Hey Will, Nathan Heine here. I finally stumbled across these videos, I was on the jumpoff at the same time you were. Men and my father were just doing the day hike that day, Im in the red jacket and he's in the blue on the ground at the jumpoff. We plan on doing a section hike again this spring!
I live in Watauga County in North Carolina. Not too far from the Watauga Dam that you passed. Fortunately, there's access to the AT virtually in every direction. Love it!
Your tent is sweet! Love how your use your poles to support it! My husband and I did the whole AT together in 08. It was such a blast. I would do it again and would be excited about all the new hiker gear that wasn't available to us 10 years ago.
I am moving to TN is a few years. People think I am nuts because it will probably be when I am in my 50's but I plan to hike the AT the length of the GSM. Love your videos. Will continue to follow and may ask advice in the years to come.
I have been following your hike from the beginning. Will see your other vids tomorrow. Extremely good narration! You shared your discouragements (rain, cold, the boy that got stomach virus, the steep climbs, etc.) and your successes. Enjoyed seeing all the points of interest. I'm mid 60s, retired, and widower. So I have a few day hikes. On a fixed income, must build my equipment supply slowly. Hope to realize an overnighter maybe next year 2017. You're an inspiration. Thanks for posting!
+Bob Conar Well Bob, I am 65 and going off on a 21 day section hike starting May 1. After watching Will Wood huffing and puffing, I am thinking I better pack a couple of oxygen bottles or else I will have to take a break every 15 minutes. Good to know there is at least one other old codger like me that looks forward to this tremendous experience.
I hear you Mr. Miceli, I failed to see the oxygen canisters as well! These boys did fine one bench along the way. HaHa. Thanks for your comment. It's inspiring.
My first over night experience on the AT. Aw planned to go from the NOC to the Fontana Dam and after Cheoah's bald we had to find a road out. The climb and the downhill nearly killed our scoutmaster and his achilles heel he was also carrying 60lb god know why! Wasn't my planning but thats what you get from some flatlander Florida Boy Scouts! Was cool to see the sights. Really enjoying the series so far.
Red Beard, I just finished the last of your videos detailing your hike thru the AT. Wonderful job man! Absolutely loved every min of the trip and wish there were more to see. I can't wait to see your PCT videos. I am planning now for my thru hike on the AT next March (2016). I've been studying it for a couple weeks and your video has helped me tremendously. I am 62 now and will be 63 when I start so I will need as much or more time then you used. I am concerned about those narrow passages in VT and Main that you went through but perhaps they will not be a problem by the time I get there. Great Job and Congrats to all of your fellow hikers who finished. Cliff
Good luck on your planning. Make sure you go on google and find stretches you can do to strengthen your hamstrings quads and gluts. This will help you have less knee pain, since that is the main thing that causes people to have to drop off the trail. Also get that pack weight as low as possible. That helps so so much. Yeah by the time you get to New Hampshire and Maine you will be a different person. I lost 50lbs on the trail and I was already pretty skinny. I saw pictures of some of the guys I was close to at then end of their first day and I literally couldn't even recognize them! You will have a blast and there are plenty of 60+ year olds on the trail so you won't be alone! happy hiking!
Cliff F Snorlax did finish a few weeks after me! And Toast came back out with his Girlfriend and hiked till the end of Virginia! Toast will be doing the JMT this summer!
Hey there Red Beared (Will) Mark and his bro Paul here from England. New to your channel and a late comer I know but really enjoy your story telling mate and tour. Been checking out the trail on google as you go along to get a fix on your position. All good fun. Many thanks for taking us along. ATB Mark.
CSCStudios2 hiked part of it with my dad! Never did the full trail but it’s always a goal :) I go hiking weekly and workout daily helping me train for it!
Thanks for the memories/flash back from my 94' AT thru-hike. If you're doing the PCT next year 3 things: First get used to rattlesnakes. Second bring something for rash. Finally be prepared for el nino winds, next year is supposed to be bad. Keep hiking on! - Noodleman 94'
This is the second video (Georgia being the first) that I watch, and have to say you show more than the more popular for sale films about the AT, also because you aren't providing huge info dumps and tend to verbalize what your are going through it doesn't feel like you're 'ruining' it for others, in fact it makes it more attractive to hike the AT without romanticizing it, IMO. Great work.
Thank you so much for documenting your journey so well. I've been intently watching all your videos as I prepare for my thru-hike in 6 weeks! Even taking notes on cool places to camp and whatnot. Watching your videos has made me even more excited for my hike. Thanks again!
Great videos. It kills me because I've got 3 years till I do my first through hike when my son gets out of high school. I can't wait. Keep up the good work.
One grows envious of you guys....I'm originally fm a place ten days hike fmSantiago de Compostela in Spain...I've been telling myself that Ihave t do it for yrs....jejejejee!! but as I get older (wrong side of 60) all I do is talking and not moving...have a good deay all of you men...and thanks...!!
My dude! I live in Johnson city tn and have hiked a lot of these areas. So rad to see you around here. Ridgeway is the shit! Such good bbq! Have had a badass time watching your vids.
Red Beard, you have ruined my entire work day thanks to you. I have spent all of this time sitting at my desk engulfed in this trip vlog. My questions to you are: How often did you do laundry? What do you do to keep your clothes dry when it's raining constantly?
Sorry I have disrupted your work! ⛺️ I did laundry about once a week when I ventured into town. If I had anything get wet I usually just threw it right back on and continued to hike in it. If it was to cold or wet to do so I attached the wet clothing to the outside of my pack. Happy Hiking!
Really enjoying the videos so far. Wasted quite a bit of time watching a documentary by some "Trail Trash." It's really Nice to get your perspective. Looking fwd to the rest and the next thru hike as well. Take care and thank you for taking the time to put this together.
You are hiking in my back yard. I'm from Gatlinburg but live in Johnson City Tn now and the AT is only a few miles away. I'm ashamed to say I've lived so close but never hiked it. We had a bear attack last week. No fatalities this time but every time I get my courage up, there is another bear incident on the news. These hikers were doing everything right also.
Amazing! Thank you so much for posting these videos! :D I am planning on hiking the AT in 2016 and this is giving me a glimpse of what it will really be like out there! making me even more excited!!! :D Have fun on your journey! I'll be watching and cheering you on!
I was disappointed that you didn't show Sam's Gap on the NC/TN line but only because I served as pastor of the Baptist church in nearby flag Pond, TN. It is cool tho, I know you can't show everything.
When you came down the trail to the pavement if you would of gone to your left up the road a mile or so there use to be a nice private owned campground. It was a nice one to go to if you were in the area car camping and also wanting to white water the river while you were there. I use to go there to do some camping and day hiking short stretches of the trail while friend's of mine played ( white watered ) on the river.
Hey Will, Thanks for the best "How to AT" vids on TH-cam. I watched the clothes video you made before the hike. Any chance of a post hike clothes update?
Thanks so much for the kind words. I didn't do a video on that because it would have been pretty boring. I pretty much carried nothing but my hiking clothes, a warm jacket, and a rain suit, did laundry in town and wore my rain suit will doing so. Check out my new PCT video if you haven't seen it for insight into my clothing on my next thru hike or my clothing video for the PCT. Happy Hiking!
I love these videos - thank you so much for taking the time to make them! I've been searching for comprehensive vlogs about various trails; I think I just found my Mecca! ;) Have subbed, am looking forward to a binge of the Appalachian and PCT trails tonight :D
That hostel, seriously? lol... Awesome bridge thru town thou... Excellent vid guys... Snorlax.... killing me, Pokemon trail name... Hoping to meet a few legendary trail angels ourselves. Some of our buddies have told us of some amazing T.A.'s out on the AT.... Your vids making me want to jump ahead a year or two and start the AT... ATB ya lucky bugger... - Nate
It was great following you and snorlax at the same time. Glad to see you both finished. Not sure when you two separated. I think it was when his girlfriend visited. Did you guys ever meet up again?
Do all the hostels have electricity or something? How are you keeping your camera juiced this whole time? I am hoping I can do this for between a week and 10 days. I'll be alone though. Hoping to start in March. Have to work on my conditioning from now till then cuz I'm afraid I won't be able to handle the physical side of it. Any tips to offer a totally new hiker?
I carried a battery pack that I bought of Amazon that could recharge everything. I would recharge the battery pack in towns anywhere I could find an outlet. Hope this helps, good luck on your hike!
Love the videos!! What kind of hiking boots do you recommend? With the kind of tent that doesn't zip up completely did you worry about being visited by critters in the night?
I always wondered if it would be possible to run the entire AT. bring just the essentials in a sub ultralight backpack and just gas it down some of the trails, just a thought.
Tenting is defiantly the way to go. I have been on sections of the AT in Virginia. The shelters are rodent infested, (hunta virus comes to mind), because people are careless with food stuff, I can't imagine how many possible viruses you could catch in one.
so,Far i've only watched a forth of the video and i'm liking it..I hope to get some vacation time and would like to hike and clear my head and make some sense of things that have happened in my life.I've been told there isn't a stupid question but this might be one.I live in NC and want to know is there a place that i can park a vehicle and maybe take a bus or plane to a drop site near the trail and and hike to my vehicle.? I used to drive trucks thru Murphy,Waynesville,Asheville,and Kingsport and Bristol and i think the area is awesome.I wish i could take the time to do the whole trail but can't at this time.
I would suggest purchasing AWOL appalachian trail guide. Just google that and it will come up it can also be found in some outfitter stores like REI. In it he provides shuttle drivers in areas that you can call and they will pick u up drive you down trail so you can hike back to your car. Hopefully this helps.
My Grandparents have a lake house on Boone. We eat at Ridgewood's every now and again also. (I think you were on Boone, and I thought I recognized the dock, if not I guess you were on Patrick Henry or Watuaga.)
Love your videos man... Me and a buddy are going to try and do a 4-6 day hike in either GA or NC.. Do you have any suggestions for the best experience?? Thanks!
I have been watching trail videos whilst walking on my treadmill. I have enjoyed the 1st video of yours that I have watched..The A.T. N. Carolina/ Tennessee. Later on I will watch Virginia. Keep up the great work! Did you have to prepare mentally and emotionally as well as physically?
Didn't realize that. Been hiking the Smokies for 25 years, not sure how many miles but a bunch. I'm currently unemployed, soooo that Smokies AT through hike might finally happen for me. I'm in the planning stage, have actually been watching your videos for Intel and ideas. You've been a GREAT help, my friend. In your opinion, how many days would a reasonably fit middle aged guy need to huck the Smokies portion of the AT? Maybe I'll finally get a trail name. Never had one given to me, can ya believe that? Must have hiked a quarter of the Smokies by now. Still just known as Jason haha.
I would say that you could easily do the smokies in about a week. The hardest part is coming up into the smokies from which ever end you decide to do so. Once you get to 5,000 elevation it's pretty easy hiking. Good luck with your planning and with getting that trail name and if you can make it happen I say hit the AT for a thru hike! Happy Hiking!
Hey Will! Quick question, I know I'm on the outside looking in but what makes you want to sleep in that hostel rather then outside in your tent? I was thinking maybe a hot shower or to recharge electronics but I never could understand why thru hikers rather spend a night in a hostel/hotel/motel rather then camping on the trail. Thanks for the insight!
Weird question- Did you have any trouble with tent stakes in the early months? I'm starting Feb 15 and don't want my stakes to snap like they do here in CT winter.
+Ian Wright yes I used to backpack up into the park where they were reintroducing brook trout. Very small fish at that point but some of the bigger streams have some enormous trout!
Hope you enjoyed the Smokies. I'm a native here, I love that place. Are you from Tennessee? You visited your uncle in Erwin in this video. Just wondering because maybe you know the Smokies pretty well anyway.
Hey Red Beard in this video is heard someone say something about a hammock system I'm going to start my tru hike in 2018 and wanted to use a hammock system and was wondering if you had any advice weather wise. thanks!
love the videos. Question. Do more people start in Georgia or Maine and why ? Living in upstate NY I am thinking about starting in the north. Biggest problem for me is staying hostels. A lot of weird and dangerouse people out there. Thanks.
I have a question that may be answered here by someone with thru-hiking experience. We live in Atlanta, Georgia and are hoping to get to the trail for about 5 days of hiking this summer. Where is a good place to go to get some specific questions answered about the AT? Like for one, we are wanting to find some pretty scenery close by that is not too rugged as I'm an amputee. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm just now getting started with my research.
You could always go to an REI and find someone who has experience on the trail. I would recommend Kennesaw Mountain for a good hike close to the city or for a longer hike that is uphill but well graded hike the approach trail to Springer Mountain however make sure to drive just north of Amicalola Falls to bypass the thousands of stairs. You can park just above the falls and start hiking from there!
Hey Will, what would you recommend taking on a trip from Asheville NC to the coast of NC. (Will do it before AT, and then America). Would I need to take some big jackets/coats, gloves?
Is that the mountain to sea trail or something like that? Any long distance hike will be a great preparation for the Appalachian Trail. But honestly being young you will be fine on the AT even without any preparation in my opinion! Good luck and happy hiking!
Stretches. That's it. I did quad, hamstring and glut stretches to strengthen those muscles which help with the most common issue on the trail Knee Pain! Look up good stretches online, some of the best require exercise bands. I did no cardio training but I was already in decent shape. I also gained 20 lbs of fat on purpose but that isn't necessary. I had read some blogs that recommended it and it sounded fun so I did it. Won't do it for the PCT however.
Me and my brother are planning on starting the first week of this summer and making it as far as we can until the end of the summer I'm 17 he's 16 do you have any idea if you have to have a legal adult with you for the trip?
+Treyfhh I should imagine that you do, as you're both minors (given you'll be crossing the US/Canada border you may need an adult for that?). Same goes for certain walking/fire permits that you'll need. I commend your bravery and dreams but 2,6k miles in the wilderness is hard for a seasoned 30 year old, let alone an inexperienced 16 year old. It could be more dangerous for him. I hope you find the info you need! :) How long do you get for summer? 8 weeks? The Appalachian takes a minimum of 20 weeks, and an average of around 25 weeks. I would personally suggest finding a shorter trail that you can go on, and when you both graduate, you can do the PCT as part of a gap year, when you've got the money (it costs about $6,000 each plus gear and travel to your start point) to fund yourself around the trail) and time to do it properly.
Two quick questions.....what editing program do you use to edit your videos? Lastly, on the shoots where you walking are you just holding your cam out in front of you by hand or are you using your phone on a selfie-stick or something? Love the videos!
Hey Will, Nathan Heine here. I finally stumbled across these videos, I was on the jumpoff at the same time you were. Men and my father were just doing the day hike that day, Im in the red jacket and he's in the blue on the ground at the jumpoff. We plan on doing a section hike again this spring!
This is the best AT trail videos out there. Keep up the great work and I cant wait for the rest of the trail series.
Really glad you have enjoyed them! Peace!
I love that mountain at 24:55! Excellent videos, Will.
So glad you enjoyed to video! That was a beautiful spot for sure.
Love these vids! The AT is No. 1 on my bucket list!
Have you been able to do it, yet?😀
I live in Watauga County in North Carolina. Not too far from the Watauga Dam that you passed. Fortunately, there's access to the AT virtually in every direction. Love it!
Your tent is sweet! Love how your use your poles to support it! My husband and I did the whole AT together in 08. It was such a blast. I would do it again and would be excited about all the new hiker gear that wasn't available to us 10 years ago.
I am moving to TN is a few years. People think I am nuts because it will probably be when I am in my 50's but I plan to hike the AT the length of the GSM. Love your videos. Will continue to follow and may ask advice in the years to come.
I have been following your hike from the beginning. Will see your other vids tomorrow. Extremely good narration! You shared your discouragements (rain, cold, the boy that got stomach virus, the steep climbs, etc.) and your successes. Enjoyed seeing all the points of interest. I'm mid 60s, retired, and widower. So I have a few day hikes. On a fixed income, must build my equipment supply slowly. Hope to realize an overnighter maybe next year 2017. You're an inspiration. Thanks for posting!
+Bob Conar Well Bob, I am 65 and going off on a 21 day section hike starting May 1. After watching Will Wood huffing and puffing, I am thinking I better pack a couple of oxygen bottles or else I will have to take a break every 15 minutes. Good to know there is at least one other old codger like me that looks forward to this tremendous experience.
I hear you Mr. Miceli, I failed to see the oxygen canisters as well! These boys did fine one bench along the way. HaHa. Thanks for your comment. It's inspiring.
My first over night experience on the AT. Aw planned to go from the NOC to the Fontana Dam and after Cheoah's bald we had to find a road out. The climb and the downhill nearly killed our scoutmaster and his achilles heel he was also carrying 60lb god know why! Wasn't my planning but thats what you get from some flatlander Florida Boy Scouts! Was cool to see the sights. Really enjoying the series so far.
Thanks so much. Cool story. So glad you have enjoyed my videos :)
Red Beard, I just finished the last of your videos detailing your hike thru the AT. Wonderful job man! Absolutely loved every min of the trip and wish there were more to see. I can't wait to see your PCT videos. I am planning now for my thru hike on the AT next March (2016). I've been studying it for a couple weeks and your video has helped me tremendously. I am 62 now and will be 63 when I start so I will need as much or more time then you used. I am concerned about those narrow passages in VT and Main that you went through but perhaps they will not be a problem by the time I get there.
Great Job and Congrats to all of your fellow hikers who finished.
Cliff
Good luck on your planning. Make sure you go on google and find stretches you can do to strengthen your hamstrings quads and gluts. This will help you have less knee pain, since that is the main thing that causes people to have to drop off the trail. Also get that pack weight as low as possible. That helps so so much. Yeah by the time you get to New Hampshire and Maine you will be a different person. I lost 50lbs on the trail and I was already pretty skinny. I saw pictures of some of the guys I was close to at then end of their first day and I literally couldn't even recognize them! You will have a blast and there are plenty of 60+ year olds on the trail so you won't be alone! happy hiking!
Will Wood Do you know if Snorlax finished? Also did toast ever get to come back to the AT? Good Good advice we be heeded.
Cliff F Snorlax did finish a few weeks after me! And Toast came back out with his Girlfriend and hiked till the end of Virginia! Toast will be doing the JMT this summer!
Hey there Red Beared (Will) Mark and his bro Paul here from England. New to your channel and a late comer I know but really enjoy your story telling mate and tour. Been checking out the trail on google as you go along to get a fix on your position. All good fun. Many thanks for taking us along. ATB Mark.
Planning to start training for the AT and go before I go to college!!! These videos really help, thanks dude!
Hey man! Did you ever make it? It’s been 5 years so I figured you had graduated by now
CSCStudios2 hiked part of it with my dad! Never did the full trail but it’s always a goal :) I go hiking weekly and workout daily helping me train for it!
Thanks for the memories/flash back from my 94' AT thru-hike. If you're doing the PCT next year 3 things: First get used to rattlesnakes. Second bring something for rash. Finally be prepared for el nino winds, next year is supposed to be bad. Keep hiking on! - Noodleman 94'
Thanks for the info, I love the AT. You are accurate wig the PCT advice, I did that trail this past year ✌🏼️
Oh nice! Congrats Red Beard!
Most excellent. Thx much for taking us along and allowing us to enjoy those 'your' experiences.
This is the second video (Georgia being the first) that I watch, and have to say you show more than the more popular for sale films about the AT, also because you aren't providing huge info dumps and tend to verbalize what your are going through it doesn't feel like you're 'ruining' it for others, in fact it makes it more attractive to hike the AT without romanticizing it, IMO. Great work.
These section videos are awesome !!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks MELS111!!
Thank you so much for documenting your journey so well. I've been intently watching all your videos as I prepare for my thru-hike in 6 weeks! Even taking notes on cool places to camp and whatnot. Watching your videos has made me even more excited for my hike. Thanks again!
Jennifer Gleason my pleasure. Good luck on your hike 👍🏼
Hiked straight from Laurel falls to Damascus. Niked all night! haha I can't wait to be back out there again
Great videos. It kills me because I've got 3 years till I do my first through hike when my son gets out of high school. I can't wait. Keep up the good work.
Good luck on your thru hike in the future! You will love every second, most likely 😉
Lovin' the vids. Gives me hoped for my long-awaited ATC Thru hike. Been wanting to do this for 20 years. I'm getting closer.
One grows envious of you guys....I'm originally fm a place ten days hike fmSantiago de Compostela in Spain...I've been telling myself that Ihave t do it for yrs....jejejejee!! but as I get older (wrong side of 60) all I do is talking and not moving...have a good deay all of you men...and thanks...!!
Hiked the AT in '15 and man this brings me back good memories
Great video. The falls were awesome. Everything was awesome, except for maybe the part where you were hiking in the snow.
The best videos I've seen in a long time! Many thanks for posting and job well done!
Will, Love your videos.I just finished a section hike from Fontana Dam to Newfound gap and had the time of my life. Keep up the good work...
My dude! I live in Johnson city tn and have hiked a lot of these areas. So rad to see you around here. Ridgeway is the shit! Such good bbq! Have had a badass time watching your vids.
You do an excellent job with your vlog! Hoping I get to hike the AT in Tennessee some this summer. Wish I had the time to Thru Hike some day!
Really enjoying watching these videos
Red Beard, you have ruined my entire work day thanks to you. I have spent all of this time sitting at my desk engulfed in this trip vlog. My questions to you are: How often did you do laundry? What do you do to keep your clothes dry when it's raining constantly?
Sorry I have disrupted your work! ⛺️ I did laundry about once a week when I ventured into town. If I had anything get wet I usually just threw it right back on and continued to hike in it. If it was to cold or wet to do so I attached the wet clothing to the outside of my pack. Happy Hiking!
Great, great info. Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks for putting this series together. I'm looking forward to sitting down for the next one already.
My pleasure, really glad you have enjoyed them!
Really enjoying the videos so far. Wasted quite a bit of time watching a documentary by some "Trail Trash." It's really Nice to get your perspective. Looking fwd to the rest and the next thru hike as well. Take care and thank you for taking the time to put this together.
Glad you have enjoyed my videos!
You are hiking in my back yard. I'm from Gatlinburg but live in Johnson City Tn now and the AT is only a few miles away. I'm ashamed to say I've lived so close but never hiked it. We had a bear attack last week. No fatalities this time but every time I get my courage up, there is another bear incident on the news. These hikers were doing everything right also.
If you have not done so already. Can you do a video on the list of things you took and how you re-supplied on the way.
Well done, I look forward to seeing your PCT hike.
Really enjoyed watching your videos, Thanks for posting.
My pleasure!
37:57 oh I can remember this bench!!
Love this section, since I live here. Great video
Wonderful section to live near! Glad you enjoyed the video. Happy Hiking my friend!
Amazing! Thank you so much for posting these videos! :D I am planning on hiking the AT in 2016 and this is giving me a glimpse of what it will really be like out there! making me even more excited!!! :D Have fun on your journey! I'll be watching and cheering you on!
Thanks so much for the kind words. Means a lot. Good luck on your hike in the future, you will enjoy every second I'm sure!
I thru hiked in 2012 and will be thru hiking again in 2016. Tiny Dancer. I'm looking forward to being out there again. Maybe you'll run into me.
I was disappointed that you didn't show Sam's Gap on the NC/TN line but only because I served as pastor of the Baptist church in nearby flag Pond, TN. It is cool tho, I know you can't show everything.
When you came down the trail to the pavement if you would of gone to your left up the road a mile or so there use to be a nice private owned campground. It was a nice one to go to if you were in the area car camping and also wanting to white water the river while you were there.
I use to go there to do some camping and day hiking short stretches of the trail while friend's of mine played ( white watered ) on the river.
Hey Will,
Thanks for the best "How to AT" vids on TH-cam. I watched the clothes video you made before the hike. Any chance of a post hike clothes update?
Thanks so much for the kind words. I didn't do a video on that because it would have been pretty boring. I pretty much carried nothing but my hiking clothes, a warm jacket, and a rain suit, did laundry in town and wore my rain suit will doing so. Check out my new PCT video if you haven't seen it for insight into my clothing on my next thru hike or my clothing video for the PCT. Happy Hiking!
I really enjoyed your video thank you for allowing us to walk with you.
Hey Will , Ive been considering an AT hike , I appreciate your videos !!!
Thanks my friend!
It was all foggy when i was there, what a view in Charlies Bunion!!!
It's a beautiful place for sure!
I love these videos - thank you so much for taking the time to make them! I've been searching for comprehensive vlogs about various trails; I think I just found my Mecca! ;)
Have subbed, am looking forward to a binge of the Appalachian and PCT trails tonight :D
I plan on hiking part of the at this spring
I've done parts of the trail (NY-MA/NY-PA) and I'm doing Georgia and Tennessee in 2017
All of this is amazing! Hopefully I'll be lucky enough to do something like this one day.
That hostel, seriously? lol... Awesome bridge thru town thou... Excellent vid guys... Snorlax.... killing me, Pokemon trail name... Hoping to meet a few legendary trail angels ourselves. Some of our buddies have told us of some amazing T.A.'s out on the AT.... Your vids making me want to jump ahead a year or two and start the AT... ATB ya lucky bugger... - Nate
It was great following you and snorlax at the same time. Glad to see you both finished. Not sure when you two separated. I think it was when his girlfriend visited. Did you guys ever meet up again?
We split in shanendoah np. We saw each other one last time up in Pennsylvania I think when his girlfriend had just joined him for a bit.
Great videos!
Thanks! Glad you liked them!
I'm from Tennessee and live close to the Smokies. I've done parts of the AT in Tennessee.
Coolest views you saw in NC? Looking for a good short weekend hike. Thanks!
Silars Bald, Albert Mountain, Cheoah Bald, Standing Indian Mountain.
Will Wood Thanks!!
Hop Nosh! Good beer! i am starting to like you already.
Do all the hostels have electricity or something? How are you keeping your camera juiced this whole time?
I am hoping I can do this for between a week and 10 days. I'll be alone though. Hoping to start in March. Have to work on my conditioning from now till then cuz I'm afraid I won't be able to handle the physical side of it.
Any tips to offer a totally new hiker?
I carried a battery pack that I bought of Amazon that could recharge everything. I would recharge the battery pack in towns anywhere I could find an outlet. Hope this helps, good luck on your hike!
So Toast was toasted lol
Love the videos!! What kind of hiking boots do you recommend? With the kind of tent that doesn't zip up completely did you worry about being visited by critters in the night?
I always wondered if it would be possible to run the entire AT. bring just the essentials in a sub ultralight backpack and just gas it down some of the trails, just a thought.
Tenting is defiantly the way to go. I have been on sections of the AT in Virginia. The shelters are rodent infested, (hunta virus comes to mind), because people are careless with food stuff, I can't imagine how many possible viruses you could catch in one.
Great Video!
Thanks my friend. Glad you enjoyed it!
I have not watched all. I hope that Toast was ok with the knee
love your video, thanks
Still cold in Connecticut
so,Far i've only watched a forth of the video and i'm liking it..I hope to get some vacation time and would like to hike and clear my head and make some sense of things that have happened in my life.I've been told there isn't a stupid question but this might be one.I live in NC and want to know is there a place that i can park a vehicle and maybe take a bus or plane to a drop site near the trail and and hike to my vehicle.? I used to drive trucks thru Murphy,Waynesville,Asheville,and Kingsport and Bristol and i think the area is awesome.I wish i could take the time to do the whole trail but can't at this time.
I would suggest purchasing AWOL appalachian trail guide. Just google that and it will come up it can also be found in some outfitter stores like REI. In it he provides shuttle drivers in areas that you can call and they will pick u up drive you down trail so you can hike back to your car. Hopefully this helps.
My Grandparents have a lake house on Boone. We eat at Ridgewood's every now and again also. (I think you were on Boone, and I thought I recognized the dock, if not I guess you were on Patrick Henry or Watuaga.)
So cool. Yep was on Boone at my uncles lake house. Love that place!
Love your videos man... Me and a buddy are going to try and do a 4-6 day hike in either GA or NC.. Do you have any suggestions for the best experience?? Thanks!
keep hiking!
I have been watching trail videos whilst walking on my treadmill. I have enjoyed the 1st video of yours that I have watched..The A.T. N. Carolina/ Tennessee. Later on I will watch Virginia. Keep up the great work! Did you have to prepare mentally and emotionally as well as physically?
Lisa Guevremont I prepared some but I needed this hike for myself so I was excited and preparation really wasn't needed.
Way to go, Redbeard..so what's your next endeavor?
What tents did they have at 11:00
At 10:54, is that a SPOT on the top of your pack?
How were you on Silers Bald yet not in the GSMNP? Isn't it only, what, 8 or so miles from Clingmans dome? Either way, what an awesome video.
Different bald. This one is south of The Smokies in North Carolina. Actually it's Siler Bald no S and its in Nantahala National Forest. Great place!
Didn't realize that. Been hiking the Smokies for 25 years, not sure how many miles but a bunch. I'm currently unemployed, soooo that Smokies AT through hike might finally happen for me. I'm in the planning stage, have actually been watching your videos for Intel and ideas. You've been a GREAT help, my friend. In your opinion, how many days would a reasonably fit middle aged guy need to huck the Smokies portion of the AT? Maybe I'll finally get a trail name. Never had one given to me, can ya believe that? Must have hiked a quarter of the Smokies by now. Still just known as Jason haha.
I would say that you could easily do the smokies in about a week. The hardest part is coming up into the smokies from which ever end you decide to do so. Once you get to 5,000 elevation it's pretty easy hiking. Good luck with your planning and with getting that trail name and if you can make it happen I say hit the AT for a thru hike! Happy Hiking!
Will Wood Thanks man!
Hey Will! Quick question, I know I'm on the outside looking in but what makes you want to sleep in that hostel rather then outside in your tent? I was thinking maybe a hot shower or to recharge electronics but I never could understand why thru hikers rather spend a night in a hostel/hotel/motel rather then camping on the trail. Thanks for the insight!
Weird question- Did you have any trouble with tent stakes in the early months? I'm starting Feb 15 and don't want my stakes to snap like they do here in CT winter.
On my hike through the nc section of the AT i noticed those plants with drooping leaves and never learned what they were. Would anyone happen to know?
Did you ever fly fish in the brook trout streams in this park?
+Ian Wright yes I used to backpack up into the park where they were reintroducing brook trout. Very small fish at that point but some of the bigger streams have some enormous trout!
What is that orange doodad on his pack @ 2:00, an mp3 player?
It is a Spot device.
Hope you enjoyed the Smokies. I'm a native here, I love that place. Are you from Tennessee? You visited your uncle in Erwin in this video. Just wondering because maybe you know the Smokies pretty well anyway.
Hey Red Beard in this video is heard someone say something about a hammock system I'm going to start my tru hike in 2018 and wanted to use a hammock system and was wondering if you had any advice weather wise. thanks!
This is a hike I so want to do in the future. I was wondering what gear you used or would recommend for this hike.
When are you planning your PCT hike to begin? What are you/will you be using for your video camera?
I will be starting probably middle of April. I will be using the Sony HDR-AS100V camera.
There probably won't be much internet access out there. Are you planning on updating your youtube followers on your progress regularly?
Yes on my website that isn't up yet followingredbeard.com it will be up soon. I will be posting videos from the trail as well.
awesome. looking forward to it.
Do you have to hike tons of miles to get provisions off the trail or area towns close?
How do you handle the snow in your trail runners? Your feet must have gotten pretty cold and wet!
I have a previous video on this, the secret Gore-Tex socks.
love the videos. Question. Do more people start in Georgia or Maine and why ? Living in upstate NY I am thinking about starting in the north. Biggest problem for me is staying hostels. A lot of weird and dangerouse people out there. Thanks.
How well did the gore-tex socks/trail runners hold up in the snow?
I have a question that may be answered here by someone with thru-hiking experience. We live in Atlanta, Georgia and are hoping to get to the trail for about 5 days of hiking this summer. Where is a good place to go to get some specific questions answered about the AT? Like for one, we are wanting to find some pretty scenery close by that is not too rugged as I'm an amputee. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm just now getting started with my research.
You could always go to an REI and find someone who has experience on the trail. I would recommend Kennesaw Mountain for a good hike close to the city or for a longer hike that is uphill but well graded hike the approach trail to Springer Mountain however make sure to drive just north of Amicalola Falls to bypass the thousands of stairs. You can park just above the falls and start hiking from there!
is there going to be any people on the northern side of the Appalachian Trail in January?
A few. Instagram-therealhikingviking
What was good for dinner at the NOC Rest.?
man that wind blows...
Love the videos Will! How long did it take you to hike the AT?
206 total days with 45 of those as zero days, visiting friends and family along the way.
What kind of camera did you use to film with?
Sony HDR-AS100V action camera.
Are the "balds" naturally occurring or are the maintained by someone?
Planing on thru-hike 2018, what camera system and gear did you use? Thanks
are you gouind nobo or sobo ?
cause im planing one to
Are there plenty of water sources along the trail ?
There are water sources everywhere on the AT for the most part. Shouldn't have any issues except in PA & NY.
Red Beard Hikes why is that
Hey Will, what would you recommend taking on a trip from Asheville NC to the coast of NC. (Will do it before AT, and then America). Would I need to take some big jackets/coats, gloves?
Is that the mountain to sea trail or something like that? Any long distance hike will be a great preparation for the Appalachian Trail. But honestly being young you will be fine on the AT even without any preparation in my opinion! Good luck and happy hiking!
Haha, no no, i'll be walking on roads and what not... It's just to get away.
ok for all who dont know NEELS GAP HAUSTLE BYS ALL THERE STUFF AT WALMART STORE AND CHEEPER PLACES JUST THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The NOC - was it $17 each or total for the room? What are those red doo-dads hanging off the front straps of your pack?
What training did you do in order to get ready for the hike?
Stretches. That's it. I did quad, hamstring and glut stretches to strengthen those muscles which help with the most common issue on the trail Knee Pain! Look up good stretches online, some of the best require exercise bands. I did no cardio training but I was already in decent shape. I also gained 20 lbs of fat on purpose but that isn't necessary. I had read some blogs that recommended it and it sounded fun so I did it. Won't do it for the PCT however.
Me and my brother are planning on starting the first week of this summer and making it as far as we can until the end of the summer I'm 17 he's 16 do you have any idea if you have to have a legal adult with you for the trip?
+Treyfhh I should imagine that you do, as you're both minors (given you'll be crossing the US/Canada border you may need an adult for that?). Same goes for certain walking/fire permits that you'll need. I commend your bravery and dreams but 2,6k miles in the wilderness is hard for a seasoned 30 year old, let alone an inexperienced 16 year old. It could be more dangerous for him. I hope you find the info you need! :)
How long do you get for summer? 8 weeks? The Appalachian takes a minimum of 20 weeks, and an average of around 25 weeks. I would personally suggest finding a shorter trail that you can go on, and when you both graduate, you can do the PCT as part of a gap year, when you've got the money (it costs about $6,000 each plus gear and travel to your start point) to fund yourself around the trail) and time to do it properly.
I don't think there's any age requirement. Maybe curfew issues and getting hotels for zero days. Definitely check though.
Can people get lost on trail or is it makes the whole way?
People get lost every year. It’s not that tough though if you use the GPS apps. P
You still work for zpack?
in Unicol / erwin area we have bike, for hiker
Two quick questions.....what editing program do you use to edit your videos? Lastly, on the shoots where you walking are you just holding your cam out in front of you by hand or are you using your phone on a selfie-stick or something? Love the videos!
Michael Francis Corley hold the cam