Erwin to Roan Mountain, Highest Shelter on Appalachian Trail | 2021 Thru Hike

Thanks for watching our 2021 Appalachian Trail thru hike.
Here is Indian Grave Gap (Erwin) thru Roan Mountain Shelter (the highest shelter on the Appalachian Trail), days 38-40, as Little Man, a four year old, attempts to be the youngest Northbound Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker. Follow along our journey from Georgia to Maine.
LOVE, the Sutton Family
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OTHER VIDEOS:
Winter Backpacking with 4-year-old in Smoky Mountains in February. • Smokey Mountains, 2021...
INSTAGRAM: / livesutton

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

Put Harvey behind the camera more! Love his narration 🙂

[@livesutton]

We'll have to do that

[@graceiovine3080]

Harvey did a great job at it!

[@royowens4744]

You guys are absolute troopers. Harvey you are the strongest little man I have ever seen. Keep hiking and happy trails.

[@livesutton]

Thanks, that was almost a week ago. Yesterday we had 70° weather it

[@CW6691.]

Great job guys can’t wait for the next video

[@kirareoh1143]

What an insane day 😱 . I'm so glad it warmed up finally. When spring comes you guys will feel invinceable!

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

you Suttons got GRIT!!!!!!!! Harvey is an amazing kid! and so are his mom & dad!! be safe Suttons!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@StarMountainHikes]

Harvey has such a good attitude for being so young on this hike. Go Harvey!

[@djg5950]

He's a trooper. He obviously is enjoying this hike. There are days (like when it rained) when his spirit is down but he bounces back. He'll have a ton of memories when this hike ends.

[@livesutton]

It's amazing how fun Harvey has on the trail as long as Mom and Dad can keep playing make-believe with him he has the best of times

[@donroth5807]

Memories of a lifetime. Family togetherness is the best kind of fun to have, even when it is cold. You three are a very special group. Seize the day! Wonderful videos and family modeling.

[@juststeve1143]

Harvey...boundless energy and enthusiasm...Go Harvey, Go!

[@ValsLife1]

Harvey can brighten anyone's day! He's such a joy to watch! Thanks again for another great video!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@coachhikes2747]

The look on Harvey’s face when you fell.🤣🤣🤣❤️❤️❤️

[@SHADOW1982]

Littles man will remember this experience for all days , God bless you and happy trails lol " best day ever ok goodbye "love the narration little man...

[@pdr0603]

Its so great to see Harry having a great time out there - a real reflection of you guys as parents. The cold days will soon disappear to warm and sunny days.

[@livesutton]

This video is several days old and the warm days seem to already happen. You've had a couple good days in a row. It's funny how sleeping in 40° weather seems too hot in the tent

[@papawhiker3509]

What an outstanding way to hike, through a child's eye. We could all learn a thing or two about fortitude and patience from the three of you!!! Keep on hiking!!

[@livesutton]

Thanks so much We appreciate the encouraging words

[@valane178]

You guys are the best parents...always engaging Harvey in fun activities while hiking. He is an amazing little guy! Full of fun energy! Happy Trails...Winkle

[@monicathue9901]

WOW WOW WOW. LITTLE MAN you amaze me every video. You are a trooper. Dad and Mom you are doing a great job also and are raising one amazing son❤️. You have to be soo proud of him.

[@kayakinggrandmakelly7105]

Beautiful frost and snow! I love it! And yes, with layers, hiking in winter is great. I got hot today hiking in Knoxville.

[@robertbarnes6047]

The ice is so pretty. Your the first people I ever seen to camp there. It’s a long climb in that weather.

[@melaniekursinsky4943]

I love that Harvey is conducting interviews! Well done! Way to stick with it. Looks like micro spikes are needed!

[@jerryphillips7330]

Keep safe and warm. Warm weather is returning. All I can say is that you (Josh) have a special wife in doing this trip through many hardships. My wife would of given up by now. You have something special, so appreciate them every day and I hope you can make Maine. Sure enjoying watching your trek North!

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

You are all doing so great and definitely should be proud of yourselves. Harvey, you are doing so fantastic. My 3 and 4 yr old grandsons love Paw Patrol too Thanks for showing me a new game I can play with them. I can hide the figurines around the play room. Who is your favorite Paw Patrol pup? One grandson likes Rubble because he drives the bulldozer and the other likes Chase (the police pup) and Rocky because he drives the Recycling Truck. Lol but they will switch around because they like all the characters. I show them your videos and they love watching you and your mom and dad. Enjoy. Keep having fun

[@livesutton]

Harvey's favorite paw patrol pup is Marshall. He loves the color red

[@williamcunningham1586]

Wind, rain, cold! I call that the trifecta of pain! Well done getting through that!!

[@livesutton]

Our videos are a little late so we are several days past this. But it makes you appreciate the sun a lot We are enjoying the warmer weather

[@harley-davidsonaargauschwe821]

We absolutely love, love, LOVE your videos!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@dixiegoodman7473]

So glad to see another video. Beautiful Winter Wonderland you all are hiking in. Saw video where you all met Farmer and you introduce your family with your trail names. Great trail names! Stay safe. Keeping you in my prayers.

[@livesutton]

Yes we should have Farmers video up in a couple of days. We always get behind and editing when on trail.

[@Emoji-ATTrailangel]

Wow what a day! I admire y’all’s attitude together, and how you faced it when the weather turned really brutal. But the scenes you were seeing in the beginning were, sheer beauty. Great odyssey you are experiencing together, something amazing for the memory books, and you have it on video too. Something you can watch again and again through the years together.👍🙂 God bless and keep you all safe. Happy trails❣️

[@livesutton]

Thanks, I am so glad we are doing this trip.

[@barbararall5498]

It really was a hard day. That fully enclosed shelter must have looked like a mansion. I’m hoping the weather gets better for you. Harvey continues to be the world’s best hiker.

[@livesutton]

The weather has already gotten great and we are enjoying the sun the last several days.

[@cynthiaenglish2736]

So proud of all of you and your accomplishments. 🏕 The Sutton Family 👨‍👩‍👦 is an inspiration to us all and we are blessed to be able to follow your epic adventures! 🗺 I’m praying for your continued fortitude and safety. 🐿🌞🦉🪢🦌

[@livesutton]

Thank you so much We appreciate it

[@DebiFarleyLAC]

That pine Forest was gorgeous. Harvey did a great job with the camera. The snow and ice was no joke. Can't believe you're already to Roan Mt. Didn't know that was the highest shelter on the AT.

[@livesutton]

Yeah that was a crazy day. But the weather is better now and we're enjoying it a lot

[@DebiFarleyLAC]

@@livesutton Fabulous!! Can't believe you've made it to VA. 3 states down.

[@sharilambright5145]

So proud of you guys!! That looked really tough! Such an exciting journey you are on. Its always a good day, when there is a new video from you😃thanks for posting!!!

[@christyjohnson4563]

Harvey filming was adorable!!

[@jackmorning9509]

Great video! You guys will have walked about 3000 miles when finished with all the walking away shots. Also the personal growth in Harvey is very noticeable already. Stay safe!

[@livesutton]

Lol

[@alyishiking]

Gorgeous scenery! You guys are awesome!

[@LethaLeahRose]

Im so happy you ran into JustAFarmer.... loved Little Man giant "CHEESEEEE" was so cute! ...keep up the great work!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@livesutton]

Yep we should have farmer in our video in the next several days. Editing sometimes gets behind on the trail

[@nancyward9719]

You guys are so rocking it! I love following you all. Praying God's continued watch care over you.❤️

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

That boy is awsom, but on that lunch stop you could tell he was DONE. Yall are doing such a Great Job , my wife even makes time to watch yall and she doesnt normaly like my hiking videos. She asked me what all Harvey is carrying in his pack , i said id ask.

[@livesutton]

Harvey carries his own sleeping bag and usually one jacket. His pack weighs about 4 lb

[@rosemarymcleod4074]

Wow that was a little scary all that ice and snow. I sure hope you were warm enough in that shelter. Y’all are doing awesome! Go Harvey go! Josh I hope you didn’t hurt anything when you fell. Stay safe.

[@livesutton]

We did stay warm in the shelter. And the next several days got warmer and warmer. Now our problem is our sleep bags are too warm for 40° nights. It's a funny feeling when it gets 40° outside you wish you had a lighter sleeping bag.

[@curtcampfield5670]

y'all are amazing 👏 ...hope the weather starts cooperating...you deserve

[@NickandRachel]

Awesome video!

[@itsahoot24]

I love your attitudes! I'm 'hiking" with you! Stay safe!

[@livesutton]

Thanks so much we love having you fallowing along

[@TheSafetysheep]

One of the best sections of the entire trail. The Roan Highlands. Hope you got a clear day for the beauty of the balds

[@livesutton]

Our next video will have all the balds and yes we had a clear day with some awesome views

[@carriesparks8105]

What an ordeal. I could never do it but am thankful you are making it safely even if it is uncomfortable. Hope you will be warmer soon.

[@livesutton]

It is getting warmer already

[@keeyakelly6853]

Amazing day. Hard to remember the serenity of the early morning pine forest when every step is a struggle but you did it and this too will be a precious memory. Good job!

[@strickysbackpackingadventures]

Congrats and Godspeed. Hiking the AT as an adult is hard but hiking and motivating a 4 yr old in those conditions is REALLY hard. Stay safe, stay strong and hike on!

[@livesutton]

Thanks that video was several days old The weather's already gotten better and we're having a great time. It's amazing what a little bit of sun can do.

[@ninasakers3090]

Great job guys! Keep it up and happy trails! Look forward to the next video 😊

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@patriciachilders9955]

Proud of y’all, hope you had a restful night, keep hiking, the scenery was pretty but that ice under the snow was scary! Be safe! Keeping Harvey busy finding his toys was pretty clever, I liked hearing him interview the two hikers you met, he’s a budding journalist!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@danegrama]

Wow you have had some weather. But you are rocking it!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@donnaburns2944]

You guys are beasts to hike in that kind of weather! Beautiful views tho!! Stay safe, warm, and hike on!! Really enjoying your videos!💚🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@willbarton4508]

What an amazing day for you all. Great job Harvey on your camera work. You too Kathy. Hope that you all managed to get warm in the shelter. I've many times put up my tent when I knew that no one else was coming. I've been an upside down turtle before but not in the snow. Glad you didn't get hurt. Absolutely beautiful shots of the terrain. Stay safe and warm. God bless.

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@Sidesurf100]

I say the same thing to myself after watching each video. How are you doing what you’re doing? Hats off to all three of you!!!

[@chriswhittington294]

So proud of you guys, and especially little Harvey! 👏 Be careful and cautious with that ice. Praying for a warm up in the weather for you. 🙏❤ Stay safe.

[@livesutton]

This video is several days old. The weather has already turned and it's been wonderful the last couple of days

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Oh, man...really praying for you all. You are doing great!

[@claudiaczap2795]

Wow... what a hard day!!! You did it!!! Harvey is killin those miles. What an amazing family sharing an incredible journey. I think Dad found his trail name today----Slip and Slide!!! Thanks for taking us along and hike on!!

[@livesutton]

A long time ago my buddies gave me the trail name hot hands. But I don't know slip and slide my work..

[@bobkat5145]

That's a lot of miles with snow, sleet and wind! Glad y'all made it to the cabin but bet it was still cold inside. Hope Harvey found some fire wood. Keep up the great work and happy trails.

[@515aleon]

Wow, Harvey has mad skills in narration! Also loved the beautiful pine forest. The icy cold wet day--not so much.

[@livesutton]

Don't worry the weather has already turned and we are enjoying the sun the last couple of days

[@tammylee6342]

You three are amazing!!! Love your videos!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@graceiovine3080]

Keep up the great work Harvey, Mom and Dad! What’s tough day indeed!🤗

[@jangilliam8450]

I have enjoyed watching your journey! You are much braver than me to backpack in the ice and cold! I went backpacking last week for one night for my winter trip and it was low 40 to low 60 and sunny! It was the best weather ever for a trip. I started backpacking last summer at age 62 and love it. I have been on 8 trips between one to three nights. My second night on the trail was at Unicoi Mountain a forest of moss. Good luck on your adventure!

[@edfarthing]

Love your hike - Harvey is such a trooper - y'all have done an amazing job with him plus being so positive yourselves - good luck across the Roan Highlands - will probably be really windy but there are a few rocks you can get behind on occasion

[@livesutton]

That will be our next video that we're editing now. We had a great time on all the balds. It was really windy but wonderful

[@edfarthing]

@@livesutton Hopefully when you got 19E you got to meet the guys at The Station at 19E - might have even spent the night there if it was that time of day - those guys will also shuttle all over eastern TN and western NC as needed

[@thomasconnors7511]

You're doing so good. The Sutton family is hiking the A.T. in winter. No snakes and bugs!

[@livesutton]

Yes we don't like snakes very much. But we'll have to confront them I'm sure in Pennsylvania

[@NancyandMako]

So beautiful pine forest crunchy snow!!!! Love watching Harvey skating throughout the woods!!!! Sorry so cold oh boy hope you are okay Josh!!

[@livesutton]

Josh is okay. He may have to get a new trail named slip and slide

[@NancyandMako]

⭐️⭐️⛺️❤️🎈😊glad you guys are okay

[@1z1zmike]

Tough day but you all did great... thanks for sharing those wonderful snowy scenes! Wish I had half the energy Harvey has🙂🙏

[@livesutton]

We wish we had as much energy as Harvey. Every night when we're sore he just wants to play freeze tag. That kid hasn't got a single blister yet. It's feeder spotless

[@seival805]

i know it wasnt easy, but you made it. congratulations and keep going. Erwin you are a super hero!

[@jinxhikes3021]

Wow! What a rough day! You guys rock!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Great job Suttons. That really did look like a tough day bur sure was beautiful to look at with the snow!

[@janh5199]

Wow what a day. I don’t think I have seen anyone staying at Roan Mountain this year.

[@fredtucker9236]

WOW!! Great video! The white scenery was awesome! I know it was cold and unseen ice under the snow made it twice as challenging as jus the climb with the wind and falling snow!

[@bkbland1626]

Ultimately it is just walking. It's all good. Have a nice day.

[@kylestyer8240]

I’m so impressed. Keep going!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@DavidDeFord]

Loved Harvey’s tour of the shelter. Y’all have this.

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@neptunerising493]

Harvey looks so cool in his hiking gear. And great video work as well!! Great job Sutton family!

[@livesutton]

Thanks

[@barndoorhostel365]

An amazing day for you all. Tough going with the ice, snow, wind and cold. I hope you got warm in the shelter. Dianne

[@livesutton]

We did get warm thanks

[@kayakinggrandmakelly7105]

Great finder, Harvey!

[@livesutton]

Yes he is

[@thewanderingtraveler8984]

The mountains were so beautiful but I know it was a hard day for you all. Harvey is doing great!!! Glad you made it to the shelter. It's so wonderful that you all are doing this together, something you will never forget. Happy Hiking.

[@markcummings6856]

What a day! Such determination. Keep having fun.

[@bucky716]

That lunch moment lookws so miserable but you keep going! At least playing find the paw patrol characters looks fun.

[@dwightrhodes2051]

We had a bunch of freezing fog on the mt where I live. The sun didn't shine for a week. The trees looked amazin. My sidewalk and steps not so much

[@chriskelly6559]

Skittles moves faster than a water bug!

[@coachdeb5863]

Keep it up Guys! Gorgeous scenery. One. Tough kid.

[@langwaydpful]

Doing great! We're a few hours from Shenandoah National Park we'd love to leave y'all some trail magic. Happy Trails!

[@livesutton]

I'll be awesome. We're on Instagram at live Sutton. We usually post more up-to-date photos. The videos are usually a week or more behind. I'm hoping to be in the shanties made to late April.

[@at2step]

Great job! Amazing family. Damascus on the horizon.

[@livesutton]

This video is a several days behind. We're actually looking to be in Damascus tomorrow and we've had great weather since.

[@djg5950]

Harvey can't get any cuter. The day it rained was a bad day for morale but you made it to the shelter and out of the cold, wind and snow. Hope you had something special for supper. I didn't see a fireplace inside so guessing no fire but I know you have enough clothing and equipment to keep warm for the night. Hopefully the hike down wasn't solid ice and you made it safely. That you survived days like this make the bright, sunny, warmer days all the more enjoyable. Just one question ? I noticed that none of you use trekking poles. Is there a reason for this ? I've always heard that it's easier on the downhills (knees). Not that they would help if the trail is solid ice underneath the snow. You guys are doing good and I enjoy watching your progress. Good luck and plenty of sunshine soon, I hope. P.S. Loved the rime ice covered trees and the icy "glass" trees. We had an ice storm here about 2 weeks ago and it was so cold that it stayed on the trees for about 3 days. Clear, sunny skies and we had glass trees, too. I got some photos but not in a scenic setting like you experienced. Wish I had been there to experience it.

[@livesutton]

Cassie and Josh both carry trekking poles. But when it's really cold out and rainy even waterproof gloves get wet and your hands get cold. so most of the time we choose not to carry them when the weather is bad We pack them up in our bags. That way it's easy to hold Harvey's hands and we can keep our hands in our pockets.

[@jimwilliams2753]

you guys are amazing, so love watching your videos,

[@burpleson]

Harvey is awesome!

[@livesutton]

Yes he is

[@randywineke5416]

Great views and a hard day of hiking. Stay warm and HIKE ON!!!!

[@allenburroughs3369]

Amazing family you will have memories for a life that's awesome Harvey you are a trooper so are your parents beautiful job you're blessed

[@dawnseely1013]

ANOTHER QUESTION - 2 parts: 1-Who is enjoying the trek most overall? 2-what is the favorite part of this adventure for each of you overall? ps - love that Harvey has adjusted to life without usual toys and has been discovering that the best ones are right at his feet out on the trail in nature!

[@livesutton]

The day-to-day hiking I think Harvey likes the most. Cassie loves good food when we get to go into town. Josh enjoys each mile marker that we take off. But I think Harvey likes it the most because it gets both his parents to play games with them all day long every day.

[@dawnseely1013]

@@livesutton Thanks!

[@ewokinthewoods]

Good job Harvey doing the vlog 😀

[@bigmannlittlehammock257]

Your family is awesome. Super tough!! Stay save.

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

I recall getting to Roan Mountain Shelter. It was a hard day for me too, except we kept on going a bit farther. When you get to the barn, it's a beautiful area, but the barn is rather airy with openings between the slats. The hill out is quite steep, just to warn you.

[@djg5950]

That red barn that was made famous by A Walk in the Woods movie (starring and directed by Robert Redford ?). To my knowledge they posted it and hikers can no longer stay there. They are going to tear it down unless it's saved by a fund raising campaign to fix it up. I believe it's called Overmountain Shelter. Didn't know it was near Roan Mountain (I've been there on a car camping trip to the Smokies - campgrounds booked solid - holiday weekend - so I had to drive on to Gatlinburg). This was just before I started watching thru hike videos so was unaware of where I was. Did know about Roan Mt. but not the Watuga Lake area nearby. Actually saw some thru hikers pass by when I was at the lake area. Time to Google and do some more research.

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

@@djg5950 thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/overmountain-shelter-closed-no-longer-safe/ I guess the shelter has closed. It will be missed in my opinion. You can still camp around it if you want, just not in it. Worth the views on a clear day.

[@jimt1154]

I know its a lot of extra effort to film, edit and share. Thank you so much..... Go Harvey!

[@livesutton]

Your welcome

[@tommays56]

I completely forgot about toys but my grandsons love paw patrol

[@mynameisearl2626]

you have trail names yet ... baby bam for harvey cause he's knocking them miles out or the energizer bunny he keeps on tickin

[@livesutton]

He is doing fantastic. Hard trail names are Dad is hot hands he's always touching hot stuff on the fire. Mom is named straps because she always always adjusting her straps on her bag. And Harvey's trail name is little man it's everyone we see on the trail naturally calls him a little man.

[@rodneywarf7237]

Turtlehawk I'm right behind ya'll I'm at BootsOff 🙃✊

[@livesutton]

We just made it to Damascus. We pushed some big miles to get here. We'll probably do some smaller miles up Mount Rogers.

[@rodneywarf7237]

@@livesutton 🙌🙌good job! I just got to Damascus woohoo see y'all soon 🤙

[@lynnmccoig5487]

Love watching your journey.

[@jerryparnell1064]

Y'all are such an inspiration, especially Harvey. I know that had to a rough hike in the wind an elevation to get to the shelter. Don't get discouraged. You all are doing outstanding. When is Harveys BD and address to send a card? Keep up the good hiking an slow an steady wins the race.👍🏔👣🙏

[@djg5950]

His birthday is March 29th. They have posted their address twice. In the last video (Sam's Gap one) if you click on "show more" you can see it. I've already bought him a card and some gifts and can't wait for him to receive them. Hoping he has an awesome birthday and many well wishes to let him know how special we all think he is doing this. Hope that helps.

[@jerryparnell1064]

@@djg5950 thanks so much. I will check out the video. I am overloaded with videos of thru hikers this year. Must have missed that one. Thanks an Happy Monday.

[@djg5950]

I know that AT KZbin thru-hike followers are some of the most generous and supportive people around so I have no doubt that this will be a birthday that Harvey will remember all his life. And this year, too. Lucky kid to have experienced all that he has already.

[@djg5950]

@@jerryparnell1064 Totally understand that. I follow several and more are starting every day. It's the video just before this one (Feb 23rd - posted 6 days ago). You don't have to watch it to get the address. Just hit "show more" on their description of the video.

[@jerryparnell1064]

@@djg5950 Thanks so much. 🤗🤗

[@juliedrakeArtist]

You are amazing!

[@misscandy84]

You 3 are awesom family

[@davidsawmandave8731]

Wow , that was a cold 🥶trip , just think spring is around the corner , u make it look like a day on the slopes , wait u can't go in the lodge by the fire and drink beer , I could see it in your eyes that it was tough, looking good , onward

[@livesutton]

These videos are the little delayed but yesterday we had a wonderful weather. And we did get a beer by a fire at a Hostel

[@doconnell1713]

Fingers in front of the lense, I think I’ve had some of those shots🤣

[@carolvassey1247]

Ice is never fun! I love Roan Mountain and everything that follows Carver's Gap. Hope the rain/snow disparates.

[@livesutton]

That video was several days old and yes everything dissipated quickly. And we had several beautiful days afterwards. It's amazing how warmer weather just makes everything wonderful

[@charlessmith1931]

Wow!

[@andrewpack3303]

Harvey is the Man , I enjoy the videos , what would be the best way to get you all some money to help out ?

[@livesutton]

That would be awesome. My email is [e-mail]

[@cerutti63]

Great video as always..you guys are inspiring,when you guys Finnish will Harvey be the youngest person to walk the trail? Stay safe from Wisconsin😎

[@livesutton]

We believe he will be the youngest northbound through hiker. There was a young girl last year with her family flip-flop and did mostly slack packing. I think she finished on her 5th birthday. But it was definitely a different style of hiking.