Appalachian Trail 2026 – The Hike

I have a few kilometers unfinished. My flip flop during the 2025 hike became a LASH. Or part of a flip. It’s not a failure.

(Walk through the long ass section). Did I complete my goal? No. Did I fail? At all. It was the hardest fun I’ve ever had. Every day had its own beauty and sometimes sweat and trials. Even knowing this, I came back after an injury, but my head was not focused, nor in the best place. I came home after 13 days off.

Easily within a month of returning, I felt like home was no longer the same place and that getting back on the trail wasn’t the right move. I struggled with reflection and wanderlust after the trail. A few months later, I learned that I would be returning in the spring of 2026, with the intention of having a traditional NOBO begin on Springer Mountain in Georgia. So look for me in the usual places, outdoors.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.