Hiking the Appalachian Trail

After completing my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in August 2024 – I am officially attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail beginning in April 2025.

What is the Appalachian Trail?

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is an approximately 2200 mile long hiking trail that travels from the Georgia (Springer Mountain) to Maine (Mount Katadhin) through 14 states . On average, completing this trail in its entirety takes an average of 4-6 months. As I have been maintaining some fitness since the completion of the Pacific Crest Trail, I am attempting to complete it in 100 days.

Note that I am once again using the word “attempt” liberally when speaking about this. Though I have completed a thru-hike before and feel competent - I am not going into this with blind confidence.

Why?

My time on the Pacific Crest Trail was life changing in a multitude of ways. Of course, I pushed myself physically but more importantly - I pushed myself mentally. I grew in ways I did not know I could grow and absolutely adore the person that emerged on the Canadian border.

A quote from my Pacific Crest Trail announcement post: “When I have told people my intention to thru-hike, the first question I typically get is ‘Why?‘. The reasons are varied but it boils down to a few things. I want to do something hard, I want to celebrate my body, I want to see the world at a slower pace, and I want community around something I am passionate about which in this case is hiking.”

I did not realize at the time of that writing how accurate that statement would become. Thru-hiking is a unique experience that is hard to describe to those that have not done it themselves. Being surrounded by like-minded people that are out there for their own reasons is refreshing. There is a built-in community that is hard to find elsewhere. It completely changed the way that I looked at and treated my body. For the first time in my life, I was (and continue to be) focused on my body’s function over aesthetics - which is more freeing than I realized. Lastly, when I think about hiking consistently 25+ miles per day, I am filled with joy.

*Cue the somewhat horrified and confused looks when I share this information *

There is a sense of peace that comes from making life simple. Wake up, hike, eat a lot, find water, set up camp, sleep, repeat. Though it is hard - it is simple.

Finally, just when I previously thought 2023 was the worst year in my life personally, 2024 showed up to raise the stakes. In a turn of events, exactly 2 months after I finished the trail (August 22nd), I was playing Ave Maria on my violin at my Dad’s funeral (October 22nd). Though his health was a concern, his passing came suddenly and changed my plans once again. My dad and I had a complicated relationship, but he was more than supportive of my PCT hike. He followed along everyday tracking my Garmin GPS coordinates, was excited for all that I was seeing, and would FaceTime debrief every time I was in town. Though I have had a lot of accomplishments in my life, he had never been more proud of me than when I finished the PCT. This was an experience that brought us closer together and I am thankful for that in the last several months of his life. I know that he would be proud that I am tackling another long distance trail.

How?

As my life continues to throw me curveballs, seemingly month over month, I have had to remain adaptable. Between my dad’s passing, changes in my nuclear family, and my financial planning - I am able to do another long distance thru-hike. I stated last year that I am fully aware and acknowledge the inherent privilege this is. And though it seems enviable, this does not come without sacrifice. In fact, I wouldn’t wish my giant life changes from the last 20 months on anyone.

I am just a human attempting to make lemonade from mountains of lemons.

Follow Along:

I leave for the trail in early April and will be posting nearly in real time. I started out my logs from the Pacific Crest Trail this way, but then got caught up in life events so they were sincerely delayed. There will be an entry for each of the 14 states, some states may have a few posts based on their length.

There is an overwhelming sense of excitement for this next step in my journey and for what the trail will bring me… again.

I am most excited for the transformation in myself. 

xoxo Leeann/Kanga

PS: This gorgeous picture was taken by my dear friend Darline. Check out her website for more amazing portraits.