2,193 Miles on the Appalachian Trail (Full Documentary)

[@davidschmude]

Here I am, one year after my first comment. I’ve followed a lot of AT thru hikers over the years. Quicksand. Frozen. Shorts. Craig Mains. Nahamsha. Stella. Tommy Lister. But your trail account is by far the best and most riveting. The obstacles you overcame being out there during the onset of COVID along with weather and time constraints make for edge of your seat viewing. Your camera work is excellent. I just keep coming back and watching from time to time. Beautiful job. Oh and ……. HI, JERRY !!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Wow what a nice compliment!! Thank you so much! Even with all those obstacles, I really miss the trail.

[@sheenarader6495]

I totally agree! A fantastically "real" picture of the many challenges and beauties of the AT Trail! I almost feel that I walked it with her--minus all the physical and emotional obstacles!

[@walterpaton8698]

I totally agree.

[@sglim729]

I can't stop my tears watching your journey. I'm 67 from Singapore and I could hear the mountains are calling me. I'm coming to AT..

[@fatmanhikes]

So even if you decide to not go further with your channel, you should definitely know that you have made 1000's of people happy! Thank you.

[@robertwoods3479]

You lost weight and look healthy

[@John-se5vc]

I am 75 years old, and was a better than average hiker in my youth. (AT for three days in Smokies, Philmont (NM), but my hiking days are over, due to horrible knees. I am a vintage fan of Grandma Gatewood, and after re-reading her account of walking the AT as the first woman, I am ODing on KZbin accounts of thru-hikes. You have me crying. Thank you for the pleasant, comforting music instead of blasting rock. Shoot, maybe I should move near the trail and be a trail angel! I can't get enough of this.

[@markrebeor1000]

Bravo Gretchen! Your hike was so compelling because it had many threads running through it, the struggles and achievements of the physical hike, the emotional battles and victories, also the powerful love story between you and Jerry. This was more than a thru hike, this was a determined woman’s quest to measure herself, to taste life uninhibited and free, to listen to the mountains and know their wild call! Bravo!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you so much for all your help and support!

[@robertwoods3479]

Great watch thank u

[@amberknight21]

Very beautiful. The trail calls to me as well...I know it in my heart that I will hike it one year

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I think this has been my favorite Appalachian Trail through hike video. Braids is a bunch of joy!

[@PhoenixGenesis]

My boyfriend and I loved your documentary. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I got off the PCT in 2020, so I understand how difficult your journey was, but you rose above and beyond.

[@dennisarthur3592]

Hi again Braids....hard to put into words how impressed we are with you on so many fronts...your great, entertaining sense of humor; your perseverance; your toughness; your determination; your strength of mind and body; your honesty; and also your amazing talent in producing a truly great documentary of your journey. We thoroughly enjoyed watching it, and feel honored to have met you on the final leg of your journey in Virginia. Wishing you all the best in the years ahead...Will & Way.

[@HikingwithBraids]

It was so great meeting you both! Thank you for the trail magic!

[@littlethislittlethat456]

Braids, you have completed the journey of a lifetime and you are a very strong woman. I tried to accomplish what you did and learned that this is probably the hardest thing most people will ever do. Unfortunately, after only 4 days on the AT, my heart told me to go home. Little did I know that my heart telling me to go home actually saved my life. On the way home, I experienced a tightness in my chest and a short time later, I found myself recovering from a quadruple bypass (CABG)! After my initial healing and recovery, I went through cardiac rehab for 36 sessions and at the end of my rehab, I had improved my cardiac aerobic activity by 134%. The average improvement is 40%. I thank my conditioning for 2.5 years and my hiking of the AT that made my heart strong enough to survive this devastating heart issue. I'm now training once again and hope to attempt a section hike of the AT in the summer of 2022. I'll be 68 when I do the section hike and I would like to start at Harpers Ferry and head North. This documentary of yours was very well done and I really enjoyed it. You have inspired countless people along your journey and I wish you happiness and success in everything you do in the future. John (OSAT) from MI

[@wtglb]

Did you get to do your hike? Hope you are well 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@littlethislittlethat456]

@@wtglb I started the AT in 2021 but something told me to come home. I did and less than 2 months later I had to have a quadruple bypass. I recovered well and in 2022 I tried again and hiked the AT in WV, MD and PA but the heat drove me to come home. Unfortunately, I am getting too old to do the entire hike and family is keeping me close to home now so I do local hiking. Thank you for asking. John

[@tomp3146]

Awesome accomplishment! Thanks MUCH for sharing. You are one tough lady... I hiked the trail for 300 miles few years ago. I remain in awe of the numerous women who take this on...

[@kerrpapa]

A true, authentic and personal insight to the love, joy, sorrows, excitement, challenges and triumphs of a AT thru-hiker. Physical, emotional and mental battles filmed for all to see. The legs and feet carrying the heart and mind on the journey they’ve been called to. 2,193 miles of intertwined determination, destiny, fate, beauty and dreams. Trail Magic on film. Thank-you for filming and allowing us to come along!

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

This is one of the best AT thru hike videos I have watched. You were honest about the trials and hardships, but also the loveliness you find out on the trail. I especially love your closing words, that each hike is as individual as the hiker. It doesnt matter if you thru hike, flip flop or section hike over years. What matters is that you are out there enjoying the wondrous beauty of Gods' creation.

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you so much!

[@ATlove65]

Agree !!!

[@CScullyBrown]

I know you mentioned awhile ago that you didn't quite get the reception you were aiming for with this video. I wanted to tell you then (but I forgot) that I absolutely adored this video. I appreciate the INSANE effort and time you put into making above and beyond just the vlogs you also did. I prefer long form videos. This one was done SO well. the narration, the meticulous organization of clips and footage. It flowed so well. I think you deserve so much credit for this. thanks for making it, I loved it!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you so much. That truly means a lot to me.

[@deekane6202]

God Bless You and the inspiration you have given to others to reach your dream! Congrats to you ! Dee from Pennsylvania

[@stevenmitchell26]

The love and support you received from complete strangers is what the true spirit of Americans is all about. God bless all the Angels 😇🙏

[@Data_on_trail]

The Class of 2020 will go down as legendary in the history of the AT, for capturing what is so special about the AT. Thank you for documenting your journal for us now, and for all of posterity.

[@TheChantybb]

This video was the first time I heard about the AT, and I became obsessed with it after that. You were such an inspiration to me that now I’m planing on attempting a through hike on 2026. Thank you for opening my eyes to a whole new world. Sending love ❤

[@melstew7140]

This video was an unexpected treasure. I have watched so many great YT videos but have been too lazy to log in and give them a like--but this was too much to let slide. Inspiring, open, heroic--made me proud to be a human being!

[@janewheeler6408]

Oh my I'm so glad I ran across this one today. You bring peace to my soul

[@walterpaton8698]

When KZbin shows braids as my next video to watch, my Soul screams....

[@nancygoodwin3532]

I've watched many hikers on the trail but yours was the very best. You showed more detailed things that others skipped. You also showed your emotions, the real you. Good job!!

[@carriehagstrom9777]

Gretchen, you made this documentary so beautifully! You showed every aspect of the hike - the good and the bad. It’s nice to see emotion and authenticity. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!

[@laurarowe4919]

Your endurance, persistence, and resilience are magical.

[@walterpaton8698]

Binging still... 3-1/2 years later. I will be following your footsteps soon.... Thank you Gretchen. Providing you with trail magic was AWESOME.

[@kathycampbell7266]

Oh. My. Gosh. You are really amazing and this documentary was fantastic! I am so glad I can across this! This brought tears to my eyes as you finished your amazing journey…..

[@Mdbogard]

Without a doubt on the top of the list for a trail documentary. Excellently executed. You kept it real just your your vlogs. Not too often for me to feel the emotions of a hiker, but you do that raw form. In closing, I gotta give Mr Jerry the high praise! What a dedicated husband, and best friend you have in 1. Many blessings, Gretchen. ❤️

[@julee9871]

This made me cry multiple times because it was so beautiful. Super excited for my NOBO 2023 hike!!

[@stevenmitchell26]

This has been my favorite hikumentary so far. The emotion and the true difficulty is very well portrayed as compared to some others I have watched. Awesome job I'm so proud of you. Praying for the day I can experience this amazing adventure

[@kimkaverman5495]

Since I had followed your hike, i was going to skip watching your compilation of your hike. After seeing you mention during your chat that it was more than that I decided to watch it. So glad I did. You did a great job and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep doing what you love and you will reach your goals.

[@HikingwithBraids]

I feel like my documentary tells a more complete story and my added commentary helps better explain what I was feeling and thinking overall. Thank you for watching!

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

I agree.

[@belle_thegoldiegirl]

This is the best one of the AT that I’ve seen. Edited very well. It could easily be a documentary for television.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

As a backpacker for 3/4 of my life I wanted to say that this video content is one of the best I've seen. Well thought out with excellent narration. Loved the fact that you highlighted areas of the trail that many people don't get to see. Many AT thru hike videos are "cookie cutter" varieties. It was great to see someone think outside the box. Well done, and congratulations. Much love from NC! Happy trails to you in the future.

[@HikingwithBraids]

Wow, thanks so much!

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

I have watched many Thru Hikers and have enjoyed them all! However, this documentary captured my attention like no other. Your ability to draw me into your emotional and grand adventure is unsurpassed by anyone. I cried, laughed, and hurt with you! Thank you so much for sharing this incredible journey! Best wishes to your future! 🤙

[@bryandailey4174]

I loved your story - congratulations! One of the most true experiences I have watched - what an adventure of personal discovery! What an inspiration!

[@dwaynerobinson7629]

Congratulations on sticking with it through all the setbacks. Live your dreams, not your fears!

[@walterpaton8698]

Hello Gretchen... Watching your AWESOME VIDEO. I want 2023, but Denise thinks I need more experience. Stay warm .. Jay, Denise and Lilly. We picked you up in Connecticut and drove you to Harpers Ferry. My best day.

[@carrielehman5189]

Wonderful!!! What an amazing hike, love your indomitable spirit. Thank you for bringing us along on your fantastic adventure! 🥾🌲⛰

[@whistlepigoutdoors]

Very well done. I enjoyed watching the entire documentary. I hope you continue hiking and sharing your experiences. I have the same dream - to hike the entire trail. Unfortunately, it will have to wait until my retirement (2028). Until then, I'll continue to be a weekend warrior. Videos like your documentary and others are an inspiration! Keep it up!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Nothing wrong with waiting or being a weekend warrior :-)

[@janawalker4950]

What a blessing to have such a supportive family. Glad I came across your video. 🙂

[@Pfd51ff]

501 shelter is basically in my backyard!!!!! This was amazing to watch congrats and thank you for being so open and honest through all this

[@AmyQ97]

I’ve watched this a few times and each time i get emotional. I would love to do this one day but I couldn’t see myself ever doing it alone. I love the way you documented your journey! ❤

[@walterpaton8698]

I will be at Amicalola Falls in Springer Mountain March of 2025. Your welcome... You will see me and my wife Denise on Braids SOBO approaching Northeast Connecticut And then driving Braind to Falls Village west Virginia....

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks great doc enjoyed it both times

[@cyndirowland8867]

You've done a great job of showing the hardships -- weather, terrain, supply etc -- and logistics required to hike the AT. Great video!

[@robertkleinsteuber1315]

AMAZING!!!!!! You are an absolute inspiration to me and I am sure many many others. What a phenomenal thing to inspire your own children with. Stay committed, you are worth it!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@smokymountainangel5923]

Absolutely touching! From the meaningful words at your intro to Odie’s words as the final shot. You are an inspiration and have once again sparked the fire and passion in the call of the trail. I don’t know when but I know I will attempt again. Thank you.

[@marjoleinvandijke9944]

Hi greetings from Holland , loved your inspiring loving laughing documentary about your thru hike the AT ! Makes me want to camp and walk for hours ! Thank you you never lost your inner child .. good for you

[@sandralauzon9416]

What wonderful kindness and generosity shown to the hikers...so thoughtful people giving up their time to be trail angels.

[@sheenarader6495]

This was an amazing documentary of your AT experience! Thank you for sharing the "good, the bad and the spectacular" days and views! Jerry is such a great support and life partner! 😊

[@therealjd1503]

Since I first stepped foot onto the Appalachian trail as an 11 year old Boy Scout I vowed that I would hike the entire trail. I’m almost 40 and still have not completed my childhood dream, but it’s still on my list and I’m my dreams. Very impressive trip, thanks for taking us along this beautiful journey.

[@cassie6583]

Enjoyed your video very much. I never even thought I would want to hike this trail until watching this. Thank you girl.

[@tiffanybratton3915]

I have re-watched your documentary so many times. I followed your AT videos during the madness that was 2020. Hiking the AT has been a dream of mine since I found out about it when I was 16. My life is finally at a point where I should be able to take my first steps on the trail within the next few years. I will be very close to the same age you were when you got to achieve your dreams. You are such an inspirational woman and I'm proud to be a fellow Tennessean.

[@HikingwithBraids]

🥰 Oh gosh how exciting!! It’s an experience that’s unmatched. You got this! 👊

[@cindywittenberg7316]

Just finished watching the whole hike, planned on just watching a little but could not stop! Thank you for sharing, I loved your honesty and hard work you put in on this video. Wish so badly I had gotten into hiking much earlier in life, and I’m so very glad to have people like you to take us with you! Thank You!!!😀

[@bethaniebreathes]

Just finished watching. One of the realest documentaries of the AT. ❤

[@brunildagautier9309]

This is one of the best hiking videos I have seen and there are many wonderful videos that I have loved watching in the past!! I love that you shared, in details, the pros/cons of hiking. You are such a champion as you pressed forward. You are also a very thankful individual. I was glad to be in this journey with you!!

[@intheblueocean]

I couldn’t help cry when you were forced off the trail because of the pandemic. My birthday is 3/12, so I always remember walking with a friend as we wondered about the new virus. The next day my kids were home from school and didn’t go back for over a year! You’re a really inspiring hiker, I’m starting to go on some simple hikes on my own which I was always sort of scared to do. But, honestly I also yearn to be in nature and it’s hard to always find people to go when I want to go!

[@Hikewithsammich]

This has to be one of my VERY favorite AT hiking documentaries. Your brutal honestly and vulnerabilty was so refreshing. It's not always fun, and thats OK. Type 2 fun is something I enjoy (although not in the moment LOL). I also loved seeing a video from a finely aged human and not a youngin' in their 20's or 30's (because doing the same things now hurt a whole lot more that didn't hurt back then with those supple joints and tendons). Thank you for taking the time to make this amazing video for us. Your meltdown "I just want to be on top of this stupid mountain" (while crying) made me laugh because I've had that EXACT meltdown on a number of Colorado backpacking trips and hikes. I hike out west and while I LOVE watching AT videos I don't plan to ever take on that adventure.

[@AmyQ97]

You are an inspiration to me!!!! Watching this has made me so emotional. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@shaynehix7711]

Fantastic documented journey! I started watching this while at work and just could not pause it. Congrats and thank you for sharing!

[@adventuresover6039]

Wow! Well done Gretchen:) my husband and I followed your journey and we’re so impressed that you stuck with it during Covid craziness and obstacles. Loved your positive attitude and joyful spirit:) we head out in a few weeks. Your journey helped us mentally get prepared. God bless you and your family😊🙏

[@VA_Grandpa]

Best thru-hiking video ever! Thank you Braids!

[@ginnymckinney2679]

I had forgotten you hiked the Pandemic Year. You hiked through so much adverse weather and through physical complaints and I am truly inspired by your journey! You did a WONDERFUL job of sharing the beauty AND the trials! I think this is now my favorite AT Trail documentary. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@hikingfeedsmysoul6960]

This was beautifully put together. You put as much work into this video. My favorite quote from your hubby was "I've got you!" when you had to go home for a bit during the start of the pandemic. That still made me cry after seeing that again in this video. Thank you for sharing your hike, once again...this time as a beautiful documentary

[@OntheWrightPath]

This was done so well. You obviously put a lot of thought and heart into it. Despite not having a traditional hike, you were able to make the best of it and accomplished your goal.

[@peacebewithu73]

Watching this for the 4th time. I love it. You truly are an inspiration.

[@MizTubeFreak]

You are absolutely amazing. Such a courageous, strong, beautiful, enduring human ❤️ with a gentle wild spirit. I loved your journey through the AT. May the Lord bless and protect you in all you do 🐌

[@susannewhitney3735]

Well... I'm crying. Thanks for sharing your journey, Braids!

[@brunildagautier9309]

I also loved all of your sceneries. Great job editing!! I really felt that I was hiking with you!!

[@preacher1511]

Gretchen, this is SO well done. Thank you so much for chronicling your journey like this. I watched every day but this just pulls it all together into such a great perspective. There were so many distractions, diversions, changes of plan, physical challenges, emotional challenges, but you persevered through it and accepted them all. And you gave so much credit to your support system, especially Jerry. In the end, you accomplished your goal with grit, determination, and grace. Thanks for letting us all join you. Keep up the great work and always HYOH!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you

[@swishanie5294]

Braids, You're my favorite vlogger!!! So excited to watch this!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Aww thanks! 🤗

[@hf3490]

I enjoyed this as much as I did your daily vlogs along your journey. This was so well done Gretchen. I even cried again when you reached the finish. I don’t know you at all but am so proud of you. Maybe you need to be one with nature again on the PCT or CDT. 😏 Merry Christmas to you, Jerry and your family and good health and happiness in 2022.

[@lexxnthanutt]

I have to say I’m still here because I did as well!! This is a GREAT documentary of your journey and such an inspiration!! Thank You For Sharing!!

[@penumbrame]

Wow, Braids, that is so well done. I absolutely appreciate the effort it must have taken to compile this video. Thank you! You ought to be so incredibly proud of your accomplishments. True grit. You are amazing!

[@sherrymoore5740]

What an amazing documentary. I loved watching you in 2020 and again now. You are an inspiration to me and so many more. All the best!

[@jimmybowling7835]

Such an inspiration to those that would love to hike the trail but circumstances keep them from doing so. Thank you for taking us on an amazing journey!

[@walterpaton8698]

When you said Jerry said i smell. I smiled. Denise, Lilly and me are so, so, happy we could provide trail majic for you. I pray to see you on the trail in 2025. I recently did a couple days in Western Massachusetts on the AT. It was hard. Thank you...

[@walterpaton8698]

Traveled to the top of Mount Washington. Met many AT hikers Everyone said it was life changing.

[@dianapearson1771]

As HARD as it was, you’ll remember the views, the beauty of the changing foliage!! I’m so happy for you, even though this is a 2 year old video!! I’m 75 and I wish I had done some hiking. I’ve watched a lot of kickers!! I love watching others do what I can’t!!!

[@amyventuring]

Gretchen! I’m so glad you took the time and made the effort to take all of your footage to make a documentary. I think you did an amazing job of showing the highlights and the realities of being out on the trail. I’m so proud of your accomplishment in spite of everything. I hope to see more of your videos in the future as I have always enjoyed them! ❤️

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you so much!

[@theweldonator]

I absolutely loved your video! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story and journey. Couldn't of told it better. Ride That Tasty Wave

[@BigWillyDawg]

What an incredible story of your resiliency and struggle. Your roller coaster of emotions of joy and tears. The physical and mental struggles. Yet, the brilliant decision to flip flop to finish the trail in one journey. Just brilliant! You are an inspiration to all of us who are just like you who feel where not capable or worthy of such a feat. But I feel inspired now. And I will remember your struggles when I experience the same emotions. God bless you and your family!

[@walterpaton8698]

At the 1:32 mark ... How about an 8 hour ride to West Virginia to met with Jerry. From Falls Village...

[@tammiecagle7213]

Oh my goodness 😊 I love you so much and thank you for letting me see your journey. I developed an autoimmune disease about 7 years ago. Before that I had always loved hiking and I never expected in my 40’s I would lose the ability to do what I loved. Today I enjoyed it though you 🥰

[@LarryManiccia]

Awesome hike braids! That was one hell of a journey you completed. In the crazy year of covid you were in the absolute best place you could ever be; out in nature. I'm sure this is a journey you'll never forget. Watching your compilation was awe inspiring and absolutely beautiful. Rock on!

[@tracylongobardi6501]

Just wow! This was so awesome. I absolutely loved watching your journey. Because of you, I have hiked many parts of the AT that I saw you do in your videos and I will continue to do more. I have a deep respect for what you accomplished and now have a renewed passion for hiking. ❤️

[@wandering_butnotlost]

Absolutely beautiful documentary! I cried damn near the entire time, thank you for sharing this journey with us. You are so inspiring❤

[@judimaus]

Your journey along the trail really represented life and how to live it happily: embrace all obsticals and detours it's giving you and never give up!❤

[@sbishop16]

This is so well done and I love reliving the memories we had watching this the first time! 🥰

[@AprilandEddie]

We loved your documentary. It is real, raw, inspiring & beautiful! You did an amazing job! I mentioned your video during one of my videos and linked the description so they can watch it too! I too talk to wildlife I see on hikes, however I think I would have not been so composed with the bear lol! 💜

[@davidcamp3598]

Well done, Braids! Excellent editing. Perfect commentary. My wife and I followed your journey in real time from our comfy home in Florida. We laughed with you, and we cried with you. We virtually felt your pain and elation. As section hikers and 14 State Challenge finishers, we knew first hand some of the things you went through. We are so happy you put together this overview so others can know what hiking the trail is all about. Congratulations!

[@richardpippin6159]

You did a great job documenting and narration is excellent. Really feel like you are experiencing the trail and how tough it is.

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

Your journey was so well put together in this documentary! I loved watching your adventures, 2020 was such a difficult year for so many, seeing you decide to leave the trail was so saddening. Watching you make the decision to go back was inspiring! The way you film gave me so many laughs, your such a fun person while out on the trail, no matter the situation. I had 2 childhood friends that got married and left California to move and raise their family in North Carolina. Their youngest som did the AT in 2017, and though he loved the trail, the AT doesn't make it easy. In 2020 he came to the west coast to do the PCT, it was his 1st time out thus way, and his folks were in Florida. He started like you near Mexico to start, prior to the reality of the pandemic being announced. They did the same thing over here, they wanted everyone off the PCT, however after long debate and support, he made the decision to stay on the trail and keep going. I felt he made the right decision, I felt like he was safer on the trail. I got to watch his journey and I was given the opportunity to become a trail angel a few times for him and his fellow hikers he joined with on the way. Apparently, they also did not give out 2020 certificates for the hikers of the PCT. While disappointing, it doesn't take away from the accomplishment for those that did those hikes on the AT and PCT. I love how you and a few others kept to the call of the mountains during 2020, I find it so inspiring and feel like you got the best out of 2020 you could have possibly gotten.. 😀 Thanks for making such a great documentary of your incredible journey in 2020!

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you for the lovely comment!

[@heatherpitstick123]

Absolutely loved watching this and reliving your journey! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into it!! ❤️💪🏻🥾

[@coachhikes2747]

Beautifully done… I watched almost every step you took in “real time” and enjoyed this documentary even more! Bravo!!!

[@cindymartin1936]

I love your attitude in the good times as well as the hard times on the trail, Your Joy and determination to accomplish a goal is an inspiration. You also showed how important it is to except love and support from the people that God puts in your path.

[@CaptainKmac]

Braids, I have followed AT you tubers for 4 years. That is the best trip documentary I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@Medusaa92]

I have to say this was the BEST KZbin video I have ever seen.. and I’ve seen a lot. I was supposed to go to bed and this was background noise video for me.. I stayed up for the whole video and cried every-time you did, laughed when you did. My goodness how invested I was in ur journey. I am so very proud of you.. words aren’t enough. This video taught me so much for my own trail journeys. I even learned about trail angels seeing how people helped hikers made me ball out crying! I can’t express how proud I am of you but just know I am. This was the first video that I’ve seen by you and can’t wait to catch up on the rest of them!! Also, you have THE BEST HUSBAND EVER! Tell him I said thank you for being there for you and showing me that there are good men out there. (I’ve recently left an abusive relationship with my ex who was my hiking partner) so watching you trail alone was the big push I needed to know it’s okay to hike alone. Thank you for everything that you taught me. Wow, just wow. YOU DID IT!!!!!!

[@HikingwithBraids]

🤗

[@kristenbradley7040]

Incredible! Thanks for vlogging the experience and sharing it with us! You inspire me to hike the AT & I appreciate you showing the true ups and downs of the trail. Class of 2023 here I come!

[@victoriamoore1294]

Very special documentary about a very special lady. Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@annier6]

Tears watching this, Gretchen. It was a priviledge to see your amazing accomplishment through the difficulties and growth of your thru hike. You learned how strong you are and it was beautiful to see that happen. Congratulations!

[@lynnbutler2826]

Braids, this was truly inspiring! I attempted a thru-hike in 2021 and your words perfectly describe “the call of the trail”. This was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing

[@anitamckenzie4895]

Absolutely brilliant!! bravo braids. You are a master of making beautiful, meaningful videos! We so enjoyed this film!!

[@siarrafanning]

Wow, what an absolutely wonderful journey! Thank you for sharing with us!