Confession: I’ve never spent more than a week in the woods. Still, the lessons learned through others who have thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail are inspiring. Thru hiker stories remind me to focus on a goal but enjoy the moments along the way. Thru hiker stories remind me to reflect on lessons from the past and incorporate lessons learned into making a better future.

Even if you can’t take the time to spend months on the Appalachian Trail, you can spend a few hours learning from the experiences of those who have thru-hiked the trail.

Becoming Odyssa

Jennifer, a young thru-hiker takes the months after college to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Read the book for reflective thoughts like this one:

“Intimacy is not just fostered on the trail, it’s required. If you’re hiking as part of a group, you have to be vulnerable. When you’re hurting, even if it’s embarrassing, you have to communicate that you’re not feeling well, that you need to slow down, or that you need help.”

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk

You’re never too old for new beginnings. You can chase goals and reflect on your past and future at any age. Read Grandma Gatewood’s Walk and learn more about life on the Appalachian Trail.

“The forest is a quiet place and nature is beautiful. I don’t want to sit and rock. I want to do something.”

Hiking Through

Don’t rush through life after change and loss. Taking time to process is extremely important. In this book, you’ll be challenged to stop and reflect on your life, even if you can’t pause routine long enough to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.

“Something that has been eluding me for years has finally overtaken me. Contentment. I’ve been living life too fast. But now that I’m traveling at two miles per hour, contentment has caught up with me.”