The Triple Crown - Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail & Continental Divide Trail

Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell look like two ordinary college students. But they are not. In 2021, frustrated with the state of the world, they set out to hike the Triple Crown of hiking trails in a calendar year. Thats 8000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Filmaker and photographer Chris Shane met up with them on the summit of Katahdin as they became the first thru-hikers to finish the Appalachian Trail in 2021. We learn why they chose to tackle this daunting endeavor.

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

That sunrise at Katahdin. Wow. Congratulations. Amazing accomplishment!!

[@ervinslens]

Views like. at 0:31 are why i actually go on a hiking trail, beautiful video.

[@chrisandchris]

Thanks so much!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Amazing! Congratulations. New follower here. You guys are beast of hikers. Happy trails! Crow

[@councilonindependentfundam6415]

Hello, I have a question I was hoping to receive some help with. It appears to me in videos and pictures of the American Rockies that if someone was wanting to live in the wilderness without being noticed that the American Rockies are not the place as someone with binoculars could see you from miles away as there seem to be very few trees. I am wondering if that is the case for the Canadian Rockies as well. Take for instance the Appalachians. If you are in the Appalachian Mountains there seem to be a great much more locations where people would not see you if you were 10 feet away with all the growth... I dont see that in the Rockies. It all seems wide open or to a much more degree... I guess my question is that if I wanted to go unoticed or unseen would the Canadian Rockies work. Could you do that in BC as well as the Appalachians... Which would be better and how much better....... Could you go unnoticed in the BC Rockies or would it be a good bit like the american rockies where they are going to see you from miles away... Needing some advice.. Any assistance would help. And Much Thanks For Any Time You Could Give Me in Reply!!!!

[@stephendaniel168]

It’s kind of a different question but the Canadian Rockies aren’t going to cover you up like the Appalachians. The larger mountain ranges with old growth in the Canadian Rockies make it less dense. Living in the Appalachians that’s one of the draw backs. The ridges are smaller and have a tighter spacing so the sun comes up later and goes down earlier and if you don’t touch a tool for a season you will be covered in Locust and briars and all kinds of other vegetation. If you’re not physically able and have some grit or if you aren’t rich and can pay people, the idea of living in the Appalachians sounds inviting but isn’t a long term sustainable plan for your mental health if you’re just planning on hiding out in the thicket. The sky has amazing benefits and not seeing it takes its toll.