A Section Hiker’s Guide to the Hundred Mile Wilderness

The northernmost stretch of the Appalachian Trail winds 114 miles from the last trail town Monson, Maine to the summit of Katahdin. Over the years this remote section has acquired the name “Hundred Mile Wilderness.”
Here are some tips for planning a trip through this special place.
What You Need for an Appalachian Trail Hike – Part 2

Training for a Long Distance Hike After my lectures and during my book signings, I am often asked, “How do you train for a hike?” It’s a really good question. Most folks (including me) don’t want to spend our time away from the mountains walking around town with a full pack on. And even if […]
Being optimistic — and staying that way — could save your life.

To say I’m a hiking fanatic may be underestimating my enthusiasm. I’ve often wondered as I’ve hiked along, exactly what it is that keeps powering me up and over hills and exploring new territories. I always sensed that optimism played a part. I am optimistic by nature. I thought that a positive outlook was something […]
How to Section Hike the Appalachian Trail

It took me 28 years to hike the Appalachian Trail, a feat I accomplished with my great friend, Wayne Cyr, and wrote a book about. This cutting the hike into pieces is also known as “section hiking.” While touring the country doing book signings, I was struck by how often a “eureka moment” happened when […]