This Will Be My Last Weekly Vlog From The Appalachian Trail 🥲

This video was filmed in the middle of October 2023!
Come with me on my Appalachian Trail Thru Hike attempt! Hiking the AT has been a long-time dream of mine and I’m making it happen in 2023! I’ll be posting AT Thru Hike Vlogs every week!
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What is Beer in Beautiful Places?
Hi, I’m Maddie! Celebrating an outdoor adventure with a beer has been a long-time tradition for me, and I wanted to create a platform for like-minded folks to come together. In my videos, I cover all types of adventures and review beer! Topics include day hiking, kayaking, travel, thru-hiking, and life on the road. In short, if you would describe yourself as an outdoorist, outdoorsman, outdoorswoman, hiker trash, nomad, or dirtbag, come on along, this is the channel for you! Welcome and cheers!
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[@leedayvault5594]

Thanks Maddie for including us on your journey. You might not see it now, but when your 55 ( my age ) and maybe seeing your own kids do things- you’ll realize what a profound impact that doing something so incredibly hard - has on the future of your life. Most things you take on - will never be as hard as what you’ve just been through- I’m serious. So take a moment to congratulate yourself and realize-you’ve shaped the entire foundation of your life to come. Nice job. You’re a tough soul!!!

[@buffyxander007]

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” ― John Muir.

[@raisinsanchez6631]

This video gave me my cry count 3 Maddie from watching your AT adventure! Two of your other videos made me cry, but that's quite alright! I'm disabled and some of the views you captured brought me so much peace and joy. I felt there with you, so thank you for making these videos! Lots of love from Colorado!❤

[@user70331]

Congratulations on reaching the finish line of the Appalachian Trail! Your journey through the rugged beauty of the wilderness, the challenges you've conquered, and the miles you've trekked are a testament to your strength and determination. What an incredible achievement! May the memories and experiences from this epic adventure stay with you for a lifetime. Well done, trailblazer! 🏞️🥾🌲

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

[@danielwatkins877]

So happy for you. "Travel, not to go anywhere, but to go . . . The important thing is to move."

[@bigbranch1]

Dang...you got me crying.....wishing yall all the luck.....thanks for the adventure...

[@rosegw9458]

I cried with you... So happy for you and Smoke... Cheered for you all the way!! From here in Louisville, Ky!!!

[@tomellis3218]

Maddie, I’m going to really miss these postings of yours. Tonight is Nov. 8, 2023. You are the lady AT Thru Hiker and NoBo that I have watched. You became my favorite ❤️ and I feel like I’m loosing a friend that I have shared experiences with ; I know I just watched & you did all the experiencing. Ha, ha. You are quite special and I hope to see some After the AT Thru Hike vlogs and if you continue to vlog adventures I’m sure I will be watching. Again, Congratulations and thank you you dear wonderful person. ❤ God Bless you & keep you safe. 😊

[@glendannesquyres2053]

Congratulations, Maddie!!! Thank you SO MUCH for taking us along with you!!! It's been an amazing journey!!! You're an amazing "tour guide" for a us!! You've shown us what hiking the AT takes. God bless you!! THANKS, AGAIN!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks so much! For the compliments and for coming along with me!

[@RC_0669]

​That last moment before you crossed the river was so moving. Congrats to both of you on such a huge accomplishment!

[@michaelessig6376]

well done!!

[@lennyr4486]

Thanks for sharing your hike

[@esp3263]

Dear Maddie, it was an honor and a pleasure to accompany you and Smoke on this journey. I would be very happy to hear and see more from you. Many kind regards, Klaus

[@juliahughes-vn4sv]

Congratulations! Now time to hike the Pacific Crest trail!😊

[@user-kk9xo8ot9p]

I’m going to miss these weekly video updates. But, congratulations on finishing the trail.

[@cherylstickney8690]

Oh yes, I forgot to thank you guys. You have given me a blessing. Hugs,prayers

[@suzenbickford4330]

It's great you made it. I found myself worrying about you, if you were freezing. I think when you get home you need to schedule a physical and a chiropractor appointment. That's alot of time carrying a pack. God bless you Maddie. Thanks for your entertaining us.

[@lindabraden5723]

You did it! Now get some rest! And get ready for the next adventure! Can’t wait to see you!

[@dougdobbins1004]

Thanks for taking us along , enjoyed the trip.

[@user-yp3ht6iy5e]

It looked like a great adventure for sure ... I'm really glad u knocked it off you list... That a once in a lifetime trip twice if your lucky ...

[@todayslist37737]

I saw today's short and decided not to watch live since I cried from that. I even told someone "we finish the Appalachian trail today." I've enjoyed this journey with you and am very thankful for it. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉. Congratulations Ranger!!! Cry count with this video was 4 for me.

[@jackcakeblack]

Thank You for all the videos, have a wonderful life.😊

[@db.mc2]

Thank you Maddie 🙂 Appreciate you, stay safe and take care my friend 🙏 Wish you all the best in whatever the future holds 👍👋

[@andrearib6935]

Congratulations and Thank you for sharing it with us!!!!!!

[@janetwheeler4210]

Thanks for sharing this adventure with me, love you and smoke master 💞, so very proud of you both 🙏❤️❤️💞☺️💞😍👍😘💕🥲🦚💓😂🙂

[@thexxit]

CONGRATULATIONS! I admit, even I shed a tear with you at the end. You did it! And congrats to Smoke too, of course! You can't imagine how fun and fascinating the journey has been for us watching. What an accomplishment! You deserve a nice beer and a nice break!

[@1z1zmike]

You and Smoke did great! Thank you for sharing your experience…will miss you. What next? Take care. Be well !🙂🙏

[@blairpoisson6474]

Yay! So happy and sad all at the same time. It's like getting to the last chapter of a really good book. Congrats on finishing the AT!

[@melissalafollette7256]

Congratulations, Maddie and Smoke. It was magical to watch each week. What a blessing you both shared.

[@dawnsteisslinger353]

I definitely enjoyed watching your last episode of hiking the AT. Your touching appreciation at the end to us all when I’m sure we are all appreciating what you’ve also done for us. Congratulations to you and Smoke and will be waiting for your next adventure. Thank you so much Maddie!!!=)

[@aubreyansell1019]

Girl. YOU are a thru hiker! Congratulations! It was so nice to share your experience with us. I know how much work it was to do that and I am thankful that you did! I hiked in 2015, so hard to believe that was 8 years ago! Looking forward to you adventuring.

[@jaspersteve9420]

Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us. You definitely shared the best and the reality of hiking the AT. Hopefully more adventures to come that you will share with the world

[@pattyann7803]

What an amazing experience. You are so strong and committed and don’t forget, you were still working on the trail. Congratulations and thank you for taking us along.

[@KuenYauSumFot]

Awesome Maddie! Almost there!

[@_andy_gibb_]

Many, many congratulations for making it all the way 🎉 It's been so much fun to follow along and I must admit I'm going to miss your weekly updates from the trail. I'm so glad you met Smoke too as it must've made the end experience so much more enjoyable to share it with someone. Having a spectacular view from the summit of the last (?) mountain top was pretty special. Congratulations again Maddie! It's been an incredible journey!

[@marilynthomson9564]

Maddie, thank you for this wonderful trip. You brought us all on! Your photography was great. Your openness was great. It was a wonderful experience for all of us. Thank you so much. Look forward to your documentary. Also, let us know if Smoke starts a KZbin channel. It would be fun to follow him. He seems like such a wonderful young man.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks so much, I'm really glad you enjoyed it! Here's Smoke's first video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGOsk6unpaubbposi=INq02HnoDFRMYJoM

[@marileehorn4507]

You showed true grit!! Congratulations on a major accomplishment!!

[@kathleenmichalek3126]

What a journey! Thank you for letting us follow you along.

[@tennesseeyaya1830]

Bravo, excellent ending. Keep them coming Ranger!

[@bobhamulak3646]

Yaaaay! You did it, Maddie! You hiked the AT! All the way from Georgia to Maine. CONGRATULATIONS! I have enjoyed watching your videos all these past months. I especially liked all the beautiful scenery. I love being in the woods amongst the trees. I never get tired of seeing nature, and I'm grateful to you for all the work you've done to make all these videos! Thank you for taking us along! Well, it's time to celebrate your achievement, and get some much-needed rest and relaxation! Stay well, and always ENJOY!

[@laurenchristiemary2]

Congrats to you and Smoke!!! My Mom and I adored following your AT journey! Be proud of yourself, and know you are a huge inspiration to us! Cheers to many more happy trails to come for both of you! 👏 🙌 🎉

[@lovesallanimals9948]

Yes i made it!!!❤❤

[@gwenwallace6175]

Yes! I cried!! Such a magnificent accomplishment!! It’s hard to imagine anyone being more proud of you, excluding you, smoke and your family…besides me…

[@donnacarver5181]

Awesome journey! Thanks for letting us come along!! Congratulations! Hope there are more adventures ahead!

[@SolBol1]

I truly wish you could experience what you've done for us from our perspective. This has been such an amazing experience watching this journey and I ended up here totally randomly lol. You've brought so many people together and shown us so much beauty in these odd times we're in. You've inspired thousands of people to do better and be out in nature. I hope one day I can hike the A.T. and live this adventure for myself in person. Thals for being awesome and being YOU Ranger Maddie!!! Until next time! 🏔 🚶‍♀️

[@GiMom19]

PROFOUND & EPIC Accomplishment 💗🙌🏻🥰 Crying tears of joy with you Maddie. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. 💗

[@tennesseeyaya1830]

Congrats. So happy you found each other. Looking forward to the next adventure, and upcoming videos.

[@vanessa91614]

Amazing. Can't believe you were going to do that alone... Yay for finishing and amazing Smoke.

[@paulaalekson4109]

Congratulations, Maddie!! You are wonderful!!! So enjoyed your vlogs, my dear. Thank you to you and Smoke for sharing you adventure! YOU ROCK!!

[@hilaryolson7330]

Congratulations Maddie!! I loved watching your AT videos every week. What an adventure of a lifetime!! I can't wait to see what your next adventures are.

[@jamesmartin4857]

Maddie I am happy that our journey is over and ended well. Live well and know Jesus loves you.

[@janetwarren]

Lovely it's been good hasn't it Gotta admit I looked forward to her AT hike. She's very authentic 😊

[@jackmaloney2335]

i want to give jesus a blowie 🥰🥰

[@DavidJones-sb9qd]

Congratulations on completing the AT. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

To be a Ranger… one must be highly dedicated to serving others, to protecting our most treasured places. Amen!

[@brendaarellano8776]

Congratulations Maddie and Smoke the was such a huge accomplishment. I have been following your channel for a few months and I look forward to seeing more of your adventures.🎉❤

[@johnmys5am]

Very few people can say they're actual thru hikers. Congratulations!!! Oh, and I cried on your behalf.

[@Go_Boltz89]

Congratulations, you're such an inspiration! I'll be attemting the JMT next year, I was inspired by you.

[@paulslagle1800]

It’s been great following along! Congrats! As a section hiker I have found that the people you are around either make or break the time you are out. I have done sections where there was no one really going my way or at different paces and it’s just not fun that way. At the same time the trips where I had a good group were so great you didn’t want it to end! Best of luck to you and Smoke!

[@mistytrails11]

Biggest congratulations, I was a fan before a friend, I prefer the latter, and I cried my eyes out seeing you finiah this thing, so grateful we got some miles smiles and tears together! Yes girl we did that thing!!!! ❤️

[@annwroblewski2668]

Congrats again Maddie! I appreciate all these vlogs, it felt like I was there with you. Looking forward to your next awesome adventure! ♥️

[@betsybarbera9806]

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! You did a great job with your videos, capturing the good and bad like no other vlogger before. The trail will forever live inside you. You are bonded and will think of the AT everyday.

[@yogalandawellnessyolandati7654]

Ranger, I first started watching you when you spent the day at the gym on the treadmill. I was also at the gym on the treadmill (not for eight hours though!!) It has been an absolute pleasure to watch your journey. I loved your AT finish it was beautiful! PS…. Please don’t be critical of yourself for any reason ever again. You are glorious. ❤

[@predzhead]

Way to go Ranger... You bagged every peak. Forded every river and did the hard thing... Congratulations Thru-Hiker..😁✌🏻

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

Great work, Maddie! You've gained so much from hiking the A.T. and shared the highs and the lows. Thanks for taking us along. XXX

[@TheBlindChick]

It has been such a journey for me sitting in my Colorado home dealing with a lot of health issues watching you and this huge accomplishment means the world to me. Thank you so much for sharing this and I am crying too because you carried me on your shoulder the entire time. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to every single day. I hope and pray that next summer, my health will be better and I will be out on the trail.

[@johnsirak9266]

Congratulations Ranger, to you and Smoke , Thanks for letting me tag along ,it’s been quite an adventure . Cheers !

[@1oldmick]

Ranger and Smoke, you've been my favorite couple for months, this crazy world needs more hugs. Maddie, you're the best video making hiker ever! Thanks for being so open with us. I'm really going to miss your daily AT reports. Congratulations

[@kimchrist9610]

Thanks Maddie! Thanks so much for taking the trouble to document this powerful and moving journey.

[@normarodriguez-cotto423]

Wow!!!! Congratulations guys!!! Tremendous accomplishment.....wow!!! I cried with you too...😂

[@LinzieMCrofoot]

Thanks for sharing the adventure!! Hope there’s more to come, going to miss scrolling through your shorts and watching the weekly videos!

[@TheSpiralLab]

Maddie, I would LOVE to see you do a response video to your “letter to my future self” video from last spring! I just rewatched it and that really was a very cool thing you did. xoxo

[@jeffreyking3807]

Thanks for the epic journey young lady. Wish you all the best In the future challenges. Please keep us posted . 📫

[@28105wsking]

Congratulations! Smoke and Maddie! So proud of you for sticking it out and making it all the way thru! Yay! A memory for a lifetime! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

[@thecreativecountrycrafter]

Congratulations!! So proud of you and Smoke Master achieving this huge accomplishment! Loved the very end of the trail! I will really miss your daily reels and weekly vlogs. I looked forward to them so much! Doing those faithfully was a huge accomplishment, as well!! I am also relieved that you made it safely and didn't quit! You are quite a remarkable human being!!! Sending you love!

[@robertspry7377]

beyond wonderful on so many levels ... congratulations ... georgia to maine ... so happy for you ranger and smoke ... AT baby !!! ... all the best, take care ....

[@elainebieber8039]

Well, that was my 125th cry, I think. I loved following your days, your highs and lows. And hopefully you were helped by knowing how many people were cheering you on. Congratulations -- and now-- rest.

[@belindaguerette4249]

The fall colors are beautiful! You did it a great way! We’re all crying with you. Can’t wait to follow your next adventure. Congrats!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@gabriele1975]

You said “ I’m too tired to have fun!” Hahahaha 😂😂😂 Anyway! Thanks for the good cry today and way to go!

[@larryoutdoor]

Wow. I can't believe you're are at the end of the trail. Smoke reminds me of Cory Feldman. I still think you should walk back to Georgia is that even possible. Congratulations.❤😂🎉

[@jeannenimmo5]

Bravo! The landscape that is Maine is in a class by itself and the memories you've made will be with you for a lifetime, sometimes in the recesses of the subconscious, sometimes burning into the here and now, but always present. I may have said this before - forgive me if I have - but there is a phrase in the local, Western Abenaki language of western Maine and northern New Hampshire, and it is this: 'Wli Bamkanni'(pronounced oo-LEE bomb- kahn-EE). The meaning is 'travel well,' but the greater meaning is of the greater journey of one's life, not just our geographic travels. Many thanks for taking this old person along for the walk - a true feast for the eyes and the spirit. You have accomplished a watershed experience and a rite of passage. Wli Bamkanni, Maddie. Have a care... 🥾

[@DrthGrth]

Great job and Thanks for bringing us on your journey, Maddie. You'd be such a good Science Educator, Teacher, or something. Or maybe just keep doing that via your VLOGS around the world!

[@rachelyoung2775]

Cry Count 2 or 3. So happy you guys made it, you two are quickly becoming my favorite KZbin couple. Looking forward to the documentary. Thanks for all the inspiration and laughs.

[@Get_Some_Nature]

I am so proud to welcome you into the official Appalachian Trail Thruhiker Club!!! You did it Ranger!!! You hiked the entire trail!!! Whooot!!!!! Congratulations from me. Stealth A T Class of 2022. Thank you so much for allowing me to relive my thruhike last year through your videos!!! Maddie you are a sweetheart! 💚🦵🦵👣🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲😊😊😊😭😭😭😭

[@AndSoGoes]

An important lesson I’ve learned and try to remember is that you can’t really change who you are in your core. You can’t make yourself a morning person if you are naturally not one. You can’t become someone who makes art every day if you are naturally someone who needs breaks between creative sessions. You can’t become extroverted if you are someone who doesn’t naturally get energy from extroverted situations. I’ve spent so much time wanting and attempting to will myself to somehow alter who I am at my core, but it is a fool’s errand. What finally made it click for me is asking, “what would happen if I NEVER do manage to change those things about myself?” And the honest answer is I would be just fine because I always have been just fine. But the additional answer is that I would probably be incredibly more at peace if I wasn’t constantly having to spend so much time beating myself up for being who I am. What am I depriving myself by constantly trying to deny my nature, to constantly be swimming against the natural currents? When I started asking myself these questions it opened up an even more poignant question that I had never thought about: “If I DID manage to change my nature and become all the things I wish I was, what would I end up missing about myself?” If I become a morning person, it would mean that I am no longer showing up in the world as my wonderful afternoon or evening self in my very particular way that everyone around me has come to love about me? I would be a different person. If I suddenly became an artist that made art every single day, well, how would that change the kind of art I make and would I miss the kind of art that I make now? Maybe denying my nature and changing myself at my core would actually deprive the world of the specific and unique things that I can offer. If you were a different kind of hiker, these videos would be different, our experience watching you would be entirely different. Your relationship with your trail friends and with your boyfriend and all the people around you would be different. What would the world be losing if all those things were different? Beer for thought. ❤

[@stewartellis353]

Congratuiations Maddie. Thanks for taking me along. Due to health problems and age I doubt that I will be able to do it myself.

[@ClaireAdare-zi9nn]

Making myself laugh because when you were going around the boulders I found myself leaning way over so I could get around the boulder!! Congratulations on everything you've accomplished! Thank you for bringing us all along with you!❤️

[@GrumpyForester]

...and all I can say is "WOW", too. Congrats finishing what has been an epic journey, Maddie! I will never be able to do this but I was able to live the adventure through your videos, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me come along...Take care of yourself...

[@frankfowlkes7872]

I would wager that you will be back on the AT someday and will even likely spend a night or two on the trail. I have never thru-hiked the AT but over my many years have camped on the AT several times. I see you 20 years from now sitting around the campfire somewhere on the AT with your kids and family telling them about the good old days in 2023 when you hiked the whole trail!

[@SpacialMeg]

Whoo hoo! Congratulations Maddie and smoke! Thank YOU for taking us with you!

[@bethaniecarico]

What a wonderful way to end an amazing series. My cry count is now 2. Lol I know you're going to do video documentary about the series but seriously consider writing a book as well. Looking forward to your next adventures. ❤❤❤

[@dougthebigdp314]

Ranger, there was really never any doubt that you'd not finish....youy goit gumption and are pretty relentless when trying to reach a goal you've set. I've been slowly watching your past adventures and I must say you've done more than most people your age. I look forward to whatever you do next. Don't go nutty, as PegLeg has done and try to hike from Alabama to Katahdin and now is doing the IAT, her little tramily is in Nova Scotia now...but she plans to do the ECT and fly back to Georgia and go all the way to Key West. 4000 miles +....in one year.....that's the definition of crazy.

[@JulieJordanScott]

I was crying right along with you, Ranger. I hope you’ll do some more lives and videos. 202 days! Wowza!

[@karahjo231]

Congratulations Maddie and Smoke!!! I have loved watching you Maddie!!!❤❤❤❤❤ thank you for sharing your journey and being so genuinely yourself. I appreciate you taking us on this hike!

[@cherylstickney8690]

I am crying with you guys! So excited for you! Don't be stranger's. We need to have you write a book? Hugs Maddie and smoke!❤😂❤😂❤😂❤😂

[@vonniek347]

Wow!! Congratulations! I’ve been following along the whole journey. Thanks for sharing your adventure. So glad you had Smoke to go along with you. You’ve both accomplished a remarkable thing!! I can’t wait to see what you have planned for future.

[@langer6969]

Congrats and looking forward to future content!

[@kimberpix4837]

Congratulations, Maddie!!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us and for the memories and the tears. It's been such a joy watching you grow and change every week as you learn about yourself and life. This video was the perfect ending of your amazing journey!! 😊🥰

[@missionaries7575]

Thanks for sharing I will miss it too, that last bit was beautiful.

[@jennifercarmack2405]

Congrats Ranger, Congrats Smoke. I know this has been over for a minute for y’all but to me it felt as if it just happened. Maddie Cry Count: 25 wasn’t alone. I was weeping like a child. Man, I enjoyed this thru hike more than you know. I learned I don’t want to be a hiker anymore. Being wet seems so miserable and I couldn’t take it. But you guys are brave and thank you for all you shared and will share to come. Hugs from St Louis, Mo!!!

[@WanderingWithWanda]

Congratulations Maddie, Smoke Master and Smokes kettle. I'm sad that it's over but so happy you accomplished it. It's like watching a great TV show and the season ends. Been watching you for years now Maddie. You've really grown as a person. You are definitely more confident and sure of yourself. Thank you for keeping it real the entire time.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! You’ve been so supportive this whole time!

[@lynnefinley4100]

I cried with you, too, as you ran across the road to “the end”. So happy for you!