The Appalachian Trail is a continuous hiking trail that runs the 2,000+ miles from Georgia to Maine. The idea for the trail was first proposed in 1921 by Benton MacKaye and, with the help of volunteers, federal agencies, and the Civilian Conservation Corps, it was completed in 1937. It has since come to attract outdoor enthusiasts searching for an extended respite in nature, fresh college grads looking for a cheap gap year, and 32-year-olds recently recovered from a concussion but suffering from yet another mid-life crisis searching for god knows what.

Starting at Springer Mountain, Georgia, the Trail winds its way up the East Coast of the US offering its inhabitants endless days below the shadows of America’s oldest forests (don’t fact check me on that), glimpses of wildlife (yes, that includes bears), and very few opportunities to shower. It crosses through 14 states and, with over 3 million people visiting at least one part of the trail each year, brings together cultures from all over the world.

And because my parents were very concerned that I hadn’t taken enough breaks over the last 6 or 7 years, I’ve decided to attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail. I’m excited to see if my legs can carry me across a path that:

• Is the longest hiking-only path in the world
• Is recognized as the first thru-hike in the world
• Requires an average of 5 – 6 months to complete
• Has the same total elevation profile as hiking up Mt. Everest 16 times
• Is the largest and longest running volunteer conservation project in the world
• Is really fucking long and really fucking hard