Why Hike the Appalachian Trail???

Every year around the months of March and April about 2,000 hikers head toward Springer Mountain, Georgia in hopes of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Every person who steps foot on the trail, whether as a thru-hiker or not, has their own individual reasons to be out there. So what happens when it has been storming 3 days straight and lightning is flashing all around? You can't stop due to having no food and it is 12 miles into town to get your next resupply. Most people would eventually make it into town, but their morale will be at an all time low. When hikers hit this low they ask this very simple question. 

Why am I hiking the Appalachian Trail?

Thru-hiking the trail has been said to be 20% physical and about 80% mental. The mental aspect is a huge factor why most thru-hiker hopefuls end up folding and going home before making it to the end. In my preparation I came across a book named Appalachian Trails by Zach Davis (former thru-hiker). This book focuses heavily on the mental aspect of the trail. It gives you guidance on how to not only successfully hike the entire trail but enjoy every minute of it. In chapter 2 of the book, Zach suggests to make 3 lists. I was hesitant to make these at first, but since making them all my doubts of not going on the trail have gone away. I will share these personal lists with you.

Appalachian Trails By Zach Davis

 The first list is titled:

I am Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail Because....

• I need to believe in myself more
• I need some adventure in my life
• Where else will you have the freedom to poop pretty much wherever you want
• I want to prove to myself and my parents that I am not a quitter (something I've been labeled all my life)
• I want/need to get closer to God and what better way to do that by experiencing the beauty he has given to us

The 2nd if the 3 lists is titled:

When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail I will...

• Have the story of a lifetime
• Have more confidence in myself than ever before
• Have a renewed sense of faith in God and myself
• Know how to manage myself better
• Scream and shout and praise the lord

The 3rd and final is titled:

If I give up on the Appalachian Trail, I will...

• Settle for less and not live up to my true potential
• Have a huge loss in my confidence
• Have to explain to everyone why I failed
• Feel like a quitter as I always have when things get tough
• Feel as if I'm mediocre 

Hey look my copy is signed by the one and only Zach Davis

 These 3 lists have been a huge factor in helping myself mentally prepare for this journey of a lifetime. I feel more motivated than ever, and in just 14 DAYS I WILL BE ON THE TRAIL!!! I couldn't be anymore excited.One last thing for any thru-hiker in planning, I highly recommend Zach Davis' book. Reading this book has put my in a postion where I am extremely confident in myself and I know I have a higher chance of completing the trail with the knowledge this book has.


On that note, I thank you all for taking the time to read this!


Happy Trail!!!

Lucas Varnadore