The “why” of hiking: feeling a little weird and uneasy

Standing under the arch at the Amicalola Falls Visitor Center was a little strange and I was a little uneasy. Here I was starting my winter through spring and early summer thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) as registered hiker #33, thinking about my family, friends, hikers I’ve met on other hikes who have also done the AT, and I still had no idea my «why» for doing this.

What’s your why, friend?

When on the trail, I have heard in past conversations, and it has been directly mentioned to me, that one must know the “why” to embark on a hike, particularly a long hike. I’ve hiked numerous 100- to 500-mile trails as if they were hikes and I still haven’t settled on a «why» that’s etched in my mind.

Why the complexity

Maybe the “why” is actually a complex, multidimensional, and unfixed construct (it’s the old professor in me coming to light). For example, the “why” can change based on hiking experiences, various trails, daily moments that really impact you, or things observed along the trail that you wouldn’t experience in your “real” life at home. Perhaps the “why” reflects a current awareness of the people encountered, the towns encountered, or the flora and fauna observed. Maybe the “why” doesn’t really matter after all and you enjoy the walking experience as it comes and just exist. It could simply be putting one foot in front of the other. And so on.

Why Apocalypse…?

I have almost 2,200 miles to decide on something, I’m told. The “why” seems like a test. I dare suggest a purity test for hikers, which is another conversation. Maybe this «why» revelation will come on my AT journey and maybe it won’t. I think I’ll be fine with either outcome. Feeling a little weird and uneasy about the «why», well that seems to have become the norm.

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.