My 30 years on the Appalachian Trail

Author Jeffrey Ryan will visit the Raymond Village Library to share his Appalachian Trail adventures spanning half a lifetime.

Ryan has hiked over 8,000 miles on America’s trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, the New England Trail and many more. In 1985, he started “inadvertently” hiking the Appalachian Trail with a friend, an adventure that ended up spanning over 2,100 miles and nearly three decades. Ryan’s book about that journey, Appalachian Odyssey: A 28-year Hike on America’s Trail, debuted to rave reviews. Intrigued by how the AT was inspired and built, Ryan then wrote. Blazing Ahead: Benton MacKaye, Myron Avery and the Rivalry that Built the Appalachian Trail. a history of the trail explores the personal, political and economic uncertainties that often stood in the way of progress and how they were overcome to make the trail a reality. 

Jeffrey is a great storyteller. When his stunning photographs of the trail are added in, it makes for a thoroughly entertaining evening. Appalachian Odyssey and Blazing Ahead will be available for purchase after the talk and Jeffrey would be delighted to sign copies.