The Best Section Of Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania - "The Golden Mile"

[@HikerDudeDad]

Walter, you have outdone yourself. Seriously. This was incredible. I know this AT section well, but filming it (30 fps looked great, it's what I use) in the snow was a stroke of genius. It's a dead and barren landscape, and I've been lamenting that my videos lately just look blahh brown. No depth. But the stark white snow with colors ranging from golden highlights to 50 shades of blue shadows is stunning! Best time to do this video. I think I've also figured out what I love best about your films... The intros. You just went almost 4 minutes without saying a word. You let the imagery and the music draw us in and... mentally and physically PREPARE us to watch the film. This is the busiest dad month I've had in some time. Between delivering the kids to 4 different sports, getting them to school, trying to see my nocturnal wife, and being sucked in to spastic TikToks and Mr. Beast by the kids, your intros are exactly what someone like me needs. I get the kids to bed and I relax and become IMMERSED in your videos. That 4 minutes of stunning drone footage, incredible colors, and relaxing music... The music really helps me let go of everything and focus and really feel your films like no other on KZbin. Bravo, man.... Freakin' BRAVO. 👏👏👏

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Wow, that's just about the nicest comment I have ever recieved. Don't know what to say other than thank you my friend. When I started out on this KZbin endeavor I had a vision for what I wanted the videos to look like. I wanted to portray these places in a way that was unique and also fitting of the feelings of wonder and joy that I experience when being there. Not every hike or park is Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, but to me they are all unique and special places and deserving of being shown that way. Im glad the film gave you a bit of relaxation, and I agree filming in the winter time is difficult. As beautiful and vibrant as our eastern forests are in spring, summer, and fall, they do become brown, grey, and monotonous in the winter. I always look for water features, or forests with lots of evergreens this time of year. Again, thank you for your kind words and feedback Hiker Dude Dad hope to see you out there on the trail soon!

[@douglasmouat3378]

Watching your videos is the next best thing to getting out there myself. Thank you for making that climb for me.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

That's a super nice comment Douglas, and I appreciate that very much . One of the main reasons I do these videos is to give those who otherwise cannot make the trip themselves an opportunity to experience what it is like on the trail. Thank you my friend.

[@LiveLongNaturee]

Gorgeous, very nice video👍💕💕💕 a quality channel. I'm looking forward to new videos. God bless you and your family🙏🙏. I wish you healthy days. Let's stay connected. Greetings from Turkey and love 🙋‍♀️🇹🇷🌹🌹🌹🛎👉

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you kindly my friend I appreciate that very much, blessings to you as well, I look forward to corresponding!

[@2bkind2u]

I'll be happy to pile on with the thumbs-up on the 30 fps. Not a quantum leap, but definitely more of a you-are-there look.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

The people have spoken. A part of me wonders how much the novelty of a slight change plays into peoples perceptions. Perhaps KZbin as a platform is simply more conducive to 30fps. Perhaps I just became enamored with the idea of shooting in 24fps and widescreen format in an effort to differentiate myself from others. I'm a real nerd for this type of minutiae, when all the conventional advice and wisdom tells a person such as myself to just keep pumping out vids and don't sweat the details. I can say with absolute certainty the drone shots look better at 30, they are meant to be buttery smooth, and I had noticed some imperfections in those shots recently which was the impetus for me to experiment with the change. At any rate sorry for the long response, just kind of brainstorming my thoughts here - thank you Harry, I appreciate your input and value your opinion!

[@alanhykes8777]

Your photography is second to none. Keep up the Amazing work! Love every minute!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Alan, I appreciate that so much buddy. I'm doing my best to bring the best quality nature and hiking films - Pennsylvania based- that I possibly can, and I appreciate your support tremendously.

[@carolyncookcall2802]

I don’t comment nearly as much as I should but your style is unique and wonderful. Don’t change a thing. I love to have them playing in the background when I’m doing my chores or just sitting quietly.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you Carolyn. One of my goals from day one was to be unique and a little different. Thank you for your support and your kind comment, it truly means alot to me.

[@mariojsworld]

Nice hiking video. Thanks for sharing.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Appreciate that MarioJ. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and leave a comment, it means alot to me thank you!

[@randomadventures2.0]

Beautiful video Walter. I film at 30fps. Yes could see the POP

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Appreciate that Tony. I believe the vast majority of KZbinrs film in 30, maybe a few at 60. I like the way 24 looks personally but the response has really been positive towards the 30 so we will see. Thanks for your input my friend!

[@kenwbrenner]

Hi Walter. Very much enjoyed the great job of filming this section. I am section hiking the AT and my next section is Caledonia State Park to Wind Gap, which includes this section. I am looking forward to all the views! Thanks for your greak work on this video...

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Best of luck on your hike Ken, and thanks so much for checking out the vid!

[@chrisrankin8506]

Moving into the area soon and looking forward to hiking a bunch! Thanks for the video

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Awesome to hear that, I hope you have a good move. Lots of spots to hike feel free to check out some of my other vids if you like, and I wish you a happy new year and happy hiking!

[@bobairhart8175]

beautiful trail great job videoing enjoy the drone footage

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Bob. I agree the drone shots add alot to the film, and I appreciate your taking the time to drop a comment, thankyou my friend.

[@antmanbee100]

I think the 30 makes your videos look better.. Your videos are always great either way.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you antmanbee100 for your feedback! It seems like the 30fps is going over pretty well. I truly do appreciate your taking the time to leave a comment.

[@rgdodson]

Gator you captured the majesty and power of nature with this video. I think it was your best one to date. 30 fps was sharp as a tack and I felt like I was walking along with you on the hike. Great job my friend!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you Ron. I think this video is fairly representative of the look and feel I am trying to create with these projects. I am very happy with how it turned out, and I sincerely appreciate your feedback and kind words.

[@graceescapes4637]

Hello there. I'm glad to have joined you virtually on this hike. Great to know about the Golden Mile section of Appalachian trail. Helpful tips about the hike too. This is in my bucket list. The 2-mile stretch of vistas is truly amazing! New sub from a fellow hike. Hope to see you around.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks alot for checking out the video GraceEscapes. Appreciate the sub, I look forward to checking out your content as well.

[@kateclark7250]

This is an awesome video, Gator. The 30 fps does look more clear. And the drone images are fantastic. Thank you taking us to such a special place.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you Kate. I agree the 30 is slightly clearer but is it better? These are the kinds of things I ponder on endlessly, lol. Thankyou so much for your feedback and support!

[@barrygraber9776]

Another great video You really continue to outdo yourself. Well done sir

[@WALTERZOLNA]

That's my goal, to try and make each one a little better, thanks for watching Barry!

[@ervinslens]

Just like some Netflix movie man, fantastic video. Drone shots are brilliant.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you my friend. I'm just trying to get a little better each time and challenge myself to improve with every film. I appreciate your compliments.

[@maryshields1935]

Beautiful vistas, really enjoyed this hike. I can only imagine editing these videos must take far longer than the hikes. Great drone footage and music selection.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I think of all my videos this is one of my favorites, it was such a blessing to be out on the mountain that day.

[@learningCountry]

great camera work. Subbed.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks a lot, this was a great hike, appreciate the support.

[@charliejg]

As I'm sure you know, the section between the blue sign and the towers is not the bypass trail. If you come up from the shelter and take a left that long drawn out climb is pretty good. What was the North Scenic route is now the AT. I like to start at the Nature Center and combine the Woodpecker trail, Appalachian Trail, Charcoal Trail, Prairie Grass Trail and the LNE Trail to make a nice loop hike. It really is beautiful up there!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

One of my favorite areas to hike in Eastern PA. I like the unique look and openness of the mountain there even if its creation was caused by less than admirable circumstances. Great hiking on both sides of the gap really. As far as I know, its essentially the largest stretch of open mountaintop hiking in Pennsylvania. And if there is another location that is more exposed for a longer stretch or anything even close, I would love to know about it...

[@charliejg]

@@WALTERZOLNA I've hiked most of the Appalachian Trail in northeastern PA and I'd say you are correct. I hike both sides of the gap fairly often as I only live about 10 -15 minutes away.

[@rreuss9277]

The video was crisp and clear except for some of the face shots which were a bit fuzzy. Love the drone shots.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks for the feedback Roland, I agree the drone shots came out pretty good.

[@rebel3891]

Wonderful story of how superfund sites can be revitalized. However, as a taxpayer I'm a little tired of having to pick up the enormous tab of corporate polluters. Love the drone footage of the trail weaving its way over the ridge, very cool!!! And you were right; incredible views up there. I don't know anything about cinematography but I actually think your other videos are more crisp than this, at least the part where you said you were filming in a different setting seemed grainy. Could just be me, though!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

This is hands down one of my favorite hikes and I find it to be quite the twist of fate that the results of mans negligence is the creation of such an interesting landscape. This is like the third time I have filmed or tried to film here and I finally got the conditions allowing me to shoot this place the way I have wanted to. Thank you for the feedback on the cinematography aspect as well, I really appreciate honest commentary. And yes I have to admit i was pretty happy with the drone footage, it shows the mountainside in a way that no other angle can. Appreciate your support R Ebel.

[@paulietteburnett7270]

Terrica L Williams =princess Lavengra

[@scotto6314]

Walter your film work is beautiful. Similar to Martjin Doolarrd’s style of film in the Italian Alps. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks for that. It means a lot to me to receive that kind of feedback, it's much appreciated!