How Thru-Hiking The Appalachian Trail Led me to Vegas! | The AT is a life-changing experience

[@jamesadams2334]

Taylor, I too have thru hiked the Appalachian Trail twice. The first time was in 1990 and the second time in 2002 and I think about the A.T. several times a day. When I started my thru hike, I was a total adrenaline junky. I didn't do anything unless I was on the edge. My first hike changed all that and I became calm and thinking during that hike. The trail changes everyone, it changes your life, it changes how you think, it changes how you live, and it is all for the better. Since that first thru hike my life became a series of wilderness adventures. I am just short of 10,000 miles of hiking and over 27,000 miles of canoeing and the A.T. made me look at my life and show me things that I had never dreamed of. I am retired now, still canoe but due to Lyme Disease, I can no longer hike but I have remained a part of the Appalachian Trail and give back to the hikers and the trail every year. It changed my life profoundly and I am all the better for it.

[@chase-life]

Loved the story! I am 1490 miles into my 2024 AT thru hike.

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

That is awesome. Hope you are enjoying the journey. 👣

[@johnalden5821]

That is awesome! I hope the rest of the Trail is sweet and satisfying for you.

[@walkerways8695]

Taylor, my wife and I stopped by your booth at the Deerfield Fair on Saturday. It was close to dinnertime and we forgot to ask if you'd like us to get you something. So i wanted to send you a superthanks to make up for it. Hope business has been good at the fair.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Thank you!! Really appreciate that! Nice seeing you guys 😊

[@iamzokore]

Thanks for sharing this awesome story! As a viewer since the start of the channel, I'm here for all your videos hiking related or not.

[@daryncalsetta5451]

Congratulations on your award Taylor. My wife Cheryl and I stopped by the store today. Your mom is so sweet; she spent a bunch of time talking to us. She also saw that I was buying your monopoly game and got me an autographed version. Just wanted you to know that your videos have inspired me so much that I’ll be thru hiking the AT in 2027 at 59 years old. Keep up the incredible work and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!!!

[@catchheronthefly4532]

I love Thomas Rhett. He’s like my Prozac. I can’t be sad or depressed when he sings. His little family is so beautiful and sweet. Congrats on your win! You should have told us what he’s like in real life.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I was too starstruck to remember our conversation! But he was super nice!

[@marilynm5024]

Wow!!! So great that you won that contest!!!! What a fantastic experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@pawpawmike7372]

Congratulations on winning the contest and having that trip as a life experience. No one deserves that opportunity more than you. Thanks to your husband for helping make it happen for you, and his support in your endeavors.

[@meghanjones185]

Congrats, Taylor, on your serendipitous Vegas trip! So happy for you. You truly seemed filled with joy esp. because the AT got you there. For those of us who followed you virtually on your trip, we feel an equal sense of joy & accomplishment. We really do. So, thank you, for sharing this wonderful fruit of your AT labor (sorry, no pun intended). And now, the sad news… 😢 Since you posted your vid, Hurricane Helene has devastated a large section of the AT and surrounding communities, inc. Damascus. It is absolutely heartbreaking. They are in dire straits. The ATC has posted a Hurricane Helene dedicated AT link on their website for hikers AND for people who want to help. I donated to the Red Cross and earmarked it for Hurricane Helene response & recovery but there are other organizations people can donate to and other ways to help. I was hoping that maybe you could do a dedicated video on this disaster from your perspective and with your advice. Thank you for all you do and for who you are, esp. for having taken us with you on AT. 🙏🥾🥾🌀💔❤️‍🩹❤️

[@paulalee9324]

Great story! Love how you spontaneously did the video! You never know what twists and turns will come! What a great memory you’ve made, so glad you had the support of your family! You looked fantastic!!!!!!

[@betsyb1374]

So fun! I love that you won this postpartum - some women find it so hard to retain their identity outside of motherhood but you look like you’re doing great!

[@daleaustin5701]

Good for you, Taylor. Enjoy each and every one of the moments like this that happens in your life.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Im so glad you shared that story with us. How exciting for you. Congratulations 👏👏👏🎊🪅🎉 what fun and a great memory to have.

[@garycloud9631]

Taylor that's a great story, thanks for sharing it. You are an inspiration and I love your channel. Have followed your for a number of years now. Keep up the good work.

[@jk-cj2ly]

You seem so happy and I love seeing it in your face. You did great on stage! We're visiting your area in a few weeks; can't wait to load up in your store!

[@Wendy-cf5tv]

Such a cool story! It is so amazing how things happen and connections happen in life! So exciting for you- thanks for sharing!

[@dougstamper6266]

Love your content and this story! How awesome!! Keep us updated!

[@salgreen9325]

Love this story, Taylor! I could feel your excitement! Thank you for sharing it !

[@marlo7218]

Very cool! I completely agree with your statement of new grads doing a thru hike if they want and not worrying if that will set them back/miss out on a job. Something will come up work wise eventually, it will just get harder to leave for months at a time, and it will look good on a resume.

[@SteveMcBrite]

Hey Taylor. We were the couple from North Carolina that talked to you in your store a few weeks ago. On our way to Acadia. You gave us directions to a few hikes on Squam lake. We heard you on the BB show when they played your voicemail. Looks like it was a fantastic trip for you and hubby. It was great meeting you for the second time ( trail days was first). Btw Damascus was hit hard with Helene, as was Hot Springs. Most of the AT In NC is closed right now and will remain closed for a while. Take care. Steve and Donna, Brevard NC.

[@rhondaharris3291]

Hey Taylor.. Ain't it funny how life changes? ;) Wake up ain't nothin the same ...... LOVED this story!

[@maureenmukhlis2934]

Congratulations Taylor!! Thanks for sharing this wonderful story!! 🥰🥰

[@chriscon8463]

That’s so cool, Taylor! Congrats!

[@hope2someday691]

Congratulations Taylor, What a great back story.

[@BucksMom218]

Aww this must have been so fun for you!! I love your excitement for the trail, life and things that are outdoor related. Thanks for sharing your exuberance!! ❤️🥾🥾⛺️🍁🍂

[@DeloraUpwards]

What a fun contest! And it's reassuring to know that real people actually win those things 🤪 congrats!!

[@missirich902]

SO COOL! Such an amazing WIN! We are so proud of you! Your videos are always so inspiring.

[@maryg65]

Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you!!!

[@elizabethcole5582]

That's so freakin' awesome that you won that contest!!! I know I sure enjoyed watching your AT videos in 2023!!

[@patayres4013]

What a great story. I am so glad you got to experience the trip to Vegas. I enjoy both of your channels even though I am not doing any hiking anymore.

[@leedanielson7452]

Congrats Taylor! You are amazing! You are awesome! You are the best KZbinr ever!!! 🥰👍👏🏻🙏🏻🎉🎉🎉

[@joankline343]

CongratulationsTaylor! 🎉 Who would ever have dreamed that was ever possible? You look absolutely beautiful, athletic and healthy on stage. You wouldn't even know that you just had a new baby. 😉 That goes to show you that dreams do come true. 🙏 Thanks for sharing!

[@nbrah26]

Such an incredible story!! I have also listened to the Bobby Bones show, and like Thomas Rhett.

[@hkdansk]

Congratulations! It was great to meet you on Tuesday. You should check out the hike I mentioned that my daughter and I had just backpacked. One day my daughters and I hope to do the AT.

[@frolege1]

IT'S A GREAT STORY , Taylor

[@kkozME23]

This is amazing! A baby, winning a trip , meeting your favorite singer… what a year! Congratulations🎉

[@kathyhunt4989]

Loved the story. So glad you got to meet some of your favorite people.

[@LionessHiker]

I, like most of your followers were so happy and excited for you to have this experience! Thank you for sharing it with us. I agree with you about how life changing a big endeavor like the AT is. I plan to hike the AT this coming year. I am in a group using the book the 12 Hour Walk to inspire us to achieve our personal “Mt. Everest”. May I share a clip out of this video with them? I am a big LMNT fan too. I use it daily as I averaged 7 miles a day last week. It is great advice.

[@stevetrimborn3739]

That is a super cool story, and your video was incredible! It's easy to see why you won! Thank you for sharing it on your channel!

[@dancethedance9941]

How exciting!! I'm glad you shared. Two of my friends are big Thomas Rhett fans, so I'll definitely be sharing your video with them. That was so cool!

[@TammyCleveland-n2l]

What an awsome story! I love it!

[@petermccall8975]

It's great seeing you so happy!

[@UnicoiZoom]

Great story! Dont forget to credit your extensive experience in story telling and editing videos for KZbin as well as your great personality in winning this contest. It would take most of us a lot more than 10 minutes to enter. I don't know that artist, but will check him out. I was a thru hiker in 2012 and met my husband on the trail. Our lives forever changed. Unicoi Zoom & Napster 2012-13 flip-flop. Napster made the SKT, slowest known time 😂 of 365 days. I did a 379 day LASH. We are devastated by the reports coming up from the trail and surrounding towns and human lives lost due to Storm Helene. I definitely would encourage anyone interested in doing a long hike on the AT after this event to also consider volunteering for trail maintenance crews wherever such crews can be safely organized and supported. If not other organized and supported rebuilding efforts. This disaster is so much to take in and out hearts go out to the entire area and everyone affected.

[@patriciakkrivoshein6887]

That was a very interesting story! Yay for your mama encouraging you to put it on your channel.

[@sydneymitchell8822]

So so cool Taylor!!! Congrats on winning that incredible experience. Love Thomas rhett!!!!

[@gwenwear4990]

I enjoy your stories ! Thanks for sharing your win 😊

[@mhelen7360]

Taylor, it was so much fun to hear about your incredible experience. So glad that you won the contest and that you shared it with us! I wouldn't have minded seeing some of the logistics of the trip itself, but you were probably too starstruck to do much filming. Thoughts have already come to mind ranging from what about the baby, to how did you decide what to wear. Congratulations on your immense good fortune in winning a contest that involved your two favorite celebrities. It's awesome that you were able to promote the AT in the process. You were certainly a good ambassador for it, and of course that's why you were selected. ❤

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

What to do with the baby and what to wear were definitely the two biggest questions I had! I stressed about them both lol

[@sandrapaterson1750]

CONGRATULATIONS TAYLOR!!! Way to go😊

[@sarahdunstan2061]

Congratulations Taylor! How exciting for you to have been chosen!

[@staceyw586]

Awesome story! Congratulations!💜

[@LaMatadora]

Love your videos, Taylor! Glad to hear you had that cool experience! 🎵

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Congratulations. Glad you have been enjoying your time during your adventure.

[@MissM007]

Thanks for sharing, wicked cool story! I'm sure you had a fabulous time!

[@jimspinale4055]

Cool story! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@jeremyray1925]

Just placed my first order of LMNT. Thank you Taylor!

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Thank YOU!!!

[@LauraMichellez]

So cool, Taylor! Thanks for sharing! 🎉

[@celenasherrill1455]

That's so cool. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing! As someone who followed both of your thru hikes, to me, you are like a friend. 😂 So it's nice to hear other exciting things going on in your life.

[@oldwagon-pens]

Congratulations. That is wonderful. You deserve that.

[@toadlguy]

How about the new FKT on the Appalachian Trail - just under 41 days. And it was done by an absolutely incredible woman - Tara Dower. You ladies rule the AT 😊

[@alanpareis734]

What a surprise! My wife Lea and I have been with you since you stepped off at Springer for the 2nd thru hike. Glad you had this opportunity. Vegas a bit different from The Trail!

[@tomellis3218]

This is an amazing story. Looking forward to more content. ❤😊

[@barndoorhostel365]

Congrats on winning the contest!

[@RedStickLouisiana]

It is a great story and I'm glad you shared it. Congratulations!

[@tracyreid1408]

That is awesome! Congratulations on winning the contest!

[@jeffs6229]

That sounds awesome Nahamsha! It's been great watching your channel these past 4 years seeing your highs and lows but I think there have been way more highs! I have no idea who Thomas Rhett is but I'm a Gen-Xer who section hikes the AT and loves trail videos. 🤣God Bless and I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to Vegas!

[@candywalters8388]

You go girl ! Goodness will always follow!

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

What an awesome experience to have had. And yes, I am a Thomas Rhett fan. But I’m also a big Taylor fan.

[@frankfowlkes7872]

Great story Taylor. Thanks for sharing!

[@amyhughes6270]

Hi. Idk if you'll ever see this, but I live 2 minutes from The Station at 19e and I just wanted to let you know our area was devastated by the hurricane. The stations entrance is almost washed away. Roan Mountain and across in NC are still without power, phone service or Internet in most areas.

[@KathyColorado1]

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing that story!

[@Dante07cid]

Super cool 😊. Thanks for sharing your excitement.

[@leedanielson7452]

Taylor you said some people might be too nervous to hike the AT... Well that's me! So if you would promise to go with me and hold my hand for the entire hike I will do it!!! Thanks in advance! 😂🥰

[@mjperkolator8854]

Hi Taylor I’ve been following you here for a few years and watched both your through hikes. I recognize a lot of towns where the recent floods happened because of your videos. Anyway there’s a hiker called Mountains Calling with a video you might like to watch…. Or maybe not it’s pretty sad to see the destruction. I hope all is well in NH I’m over in Vermont.

[@bigdog2024]

Congrats!!! What a thrill for you! I’m seriously thinking about it at age 62 and just forced into retirement by the poor job market. It would be quite a challenge given some of my problems with back and feet but between you and Beth (Bad Bat) and Juliann ( Hiking Dancer who did the PCT this year) I want to try.

[@karennadherny7615]

How exciting! Congratulations!

[@tomsquires638]

That’s cool congratulations I have been following you since the first AT good job

[@PapaHikes]

That's awesome congratulations Small steps opens larger doors

[@Christina_Maree]

Walking into Starbucks one day, I meet a promotional model agency owner and she asked me if I had head shots and I did, we met back up there and I began my promotional modeling career.. from movie castings to fashion shows and races sponsoring sprint!! Such a good time in my twenties! You never know who you meet just be personable and talk to people you don’t know! You will go far ladies ❤

[@frolege1]

Nice going Taylor .. way to win in life and in contests.

[@SvShipofFools]

Now I have to check out Thomas Rhett! Hope you enjoyed Las Vegas, from a Las Vegas local. Next trip here maybe time for a hike at Red Rock?

[@shedoublerwhyme2013]

Congrats on winning and awesome that you got to do this but I’m a little confused or I missed it, when did you finish the 2023 thru hike?

[@sandrap3047]

How cool is that! What a great experience for you! Glad you shared the story! Mom was right! ❤️

[@AudreyGibson573]

I loved this video! How fun. I’m glad you shared!

[@neil2809]

Taylor THANK YOU I did maintained 2 miles of the AT in PAWLING NY for years. Helped thru hikers and have done MANY MILES OF IT NOW I want to did the trail. BUT I have had 3 back surgery's and going on 3 years of foot surgery's I may be having another foot surgery. I WILL DO IT SOME HOW !!!!!!! When ? Got to back in shape. I would do 20 miles a day just walking on trails. TAKE CARE and STAY WELL ALL THREE OF YOU and ALL

[@grootsadventures24]

That is awesome!!! Lifetime memories for sure!❤

[@Nleary77]

Thanks for sharing. Great video. You are the ultimate Thomas Rhett fan.

[@skisacky]

Congratulations, Taylor!

[@15halerobert]

I'm mostly a George Strait fan in my country music and had never listened to Thomas Rhett before but do believe he will soon find a home on my playlist. and by the way I'm verry happy for your win.

[@markviers998]

Cool story and congrats on winning a contest like that! I think I may have won a 6 pack of Pepsi once but never anything as cool as this!

[@johnsandell4501]

Great to hear of your GIGANTIC TAYLOR YAHOOOOOO!!! Celebrate your successes 👍👍👍

[@Maureen.walkdontrun]

That was fun for you. Thanks for sharing.

[@ndan3746]

Very coool! Congrats!

[@thediscerninghiker5857]

Cool Bean.....Glad you got a great memory.

[@brewerm1718]

Love it!!! They picked the best person!! 🎉

[@tvtoms]

Pretty neat story and event for you! Very fun no doubt too.

[@DanRunsALONE]

Good stuff Taylor!

[@lalasteen3860]

How exciting for you! Were you able to take anyone with you?

[@CJoy076]

Awesome story, congratulations!

[@MsJanet]

I’m so glad you shared this story! I was wondering about the deets of you winning the contest. I commented how much I like your channel when I saw the post by Bobby Bones or IHeart of you and Bobby on stage at the event. So awesome!! PS - I love Thomas Rhett, and I listen to the Bobby Bones show all the time, too. PPS - check out Charles Wesley Godwin when you get the chance, I think you will like his music, he’s awesome.

[@johncassidy7967]

You just look so happy.