops, and more! In this episode, you'll learn about: His top rain gear pick - which i...

Today we welcome Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hiker Anna "Magic" McKinney Smith! Magic was part of our Trail Team of trail correspondents in 2025, and here she dives into her PCT experience - including scary heights, smoke woes, her best tips, favorite backpacking gear, and more! In this episode, Magic shares about: Knowing where to draw the line and make decisions when the going gets tough (or...

Prepare for thru-hiking season with thru-hiker and Trailside Fitness founder Lee "Flick" Welton. Lee has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Pacific Northwest Trail. He's also a personal trainer, nutritionist, and Physical Therapist Assistant . This recording is the last of a three part series. If you'd like to join future live events at THRU-r - you can register on the ⁠⁠ THR...

Welcome to Season 6 of the podcast! In this episode we welcome back Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail thru-hiker Madelyn "Wrong Way" Dukart. Wrong Way was part of our Trail Team of trail correspondents, and she has an amazing story of grit and perseverance. She overcame adversity (and a trail injury) to come back strong on the Continental Divide Trail in 2025. Check out Epis...

Prepare for thru-hiking season with thru-hiker and Trailside Fitness founder Lee "Flick" Welton. Lee has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Pacific Northwest Trail. He's also a personal trainer, nutritionist, and Physical Therapist Assistant . This recording is the second of a three part series. If you'd like to join his future live event January 10th - you can register on th...

In this episode we welcome back Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker Casey "Vegas" Huffman. Vegas is also the winner of the 2025 THRU-r hiker scholarship, a member of the Trail Team, and a THRU-r Ambassador! Here, he focuses on his most recent thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail and goes into: His best advice for aspiring thru-hikers Some great financial insights on how...

Are you backpacking, section hiking, or thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) ? Triple Crowner and host, Carol "Cheer" Coyne has some tips for you in this episode! Here, she discusses blowdowns and how to get through them successfully (from her own experience). You can check out ⁠ the video ⁠ on her YouTube channel ⁠"Cheer On The Trail"⁠ for additional visuals from tra...

Prepare for thru-hiking season with thru-hiker and Trailside Fitness founder Lee "Flick" Welton. Lee has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Pacific Northwest Trail - so he knows what he's talking about! He's also a personal trainer, nutritionist, and Physical Therapist Assistant . This recording is the first of a three part series, so stay tuned in the coming months for more great...

In this episode we welcome back Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker Kyle "Shooter" Peltier. Here, he and host Carol "Cheer" Coyne talk about their somewhat tumultuous but transformative thru-hikes on the Appalachian Trail. We also dive into: Real examples of how things can go wrong on trail - and how to keep going Thoughts on the Triple Crown & the best ord...

Today we welcome author, thru-hiker, and thru-runner Ken Posner ! In this episode he talks about backpacking "sister trails" The John Muir Trail and the lesser known Long Path in New York. We also dive into: The beauty of barefoot hiking and how to get started FKT's How to live an adventurous life with limited time, & much more Connect With Ken: ⁠ Barefoot Ken Website Help fellow hikers find t...

In this episode we welcome Santa Fe To Taos thru-hike founder Pam Neely ! Here, she goes into the all-new 132 mile thru-hike in New Mexico - which can also be broken into sections for the backpacking weekend-warriors out there! In this episode, you'll learn about: The facts & stats about this new thru-hike Favorite spots along the way Resupply points, some challenges to be aware of, the wa...

Are you backpacking, section hiking, or thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) ? Triple Crowner and host, Carol "Cheer" Coyne has some tips for you in this episode! Here, she discusses bear spray and bear safety from her own experience. You can check out the video on her YouTube channel "Cheer On The Trail" for additional visuals from trail here . In this episode, you&#...

Listen in to Colorado Trail backpacker and thru-hiker Matt "Extra Credit" Payne as he gives insight on his epic trek, and shares about his photography tips to use while backpacking. Extra Credit is also an author, and his all-new book "The Colorado Way: A Book of Mountains, Trails, and Growth" is currently in the works. In this episode, Extra Credit tells us about: The best tips, tools, and tricks...

Have you ever wondered about the 408 mile thru-hike of the Jordan Trail ? Listen in to this episode featuring uber experienced thru-hikers and backpackers Ryan "Ungerwhere" Unger and Ben "Neon" Craver as they discuss strategy, culture, and common thru-hiking aspects to keep in mind. This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Check out Episode #217 for part 1 on the Jordan Trail! In this episode, you'll le...

Have you ever wondered about the 408 mile thru-hike of the Jordan Trail ? Listen in to this episode featuring uber experienced thru-hikers and backpackers Ryan "Ungerwhere" Unger and Ben "Neon" Craver as they recount their trek through diverse terrain and culturally rich country - which also came with some highs and lows. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Check out Episode #21...

Are you backpacking, section hiking, or thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) ? Triple Crowner and host, Carol "Cheer" Coyne has some tips for you in this episode! Here, she discusses something she knew was coming - but not to the extent that it did: Seclusion. In this episode, you'll hear about: 1. Cheer's personal stories of seclusion on the CDT 2. The northbound (NOBO...

Get to know our 2025 Trail Team of thru-hiking trail correspondents in this episode - with stories of their most notable (best/most interesting/scariest) animal encounters ! Our hikers are backpacking on and telling stories from the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and the Hexatrek in France. You can follow along with all of our Trail Team members on the ⁠⁠⁠ THRU-r...