A Summer on the Appalachian Trail [2023]

This summer I hiked the Appalachian Trail. A 2,200 mile footpath from Georgia to Maine. This film tells the story of my hike. Thank you for watching!
More about my hike here: anthonyottati.com/at
Video shot on GoPro 11, 35mm stills shot on Olympus XA

[@AnthonyOttati]

Wow! Thank you everyone for 100,000+ views! I have never achieved this milestone on a video before! Blown away by all the love and support! And to all those who asked why I was wearing the fruit dress, see below: As I mentioned briefly in the credits, my friend Matt traded for the fruit dress on the PCT in 2019 and walked a few hundred miles in it. My friend Noé hiked the 200 mile Sierra High Route in the fruit dress in 2021. I planned to hike the first few hundred miles of the AT in it and pass it off to someone else or send it home. But, it was too fun to hike in! I felt stylish, it was a good conversation starter, and looking down at the fruit helped break up the monotony of the trail sometimes. On rainy days I couldn't wear it because it is cotton, but on hot and humid days, wearing just the fruit dress and pants provided excellent ventilation. I met someone who was hiking the trail barefoot, and heard of someone who hiked the trail with a leafblower. Since they pulled off those much more difficult feats, I decided I could carry a few extra ounces and hike the whole trail in a fruit dress. I have gotten a lot of hateful comments about it on here, but received nothing but compliments on trail. I guess that's the difference between the AT and the internet.... Keep the AT weird! -Mugwort

[@viadharmawheel]

You deserve it, nicely put together!

[@97knight]

forget the haters. Keep enjoying what you are doing :)

[@desommetsensommets8065]

Hands down one of my favorite AT thru-hike documentary. Crazy how a two second clip from a obscure corner of the trail can bring back memories from years ago. You made me relive a bit of my own thru-hike and I am grateful for it.

[@leighbonney9642]

This was such a lovely video! Thank you for taking us along. I love the fruit dress. I appreciate your explanation of why you wore it, but truly if you wanna wear a dress while hiking 2200 miles through the trail it’s really nobody’s business why you want to do it. I love that you had the courage to wear it and I’m sure you brought a lot of smiles to those on the trail. I hope your health continues to improve.

[@Oneday0846]

Curious about your smock. It's over a polo and shorts.. Sonim curious if it serves a purpose.. like pockets perhaps? Or is just something you enjoy wearing? Awesome job on the hike and the Video! Amazing work!

[@madgekilbourn5256]

Congratulations to you for an incredible achievement! I dont know you but I am very proud of you! I am 75 years old and I cant hike anymore because of my back. It was wonderful to see the scenery and go along with you!

[@natalieadams6380]

I’m originally from Ocean City, MD and live in OK now. My dad used to hike the AT when I was younger. I’d go on practice hikes but he’d never let me go on the real hike ‘cause I’m a girl. That was back in the early 80’s. My brother has been several times, hiking parts here and there over the years. My husband and I have hiked recently in Arkansas, TX, OK, MO, CO, and after watching your video, I’m moved to tears. I vow that we will go back “home” and hike the AT one day. Thank you for capturing your trip on video for the rest of us.

[@brianlane9627]

I just decided a week ago I'm going in 2025. I wanted to in the upcoming 24 season but I think it'd be best with such short notice to take a year and learn all I can in prep.

[@AnthonyOttati]

happy trails to both of you! wish you both the best on your upcoming hikes!

[@dross24MA]

@@brianlane9627 Definitely do your research and talk with people who have actually done it. Meanwhile, research some more and practice, practice, practice whenever possible between now and when you head out. Best of luck!

[@predwards8941]

My family always used to visit ocean city and I was amazed by the kite store on the boardwalk. Always would have to make a stop at Threshers as well!

[@katieTrakker-em2xl]

Thank you for sharing your thru-hike. I'm 71 and have only experienced a section hike Penn-New Jersey. I hope to do some more sections. I have a great admiration for the brave Thru-Hikers. Happy future trails.

[@tayloralexis1504]

Is that a apron? And why? Lol.. awesome regardless.. loved the video! I live near the North Eastern part and think of just getting on and walking south to Georgia regularly. Good work my friend 👊

[@dianajones7999]

I wondered about the "apron" also !!!!

[@chrisdom2010]

Looks like a dress

[@aledenra]

This was incredible! So inspiring. I feel like you’ve captured the AT in a way I’ve never seen before in other videos. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thank you! Really appreciate the kind words!

[@kristymoore7052]

Agreed!

[@petergallagher1754]

Incredible job. I'm so sad its over.

[@russdelaney7622]

Wonderful video. Wonderful story. And what a great accomplishment. Congrats.

[@chrislehmann840]

Mesmerized!

[@greggyoung3771]

Well done - what an epic adventure. We’ve hiked the smokies and jumped onto the AT for a very short portion near Clingmans Dome…would love to have the ability to thru hike the entire AT. Your cinematography is stunning, beautiful, and inspirational. Great music throughout as well. Thank you for sharing.

[@gilbertovalencia2765]

Hermoso video.❤

[@frolege1]

very nice my friend ..congrats

[@brooks8792]

Wonderful scenery, thank you!

[@SomeGuyInTheWild]

What an awe-inspiring documentary. Thank you for bringing us with you on your hike. Hope to see you out there in 2025.

[@larrybeach2894]

I am planning a AT thru hike with a buddy of mine. Thanks for posting this.

[@AnthonyOttati]

awesome! all the best to you and your friend!

[@PennYankeeWoodworks]

@@AnthonyOttatihey great video Anthony. Would be great if you would make a video about what gear you used on the AT, lessons learned from your PCT and AT hikes to others please.

[@bryanhill9304]

What a journey! You are such a champ for pushing through despite the double lime. The bit where you mentioned that the trail was broken into thirds - 1/3 physical, 1/3 mental, and 1/3 spiritual was beautiful. Congrats on your hike!

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thank you!

[@steelydan2022]

Well done and thank you for sharing your journey.

[@chillwill9254]

It was a pleasure meeting you this year Mugwort

[@AnthonyOttati]

Great to meet you as well Grams!

[@user-ue5rr1iw7k]

Beautiful video, beautiful soul!

[@beastmode334]

This is such a moving video, thank you.

[@AaronGustafson69]

thank you for this!

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thank you for watching!

[@041Paulie]

Truly inspirational, thank you for sharing!

[@steveebner5307]

I’m Bird’s Uncle. Thank you SO much for sharing this, and giving us a glimpse into what they went through. Congratulations!!

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thank you Bird's Uncle!

[@Johnny-ip4mk]

When did you start? How were the Smokies? Any bad weather?

[@philiporourke7896]

Great vid, maybe the best trail vid I've ever seen. Thanx.

[@nsmith2908]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kristymoore7052]

Thanks for filming and sharing. I live in the CA Sierra and was so bummed about 2023 snow, (tho glad it prevented more fire devastation) that I went out to Virginia in May. I went to Trail Days and backpacked a mere 20 or so miles of the AT. The rest was on the Creeper Trails to make a loop to get back. Well, I fell in love. The trail, the people,everything. I’ll be back!

[@daveebner]

Mugwort, you have done an amazing job. Beautiful footage, great narration and the perfect soundtrack. Congratulations!

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thank you Big Bird, and thanks for your help along the way!

[@henryi9738]

Such an excellent video, quite inspiring, thank you ! 🙏

[@winchesterhypnosis5007]

Amazing video!!!!

[@elveestef]

Congrats! Well done vid; thanks for taking us along!

[@schmitzcj]

Awesome journey, congrats on making it through! And thanks for putting this together, it's inspiring for us (hopeful) future hikers.

[@tennesseenana4838]

Good for you, young man! I know you're a better person in many ways for having walked the AT. Thank you for sharing your journey of the AT and life on it with all of us.

[@mozdickson]

Agree.

[@bluesman273]

Wow Dude Super Congrats !!!! You made me cry like a baby when you got to the summit of Katahdin. You (and everyone else who has ever completed the entire AT hike) has my ultimate respect

[@gmoney1890]

Cant wait to watch! Thank you

[@darrylgabritsch9110]

Thank you for making this compilation video. Well done!

[@miasmom1230]

Incredible video of an incredible journey. Glad you made it thru Vermont safely during the floods this summer.

[@marywhite6798]

enjoyed the video and your travels. Beautiful

[@ajf747]

Superb 👏, I’ve been sectioning for past 12 years….. finishing at Katahdin next year 😊

[@curtis2600]

This was so awesome thank you for sharing

[@lbstrtelephone]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Wonderful to have met you towards the end.

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thanks Santiago! Was a pleasure hiking with you the last few days!

[@celenasherrill1455]

Loved this!

[@jennifercoulter79]

Thank you for the inspiring video! Great job!!

[@floridapathfinder4252]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful treasure with us. You captured the magic of the trail perfectly

[@philsellers1]

One of the very best trail videos I have seen! What an awesome journey.

[@twizzler96]

Loved watching it! If a picture is worth a thousand words this videos is worth millions :)

[@richardh.5404]

Congratulations! I enjoyed this

[@itsmeagain19]

Nice work man!

[@tennesseeyaya1830]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Congrats 🎉

[@cyndirowland7873]

Excellent! Loved this so much.

[@brandonreynolds4261]

Incredible, YOU are such a breath of fresh air!

[@coachjeff493]

Simply beautiful mate ..... Well done on overcoming and getting to the finish

[@Bboy34smom]

Thank you for the video and letting me live vicariously thru your journey!

[@johnburrows6055]

Great inspiring video. Well done young man. Thankyou 👍😊

[@theresagonzalez7739]

Congratulations! I love your video, the music etc makes exciting to see your video

[@debbiemeyer2146]

Just finished watching your video!! Loved it!!! Great adventure you had!! Im hoping one day I will do it!! Thank you for sharing your adventure!!

[@willdehne1]

Very grateful for this video.

[@bobminnie8950]

Thank you for sharing your incredible adventure

[@meriwethersayan]

Excellent!

[@AnthonyOttati]

thanks!

[@kjvav8755]

Amazing video. Congratulations on such an accomplishment.

[@martinjcamp]

Wonderful! Very nicely-prepared Video of this journey. Thank You for sharing this with the World! Wishing you many safe travels and awesome adventures ahead!

[@sandragoodson1892]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.

[@Maranatha1622]

I truly felt the heart and passion that you put into this video. So inspiring and beautiful. God bless you for sharing your journey of the AT with us, thank you. ❤

[@pb3426]

Well done . Inspirational.

[@craigrosson9578]

Definitely one of the best videos I've seen!!!!

[@kennylongstick]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I believe you showed the true essence of what a thru hike is like.

[@AnthonyOttati]

thank you for watching!

[@patch1103]

Awesome, awesome, awesome video! The filming, editing, and soundtrack were all fantastic. This gave me a good sense of what it's like to be on the AT and excellent motivation for my AT thru-hike (tentatively planned for 2026!). Congrats and thank you for sharing your adventure with us!

[@Alpinenutclimbing]

Beautiful everything!

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thank you!

[@jkohler607]

Excellent photography, music and narration !!!

[@PawPawMountain]

Well done, Congratulations!! Thanks for the cool videography!!

[@loueckert4970]

Loved walking with this video. Thanks for creating and posting.

[@AnthonyOttati]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@atcatch22]

Thank you , I forgot how much I missed the trail, my tramily and the community. GA 2 ME , hard times , great times and the best 169 days of my life. You captured the beauty better than anyone I have watched in this hour long documentary and I thank you for it. You were able to make me feel the trail again and I am grateful for that. Thank you for the trail magic you gave this class of 22 thru hiker.

[@AnthonyOttati]

thank you for your kind words! glad I could help you feel the trail again!

[@randyr2007]

Enjoyed your video very much. Hope you are well. Very nicely done.

[@alexpadgchik7544]

Excellent! 👍. Whole trail captured well in short video!

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thank you!

[@jameswashburn6422]

This documentary was the truest to my own thru hike...Watching it brings back all the emotions and amazing memories. Thanks so much for putting this out into the world. Happy Trails! - Shelter Dog '18

[@stillwaterhiker]

Great video. Thank you for sharing. Congrats! Hope to meet you one day on Trail! Rock N Roll

[@AnthonyOttati]

thanks Rock N Roll!

[@janehartman6159]

Thoroughly enjoyed.this beautiful video of your amazing journey!! Great videography Great narration Great music Thank you for sharing your adventure with us!

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thanks for watching!

[@petergrant9259]

You captured NH in all its glory..... spectacular footage...❤

[@jK-yj2tl]

Awesome journey! So good to see it all again ( I sobo’d in 2019 ) . Thank you for taking the extraordinary effort to document your journey so beautifully, for commenting on climate change, and leaving no trace. I appreciate you. I’m sure the journey continues and all the best.👊🏽

[@broccolirob5085]

Nobo 2019

[@jimjunker3990]

Very Healing video. 🍁 Thank you...☀️🌴

[@AnthonyOttati]

thanks for watching!

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Tremendous job putting this together, awesome beautiful vlogging, hiking, scenery, very much enjoyed, all the very best, health and happiness.

[@julee9871]

Mugwort, thank you so much for creating this. I relived it all through your lens, and it was so beautiful. You are a beloved presence on trail. Thank you thank you thank you - Bob

[@phronsiekeys]

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing your journey. Your windswept hat and colorful garb remind me of the medieval pilgrims. I hope you're really well from the lime.

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thank you!

[@shadyberero6809]

This is an absolutely fantastic video. It combines so much natural beauty, vistas and scenery, with really engaging, interesting commentary of your hike and experience, and people you met along the way. It was a real joy and enjoyment to watch - uplifting, visually sumptuous, mentally and spiritually positive. Thanks for sharing it.

[@masonkohuth687]

beautiful shots!

[@rogerstgermail]

Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful adventure! I completed a section hike of the AT about a half dozen years ago and I could still recognize many locations in your video. Many sincere thanks!

[@AnthonyOttati]

thank you for watching! glad I could help you relive parts of your hike!

[@annieprepper602]

Awesome!!!

[@seniorhiker2883]

Great film! And it was fun to see Jackrabbit and Squalo again.

[@user-rn6wk9gh4u]

Wonderful film! What a great combination of video, music and narrative. Very talented. Bob from Tennessee.

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thank you!

[@dross24MA]

Well done! Congratulations! I grew up hiking the Long Trail and have hiked many portions of the AT over the years, having lived in VA, MD, PA, MA, CT and my native VT. Many times I have dreamed of doing a through hike and it was fun joining you and your trail-friends on yours.

[@spencerrebosmax7915]

excellent footage!

[@AnthonyOttati]

thanks!

[@edditto1540]

This is a fantastic video. I summited on 9/22 and it brings back many memories; some wonderful and some bittersweet. Crazy, though, to see a two-second clip and immediately recognize where you were standing when you filmed it. Thanks for sharing! Hope to see you out there someday. Edit: and as a fellow juggler, maybe we'll be able to do a few passes.

[@AnthonyOttati]

thank you! congratulations on your through hike. glad I could help bring back some memories. would be awesome to run into you one day and do a few passes!

[@pitbullman77]

Congratulations on your amazing journey! I section hike for now full Trail in the works ! Thanks for the excellent video One of the best i have viewed

[@AnthonyOttati]

thank you! all the best on your section hike!

[@matthewmorrison5529]

Let's go big man! Hell of a hike! I'm excited to see what the fruit dress does next.

[@AnthonyOttati]

Thanks Matt! Glad you traded for it on the PCT back in 2019. Looking forward to seeing what it does next as well!

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

Well done video. I especially enjoyed your juggling on the Katahdin sign. And well done YOU, completing the trail while dealing 2X with Lyme disease.

[@mulchies]

Great video!! Awesome to see all the people. Didn’t get supersoakers contact information and so great seeing his smile captured in your video. Great people ❤

[@KrackerJack5586]

Whatup Mugwort? What I luv about your video is how your personality shined thru along with the trials and tribulations of a long & hard but lifelong rewarding journey all your hikes are. Kudos to you my friend and hope you have many more rewarding journeys ahead🙏. Leave no trace...

[@AnthonyOttati]

thank you for the kind words! happy trails!

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

A warrior for pushing through to the end. 🌻👣

[@AnthonyOttati]

thanks!