W.Why do hikers give up? Quitting smoking is what every hiker fears. Whether it’s due to injury, illness, family emergencies, or something else entirely, the thought of throwing in the towel on a hike can be devastating.
But unfortunately this happens every year. Hundreds of hikers set out on the trail and, for various reasons, have to return home. And those of us watching at home are wondering: What went wrong? Why come home?
So we asked three aspiring 2025 hikers exactly why they gave up their hikes this year. Each hiker had their own compelling reasons and they were kind enough to share their stories.
Steve “Ninja” Combs
Steve Combs, better known by his trail name, Ninja, began the northbound Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain on March 18, 2025. He had dreamed of hiking the AT his entire life and had been looking forward to his retirement, which finally came on December 31, 2024.
«I had been dreaming of hiking the AT my entire life and was just waiting for my retirement, which finally came on December 31, 2024. I had done the planning, trained my body, trained my mind and was ready for this long adventure.»
From the beginning, Steve told himself that if his legs and feet held out, he would surely finish the trail. Unfortunately, I didn’t expect things to start falling apart so soon.
Photo: Steve Combs
Things started strong. Steve put in a fantastic first few hundred miles through the Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, Tennessee and Damascus. Along the way, he had incredible support from friends and family: people walked with him, sent him mail, and supported him every step of the way.
He made a lot of friends over the course of his walk and even formed a small tram, something he really wanted to experience.
But around mile 200, Steve started to notice tenderness in his left foot, which was especially concerning because he had a previous injury there. She spoiled him as best she could, and that helped for a while, until he left Damascus and began walking toward Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands.
«It rained for a couple of days and the trail turned into a stream. I had everything covered except my feet. I walked hundreds of miles in wet shoes with wet feet and no problems. This time was different.»
With the constant off-camber movement and the friction it created on the side of his left foot, the tenderness turned into an open sore. Steve resisted the pain for a few more days, but eventually the sore became irritated, painful, and infected.
At mile 520, Steve made the difficult decision to pull off the trail and get treatment.
Photo: Steve Combs
That decision created even more challenges. Sure enough, the foot was infected and an x-ray revealed osteoarthritis in that same foot. After returning to the trail for another 180-mile section, Steve had to get off again when he discovered he had bone-on-bone arthritis in his right knee.
«So I’ve decided to let my body recover, reflect on the 700 miles of trail lessons, and continue hiking in sections as soon as I can. Although I’m not doing a full hike, I haven’t abandoned the trail. I’ll slowly get back to it.»
Steve’s AT dreams didn’t come true this year, but he keeps his head held high. He knows he’ll get back on the trail one day and continue crushing sections as he goes.
Photo: Steve Combs
Steve wrote a blog for The Trek in 2025. Check out Steve’s profile on Trek.
Bettina Ronai
Bettina had seen all the beautiful social media posts from PCT hikers—the incredible views, the transformative life experiences—and she wanted that for herself, too.
So Bettina and her boyfriend got their permits and headed out to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Photo: Bettina Ronai
The first few days were great. Everything was shiny and new. They were camping in a tent, filtering water, hiking all day, and soaking in the newness of it all. But it wasn’t long before something felt off.
«Yes, the views were stunning and literally breathtaking as the seemingly endless climbs made it hard to breathe. Yes, we met a lot of nice people, some of whom we became friends with, but we also found it difficult to connect with people once they were part of a tram that we were not a part of.»
As time went by, the novelty began to wear off and motivation began to wane.
«I got really tired of uphill climbing. Walking uphill was never my strong suit or my favorite activity, but by the time we got into High Sierra, I was really sick of it.»
Despite the incredible scenery, Bettina didn’t feel the sense of connection or inspiration she’d hoped for.
«I didn’t feel at one with nature or closer to myself or any of the inspiring things I’d heard before. I couldn’t even give all those incredible views the appreciation they deserved. I just felt like I was in the wrong place. I didn’t want to be on the trail anymore, and the thought of getting back on the trail made my stomach turn.»
Photo: Bettina Ronai
After taking a few days of rest, Bettina and her boyfriend tried to continue walking towards the High Sierra. Things were fine for a few days, but it wasn’t a permanent solution. Morale finally plummeted and they made the difficult decision to permanently go off the road.
«I don’t regret anything about our failed attempt to climb the PCT. I’m glad I tried. I know I would have regretted not trying, but I don’t regret quitting either. Not once have I felt the desire to get back on the trail.»
She recognizes that people may criticize her decision.
«I suspect people will criticize me for not trying hard enough, for not connecting deeply enough with my whys, for not minimizing the weight of my backpack enough, but that’s okay. Only I can truly experience my own feelings, and it didn’t feel right to continue just so I could say I did.»
Ultimately, Bettina’s experience is a reminder that hiking isn’t for everyone, and sometimes realizing that is the correct result.
Photo: Bettina Ronai
Bettina blogged for The Trek in 2025. Check out Bettina’s profile on Trek.
zeagle
Photo: Zeagle
Zeagle began the Pacific Crest Trail on her 24th birthday. She had previously hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2021, an experience that changed her profoundly.
«On the Appalachian Trail, I learned a lot about myself. I met a version of myself that I absolutely fell in love with: smelly, strong, brave, and most importantly, kind and kind-hearted.»
Between finishing the AT and starting the PCT, that version of herself faded away.
«In the world of stress and rent, my hiker self slipped through my fingers, leaving me with a person I no longer recognized. So I decided to hike again so I could find her.»
Although Zeagle was well behind the bubble heading north, he was having a great time along the way. He met great people, saw beautiful places and above all he loved the Sierra.
«The Sierras were the best backpacking trip I have ever experienced. Absorbed in the most beautiful terrain, surrounded by so many fun and lively people, I wasn’t sure if there would ever be anything better than this. My heart was so full.»
Photo: Zeagle
Still, I knew a change was coming. Bigger miles. Less people. Large expanses of Northern California. Sitting on a rock for two days outside of Yosemite, eating Nutella and crying from the heat, the bugs, and the tension, something changed.
«The crying, the heat, the bugs, and the climbs are all part of a hike. And I started thinking about how many times I’ve been in this exact scenario. Probably many more than the average person. And every time I’ve been in this scenario, I have persevered without fail.»
That’s when he realized something important.
«I started to think that maybe it was time to persevere in a different setting. It doesn’t matter if I keep walking or not. I’ve learned the lessons the trail has given me this time.»
Zeagle realized that she had once again found the version of herself she had been searching for.
«The decision came more out of satisfaction than lack. I love hiking and I love this community, and I feel a part of it even though I didn’t finish my PCT.»
She plans to return one day, but for now, her trip seems complete.
Photo: Zeagle
Zeagle blogged for The Trek in 2025. See Zeagle’s profile on Trek.
No need to finish to get what you need
These three hikers left the trail for very different reasons: injury, misalignment, and satisfaction. But the three of them made the right decision.
You don’t need to complete a hike to get everything you need. If you know your because By entering the path, you will know when that why has been fulfilled.
If you’ve ever struggled along the way, or struggled with the decision to quit, you’re not alone.
Don’t hesitate to share your story.
Happy hiking.
Thanks to Steve, Bettina and Zeagle for sharing their stories.
The above is a transcript. Minor edits have been made for clarity and readability, while preserving the original message and intent. This video is part of a new series about Youtube of the trip. Be sure to check the full video and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
