Two days ago I entered Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  This is a large park that includes parts of both Tennessee and North Carolina.  It is also the most popular national park in the US, with more than 11 million visitors last year.About 70 miles... Read More

Last night I stayed at the Fontana Dam Shelter, well known on the AT as the Fontana Hilton.  It is a beautiful and spacious shelter that sleeps 24.  There is a washroom block nearby that has flush toilets and a hot shower, amenities not available... Read More

I have found a good daily rhythm on the AT.  Making and breaking camp has become second nature, and most of the remaining daylight hours are spent walking.  I am enjoying the variety in the scenery as well as the changing seasons.  If I didn't... Read More

I was grinding my way up Wayah Bald at a point where the AT crossed a small road, when a truck stopped and an older gentleman got out.  We chatted for a few minutes and he revealed that he was looking for seeds on the... Read More

Hikers who attempt to hike the entire AT in a continuous outing are known as "through hikers".  Walkers who are only doing a portion of the trail are called "section hikers".  Hikers are further distinguished by whether they are northbound (NOBO) or southbound (SOBO).  Hence,... Read More

The idyllic, summer like weather that we had been enjoying has been replaced by the wind and rain of the former Hurricane Nate.  It came ashore in Louisiana yesterday and its core should pass west of us this evening.After two nights at the Top of... Read More