Backcountry Beacon

Mount Katahdin

The granddaddy of the long trails, the Appalachian Trail’s 2174.6 miles help preserve the sanity of between three to four million hikers each year—even if they only take a brief stroll on the trail. Only a fraction of those trail users attempt to walk the entire trail. In fact, of the 200 hikers who attempt the entire journey from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine each year, only around 20% complete the trek. Probably the most famous AT thru-hiker of all time was Emma Gatewood, better known as “Grandma Gatewood”. This mother of 11 children and grandmother of 23 completed the AT three times, the last time when she was 76. Which begs the question, If a grandmother can do it, why can’t you? Read More …

Wind Rivers: best of the CDT

The most challenging of America’s long trails, the Continental Divide Trail crosses 3100 miles of rugged terrain along the crest of the Rockies. The fact that this trail follows the divide for nearly its entire length means that thunderstorms, brutal climbs and descents, and route-finding difficulties are all major obstacles for any would-be CDT hiker. However, for those willing to accept the challenge, the trail offers amazing vistas, gorgeous forests, and life-changing solitude. Read More …