My Honest Thoughts About Hiking Through Georgia | Appalachian Trail 2023

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

I think the hostel owners, trail angels, and random people you meet among the way is what you remember the most 🌻🌻

[@tomt9543]

Every year I pick a KZbin AT thru hiker to follow, and you’re it for 2023! Your video style is unique and refreshing, so best wishes on your journey! CRUSH IT NAHAMSHA!!!

[@CloverHikes]

As someone who volunteers with hiker registration, this year is slightly off 2022 as far as people coming to sign in at Amicalola, but still ahead of where we were in 2019 and 2020 this time (registrations in 2020 stopped on March 18). I think your instinct about hikers in towns is on point. Two towns are offering free shuttles, there are a lot of hostels - especially for a 78 mile section - and many offer slack packing options. I've met hikers north of Unicoi who have yet to spend a night on trail. Georgia is becoming the Camino of the AT.

[@stevetrimborn3739]

Woody Gap to Neel Gap is pretty sweet. Preacher's Rock and Blood Mountain are two killer views.

[@sandrap3047]

Great idea to do a recap after each state! Haven't seen any othe hikers doing that. Enjoyed the video!

[@Sampson2833]

New subscriber here….just started the series with this years thru hike…really looking forward to this, its come at an important time for me…so thank you for that. Be well.

[@agnesskibicka]

@T.Ann McElroy, hello from my little channel!

[@SydKam]

Gordon and List at Hostel Around the Bend are just the loveliest folks! I really enjoyed my time with them last year as well.

[@randywineke5416]

Nice video. Congrats on one state down. Peace be with you. Stay Safe and HIKE ON!!!

[@denniss3980]

I plan to do the Georgia section next week so this is very helpful, thanks

[@GruntProof]

Outstanding

[@lynnbutler2826]

Hi! I loved this recap format. You nailed it with your comments on Georgia. 👍 Keep up the great work. It’s so amazing that you can hike those miles, make, edit & post videos at the same time!

[@starkiller4772]

I remember when I was hiking in Georgia, that anything named Sassafras, meant it was going to suck. lol. I'm glad you made it to NC. Your videos make me want to get back on trail. Until then I am living vicariously through you. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@TryingTheHardHikeATAdrieWashne]

True! 😂

[@chase-mode]

The numbers are statistically lower. You did your thru in 2021 (I think?) and that was right after a bunch of people who wanted to hike in 2020 (yourself included), did their thru, in addition to the normal 2021 class. 2022 was elevated for a similar reason. Now it’s leveling back out.

[@noname-zg8lh]

Hike your hike is the best advice I've ever heard. If you like hiking fast, do that and never look back. Worst that happens is you get to your next hike faster.

[@Amilliondreams87]

I love this idea for trail, loving watching your journey this year.

[@mendyviola]

To have the luxury to take so much time off work to hike half the country… in my dreams. I’ll live them through you.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

KZbin is my job right now. It's a lot of work out here to keep up with that and hike!

[@mikewyman1121]

When you get to the Smokey’s can you video around the shelter? I’ll be there in June and I hammock camp so I was wonder what the trees look like around the shelter.

[@vibelife5133]

For a Blood Mountain day hike You can start at the Byron Reese trailhead and include the Freeman trail at the AT junction for a few more miles, and drop back down the AT to neel Gap after summiting Blood. With the fremen trail you basically cut around to the other side of Blood Mountain and approach it as if you were thru hiking northbound to go over the summit. That way you hit the more Rocky technical side of Blood on the downhill. I believe you can also hiked up the slaughter creek trail from the other side to hit the AT, or just hike in from Woody Gap for a 10+ mile day you would have to park one car at woody, and a second car at Byron Reese, if you want to shuttle yourself, or use one of the local shuttle drivers to get back to woody.

[@honganhv8808]

Thank you so much, Taylor!

[@lavonneellis3908]

You mentioned in another video that you were concerned about staying in hostels all the time and struggling with what other people want you to do. Hike your own hike!! I, for one, would like to see more footage of all the cool hostels :-) Stay strong and have fun!

[@ExploreAroundUsOfficial]

I’d like to see a price breakdown of how much you spent going through each state, that would give us ideas on how much it might cost to do a trip similarly to you!

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I will do that in the next one! Good idea

[@Celtics20]

Hey Taylor I just found your channel from your 4000 footer videos. Thanks for the tips as I plan on doing my first 4000 footer this spring! That’s awesome you’re doing the AP! What an experience!

[@lightwalker4558]

Congratulations on completing GA quickly. The warmer Spring weather is now upon us now so it should be more enjoyable in NC. About 3.5% of the trail is in GA. 😊

[@dacajun5522]

This info is invaluble to future hikers thanks a bunch

[@Jenfuu]

Late follower, but loving these videos. I plan on hiking the trail next year. Your vlog is so informational! Ty!

[@gratefulhikes]

Hey Taylor! Awesome video idea. I hope you do more states! I’m glad that you are feeling so great, I hope the knee keeps feeling better. 🙏 Thanks for bringing us along today. I hope tomorrow’s miles are kind. Keep truckin’ and be well. -Grateful

[@gratefulhikes]

@S. M. Turtle!!!! No LT at the moment. Just finished up 12 of the winter NH48 with the rest of the 48 on the schedule for this summer! LT is going to have to wait till next year, but it’s happening!!! I hope all is well with you and your elephants. Great to see you 🙏

[@CloverHikes]

You can't park at Neel Gap/Mountain Crossings to hike. It's store parking only. There is a parking lot .2 down the road called Byron Herbert Reece and you can hike a blue blaze up to the AT from there. At the end of your hike, stop at Neel Gap for a cold drink. You can also hike up from Lake Winfield Scott or Vogel State Park if you want a little longer hiker and to avoid the day hiker crowds using BHR trailhead.

[@footstepsinthedirt]

My knee felt EXACTLY this way: it was a lack of arch support. Especially on downhill. I added those Superfeet inserts to my Altras and it went AWAY. 👀

[@angelalawson9233]

Your knee sounds like a torn meniscus to me! I hiked the Foothills trail with a torn meniscus. Had to have surgery after. Then tore my other one! It’s an easy surgery and quick recovery and I’m still hiking!

[@EliasVoorhees]

Hi Taylor, I did the NC section last year. I have knee problems, but no feet issues until I was done with my hike. At first I blamed my zero drop Altras since I was new to them. A few trips to doc revealed my foot pain actually came from the knee issue. Basically the foot compensating for imbalances, as well as difference in muscle strength due to posture etc. The foot is incredibly complicated when issues arise. Good thing most issues just disappear in time.

[@susietopspin]

I definitely enjoy hearing a recap, so think this format, going forward is a great idea, if you have the time to do it, of course. De stressing and making time for yourself is the most important part, IMO. Happy onward trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@jacquikostige4001]

I love the recaps thats great. Keep up the great job.

[@melvinlee5684]

I really enjoyed this summary. Great idea. I think that a lot is forgotten along the way because of the drive to push on and complete the task. The day hike info was good for us folks thats only doing sectional hiking.

[@TrailsVonMudder]

Yo, super cool that LMNT is sponsoring! Absolutely love that stuff

[@TXMEDRGR]

I enjoyed the recap of your march through Georgia and can't wait to see more of your AT hike. It is inspiring and relaxing to follow along on your journey. Thanks for sharing.

[@jasonmillwood2893]

You rock!! I love the Georgia section, so nostalgic for me.

[@guylachine5703]

Thanks for the update.

[@owl3356]

I really appreciate your insight Taylor. I will be starting later and this information is so useful. Wishing you continued success and fair weather for crushing those miles!

[@allanscott798]

I find it interesting that you have mentioned Kelly Knob twice in your videos. I stayed at Around the Bend hostel, and did the section between Unicoi and Dicks Creek in one day two years ago. Everyone talks about the climb up Rocky Mountain out of Unicoi and then going over Tray Mountain, but the mile-long climb up Kelly Knob cracked me. I am glad it was basically all down hill from there.

[@kathyt7344]

Love this recap video and all the stats! ❤ Would be great if you are able to do after each state is completed 👍🏻. Good to hear you are feeling well mentally and physically! 💪🏻🤩

[@RickINFJ]

Definitely like the recap idea. I'm glad to hear your knee is holding up well. ✌️

[@yemrot1]

I have fond memories of my visit with Bonnie and Paul; great hosts and great food!

[@qsbroom]

Taylor, Thanks for this new recap..very interesting to get your take on GA. Section of trail.

[@JasonMccomas]

Great video! Thanks

[@johnalden5821]

I remember back three years ago, before your first AT hike, staying hydrated and keeping enough electrolytes in your system was a bit of concern for you. You have clearly figured out how to do that, so I will take your recommendation seriously about LMNT.

[@marilynbrooks2767]

Hi Taylor. Love your videos! I just finished the book North by Scott Jurik. He tags a spot on the trail before he leaves the trail so when he returns, he knows exactly where he left off and tags the same spot again. Is that something you do also?! You inspired me to hike the Appalachian trail in Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. That should keep me busy in the spring, summer and Fall this year. Cannot wait for your NC videos as my daughter lives there and I plan to hike in NC.

[@KatieValleyBourdeau]

I absolutely loved this recap! Great info! Do you have a video of tips to set up a tent?

[@PamHallthetravelingnurse]

Is the trail easily marked with while blazes? Do you ever get off path by accident? I'm such a scaredy cat of being in the woods alone and fearful of animals and getting lost. I'm loving your journey! I take short, populated hikes but would love to venture out more.

[@ericcorbett7574]

Hi Taylor - been enjoying all the videos and great insights you provide. I would definitely like to hear how the first night in NC went with the low temperatures if your 20F sleeping bag kept you comfortable. Im looking at the 20F Revelation sleeping quilt from EE for my hike next year starting in Feb (bags are too restrictive for me ) - was leaning towards the 10F but I sleep pretty warm naturally and looking to save a bit of weight wherever I can.

[@Fossilsforall]

I’m at Your Home in the Woods B&B right now. Bonnie and Paul are just phenomenal. Saw you in the hiker log!

[@myraupton1563]

Thank you for the recap Taylor. I've watched all your other videos from your attempt and your thruhike. You are doing great. Enjoy every step.

[@wanttogo1958]

You might try an end of day recovery drink to help with the morning stiffness you mentioned. You can mix your own,of course, but one that is already mixed with the right balance of ingredients is Mike’s Mix. It’s available online in bulk form. I package it in individual snack size ziplocks when hiking. I’m not young like you so expect some stiffness in the morning but can say that after beginning to use this solution last fall on a demanding five day hike in the Wind River Range in Wyoming I had very little if any stiffness and could tell that my body was recovering better and faster even though the bulk of my miles were at 10K feet of elevation or more. As a side note, I rarely use any NASID. The channel ‘Gear Skeptic’ on YT was my source for this idea/need. He does an outstanding job of addressing the science of a recovery drink and how to best benefit from its use. Good luck and I hope your knee continues to improve.

[@Cypressbayou]

At your suggestion I gave Lmnt a try. It’s great off the trail as well!

[@garyjohnson5694]

7:17 awesome thanks

[@kathycasey9153]

I think everyone has that initial “Why am I doing this” moment when first stepping on trail. You are doing so great.

[@onelovemon1784]

Hi Kathy, did you do the whole trail? 😊 Tell tell✌️

[@kathycasey9153]

@@onelovemon1784 No Im doing one state at a time. Ive done NY, NJ Connecticut and Ill be doing Maryland in a few weeks and Pennsylvania in September 🙂

[@onelovemon1784]

@@kathycasey9153 sounds fantastic. I wish I could. Maybe one day. You sound very well planned and prepared, and in great hiking condition. Enjoy.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

I like the numbers, also. Loved the video. Thank you

[@raychaos57]

Nice Georgia video, keep those states coming!

[@TrailoFire]

Thanks for the update and insightful information. I look forward to future videos. Stay safe in your adventures, Godbless

[@varitek]

Already thru Georgia. Amazing 💪keep crushing Taylor. Always have loved your videos😀

[@alisondickinson]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention Courthouse Bald as difficult. Of course, it was raining when we hiked it. You climb into North Carolina!

[@Randee04]

Not sure if you have joined @Ramdinohikes but he does a weekly update (here on KZbin) of the hikers on trail and he could tell people about your hike and provide a link to your channel. He compares the numbers from year to year and this year is DEFINITELY down from past years. ----> Ramdino Hiking the Trails

[@HARDERNOTSMARTER8985]

Outstanding!

[@DingDong-fq2mo]

State recaps are a great idea.

[@stevefritz5182]

Thanks for doing this. This is the type of video I search for. I appreciate this type of experience recap more than footage of the trail

[@Mike___Kilo]

lol I sincerely hope my snoring has never brought anyone to tears! ;-)

[@darrylgabritsch9110]

You are correct the numbers are down this year. Ramdino reports weekly numbers on his weekly channel and compares it against previous years.

[@dannythecamper4186]

Good video, with lots of things to know about hiking in Ga. So let's keep on hiking..😅

[@iblamesummers]

great recap. thank you.

[@JohnReid99]

I'm glad you got a sponsor

[@geneneal7677]

Great video. I enjoyed the recap. I hope you continue doing this. I'm a section hiker and this section by section recap will be helpful to me later on. BTW - as far as the people who don't like you going to hostels - hike your own hike. I see nothing wrong with you doing what's right for you! My wife and I followed you in '21. Looking forward to this year too.

[@Northwoods_ME]

Sounds like you and Stella are geared towards mile gains!

[@cateteller739]

I love this recap video idea! Keep up the great work

[@ritamae2474]

I’m so enjoying your videos. I doubt I could ever do the AT. Can you camp anywhere on the AT or do you have to hit the shelters and camping areas? That’s were I would come into trouble if you can’t just camp anywhere. Enjoy your hike, I’ll be tagging along through your videos!

[@donald2818]

Nice recap.

[@scottfarrar3441]

Thanks for the Link/Gift of the LMNT products - I got the Variety Pack for $20...plus your FREE gift of the Sample Pack...and FREE Shipping. As a 3x IronMan Finisher, the contents of LMNT (Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium) are important for endurance activities - especially if you sweat a lot! For IronMan events, I was using BASE Salt. During my Section Hiking of the AT (I have NH an ME to finish) I've been using Propel but I've been meaning to try LMNT since you've been mentioning them in your videos.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

That's awesome to gear! Hope you enjoy and good luck with future races!

[@user-ft5bx4rk6u]

love this idea, can’t wait to watch the rest!

[@vickifg13]

I would love to know what each state cost you. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. Happy Hiking 🏕🥾💞

[@katkni]

Hi Taylor! Have you ever heard of or considered doing one of the 29029 events around the country? I think it looks awesome, but unfortunately has a crazy expensive registration fee. Enjoying your videos- hope you continue to have a safe, healthy, and fun hike!

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I was interested in that! I get their newsletters but I think it sells out really quickly

[@katkni]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker If you ever get the opportunity to do it, I’m sure you would totally crush it!

[@joeironsjr6286]

Great vids. Ordered LMNT via ur url. Hope I can find on trail if I like. Leaving for AT soon. Only thing left for to decide is sos gps, in reach mini or upgrade to iPhone 14 from 13. Or rely on other hikers…bad idea I think

[@mmebettiep33]

Plantar fasciitis is not uncommon and can be your foot issues. It will come and go when it shows symptoms. Stretching definitely helps!! Hope you continue to have an amazing hike!!

[@debsmith7050]

Kudos!

[@bobrandall8964]

Hey! So I live in Maryland. I have been to Harpers Ferry and hit the trail there. What is your favorite section up here?

[@deborahchadwick210]

You are a hiking beast!! I followed all of your 2021 AT hike. It was fabulous. Thank you for these videos! Thank you for including miles per day and total miles traveled. Also , the hostels, B&Bs, where you stay. At 71 and 75, we will no longer camp on trail. We live on the edge of GAMNP and hike there. It is good to have info on where to stay by trails. Thank you😂

[@kb2hiker]

I should know this but……how often do you add the LMNT to your water? Is it a once or twice a day thing or in most bottles? Enjoying this year’s hike. Like the idea of a state review after each state. Keep rollin’ N

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I try to add electrolytes once a day

[@jpro5232]

When filtering water, how often if ever do you use the two part chemical tablets. I rarely see hikers showing that?

[@jpro5232]

Thanks

[@BM-ms3gr]

Enjoyed listening as always. One comment for people snoring reading these comments; if you’re aware that you’re snoring, please be considerate and book a separate room. It’s just not ok to make your problem someone else’s problem. Be careful with your knee, would definitely seek advice from an expert, just not great to have this lingering continuously in the back of your mind. Be safe!

[@elkhound25]

i would be interested in estimated calories burned daily.

[@BigCountryOutdoors325]

@RamdinoHikingTheTrails keeps up with “the bubble” and does a weekly video to update thru hikers and the bubble. He seems to have some pretty good insight on the trail. Because he lives somewhere close to it. You might check it out????

[@2099ross]

Just curious, what's kind of an average cost of a hostel stay along the trail?

[@RodneyClang]

As a lifetime snorer I’m scared of making others have that experience you did : can’t imagine sleeping in a hostile due to that impact. Gah.

[@robynroamsoutdoors]

Are you on Strava? I'd love to see a screen shot of your typical day on the trail there.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I am on strava and I've been posting daily there

[@robynroamsoutdoors]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker sweet, I'll take a look if you don't mind.

[@PedroNord]

🦋

[@clintonroushff7068]

Hi Taylor, have you ever thought of slack-packing the entire AT? You made the comment that you enjoyed "crushing it". Maybe while you're still young, give it some thought.

[@clintonroushff7068]

@S. M. yes, or as they say "hike your own hike" It would be interesting to follow

[@clintonroushff7068]

@S. M. I understand, but when you have already hiked the AT, I see no harm. There can be stunning views or rainy days. Good luck Taylor!

[@jmorrison5206]

Nice

[@toocleanpappas5397]

Ok. If anyone is worried about water on the AT, don't be. Just stop. The PCT or CDT? sure. But the AT? NO , just NO. There is water pretty much everywhere. The most I have had between sources, was 10 miles. And that was like Once in a Thru-hike. And there was plenty of notice about it. Usually there is water everywhere. Ireland and Scotland had more water on my hikes across them, but other than that, no where in the US was there more prevalent water than the AT. I have done a 45 mile water carry, and yeah it sucked, but even that was manageable. If you're contemplating doing the AT, worry about the roots and rocks and rain and elevation gain and loss. It isn't a dangerous trail compared to the rest, but physically, it's the most demanding on a day to day basis. Go have fun, but don't worry about the water! :)

[@Marketman85]

How much weight are you carrying in your backpack?

[@donnat9893]

Hi Taylor, did you get your necklace in Hawaii?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Yes!

[@riverpapa-gw2ey]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@SaBeSoKidsShow]

Next recap… total number of Snickers consumed. Or total calories 🤔 but at least total snickers

[@papadawg3172]

I thought Kelly's knob was tough. Like the old song says, I knocked the "L" out of Kelly, and Kelly knocked the "L" out of me. Also--I love your necklace. What is its significance?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

It's a whale tale! My husband picked it out on our honeymoon to Hawaii where we saw lots of whales. I wanted to wear something to remember him

[@papadawg3172]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker I hope you get to see Chet with some frequency on this trip! I do enjoy that you are bringing us along on this trip. and 40K subscribers! you are doing something right