TRAIL DAYS 2023, BABY! (And The Days Leading Up!) Appalachian Trail Thru Hike

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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[@dixielambrecht7009]

Those were strange mushrooms. Beautiful scenery but ,ugh, putting on wet clothes is so frustrating. I have never in my life found a 4 leaf clover!

[@joansmith1195]

You would make a great photo journalist. You have captured the essence of what it would be like hiking the trail for a chair watcher like me. I am really enjoying your trek.

[@justsmitty1709]

Hiking in the 70's was more spiritual. Trail magic was truly a different experience. Nowadays i feel more people are hiking for the destination rather than the journey. Great video. Thanks alot. Happy trails 👣.

[@robrhymz8443]

You have to be the best news reporter I've ever seen 😊

[@kaitlin5264]

Loved the video, Maddie!! It looks like you had a great time at Trail Days!! I just wanted to caution you about the Yellow Deli-I’m not sure if you’ve seen other videos or articles about them-but they have a bit of a reputation of being more of a alternative religious cult… I just want you and your friends to be safe out there, and not get lured into something potentially harmful like that! Wishing all the best on your journey!!

[@missionaries7575]

Nature is such a great place for revelation. Look hear and believe. I seen an owl on top of a flagpole and I know it’s to get me thinking what does an owl do? It observes. I am observing relationships being watchful and paying attention.that’s my example. You seem happy 🎉

[@stanbono2103]

Do people still say dilly dally? 😂 so enjoying a young (and well centered) person’s perspective of the trail. Safe travels.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I do, at least!

[@lindiemoon]

Trail Days seemed like so much fun!! Interesting how things have changed on the trail since the 70s… maybe part of it has something to do with the differences in types of hikers and their extracurricular proclivities 😅 🍄

[@jacktaylor1030]

Kentucky Ranger Girl Maddie barnstorms the Appalachian Trail days and is a hit. What a fantastic experience that must have been to learn so much about the AT from days gone by. So glad to see you back on trail. Keep on Trucking Ranger Maddie!!!!!!

[@aandpforme]

You are awesome!

[@paddlefaster]

Trail Days look like a blast. It was great to hear some of the old history of the trail. I know I would gravitate toward a more introspective approach to the hike I think much of the experience is lost today. It would have been fun to just talk about what you did that day and what your plan was for the following day. Keeping it simple:-). I hope this little bit of money helps in some way. Thank you for posting your journey in such a fun way.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!

[@paddlefaster]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces you're welcome, thanks for the videos.

[@kellymay8678]

U guys have the best tramily!! Love, Mariposa’s mom 💕

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

We sure do!! Thank you for watching!!

[@odysseyeduardo]

Commercialization of the AT has its pro's and con's, Damascus Va. hasn't changed much over the years. You should see it when trail days isn't happening. I feel ya about the allergies, the Appalachians is on of the worst places for them being a temperate rain forest with some of the most diverse species of plants in the world! I haven't found and allergy med that works that well around here. 🤧 Great vid as always! Love it! 👍👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! I got to go to Damascus a few weeks ago when I passed through on the trail. Cute town!

[@ass1racing_869]

Quit throwing water we bathed this morning lol😂 looks like a fun time but maybe a distraction as well dont forget to enjoy the experiences and beauty rather than i gotta hike so many miles today to camp were my friends will be, then it will feel like work and steals the joy from a special opportunity

[@pyronymph-868]

12:30 🍀 4 leaf clovers are easier to find once you know what to look for; the square pattern the leaves make rather than a triangle. So much fun!

[@DrthGrth]

Very cool 'episode', Maddie! I think it's cool that you took the info from the lecture about the 'old days' on the AT and tried to bring it into your experience. I have never done a through-hike, but I get the sense that they can be very 'mission-oriented' and 'gear-oriented' in a way that might stifle some of the spiritual introspection. I'm sure everybody has those thoughts, quietly to themselves, or I'm sure people talk about the connection with nature within their Tramily to an extent, but it's a groovy notion to try to focus on those conversations, recognizing that logistics can start to dominate the mind. I bet others will continue to value you prompting them with questions, even if it's "What were your thoughts during your hike today?". Happy Trails, Ranger!

[@bootyhikes7146]

Some of the current hiker conversation is fun to talk about, and it's hard to get away from because that's what we are surrounded by. It can get old sometimes and I avoid sparking gear talk/miles/etc. Those thought provoking questions are the best way to reflect and remember what happened that day. Someone I hiked with used to ask that same question at the end of the day "What have you learned today?" Quite possibly the best question to ask anyone.

[@katherinenicholas7116]

Cheering you on!

[@NicFlicksRL]

Trail Days looks sick! Great video!

[@janetwarren]

Thanks!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!

[@frolege1]

I’m not sure why I like you but I like you.

[@oldguyriders]

You make very interesting videos. I can’t imagine how much work that must be, particularly since you are also on the trail. Keep your spirits up - you can make it. Thanks for sharing😊

[@bobhamulak3646]

Hi Maddie! I really enjoyed your latest episode of your AT hike, especially your experience at Trail Days. You make a great correspondent and are a natural at interviewing other hikers. You look like you needed that reprieve from your daily routine. You deserved it. Congrats on 600 miles! You're doing great! You are getting stronger, both physically and mentally, whether you realize it or not. So, keep pickin' em' up, and puttin' em' down! ...and "Thank You" again, for taking us along with you. Be safe, and ENJOY!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!

[@bobhamulak3646]

My pleasure, Maddie. You've gained quite a following on KZbin, and we ALL want you to have a safe journey! We appreciate you taking us along with you. Be safe and have fun! PS- when I say to "keep pickin' em' up, and puttin' em' down", I was referring to your FEET, not cans of beer! LOL! (Just kidding...you deserve that beer!) Take care!

[@dawnsteisslinger353]

Great video!! Loved all the clips from trail days. So glad you got to go. Looks like tons of fun.❤

[@nancyolesin9389]

Excellent job, Ranger! You showed how fun trail days can be! Love you in “reporter” mode.

[@jeffreyerwin3665]

YIKES! Six hitchhikers all at once? How does anyone get a ride that way? (but i guess that you did. . . . with scary Smokemaster in front to boot!) That WoodsHole Hostel is GORGEOUS! Love the "cry count!" YIKES again! Did I see a dog driving that Trail Days van?

[@Sarahr98998]

Recently found you on IG and came here to binge all of your AT vids.....I'm so invested in your journey now!! Best of luck for continued health and safety on your way!

[@nymph40]

Love the rain

[@janetwarren]

Inspired

[@ClaytonSea]

That's so cool you got a ride back with Trail Jesus, I was able to hike with him and the rest of the BFFs up in Northern Virginia!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

We must have been near each other then! We were friends with the BFs and saw them a lot in Virginia, Harpers Ferry, and New Jersey!

[@walterpaton8698]

Thank you. I look forward to seeing you summit Katahdin.

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

How are you handling the smoke from the Canadian wildfires? Stay safe & healthy out there!!! XXX

[@JuniorFarquar]

Arson fires. Fake climate freaks started them. Look it up

[@703am]

great memories along the trail for sure, I'm sure many more to come. You're doing great and thanks much for taking the time to do videos, enjoying every one take care be safe.

[@appalachianwanderseeker]

Love this video so much. Your thoughts at the end are wonderful. I also went to trail days (not a thru hiker this year though, hopefully next year) and it was an awesome experience!

[@thewanderingpond]

Maddie this was so much fun! I love your “interviews” lol!!

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

Ranger does it again. Bravo! 🏕️

[@davidortiz3094]

You can usually smell when the rain is about to come. Or maybe that's because my senses are up there.

[@spencerrebosmax7915]

I appreciate your channel so much! Thanks again for your view point. It was so interesting to hear how the trail has changed through the years.

[@tomellis3218]

I love watching your AT videos and hearing your perspective experiencing your thru hike…. It is now September when I viewed this and looking forward to you summiting. ❤ You are truly a special person . 😊

[@jimmymalone3494]

Ranger what a fun video I enjoyed it so much and hoping you are having fun to.Good luck to you.

[@marklitz2438]

Kodiak thru hiked in 2021 , I am glad he gave you a ride … good dude !! You are doing good on your hike and fun to watch !! Love the shorts !! I am also the class of 2021 !! Keep up the cool post !! I was at trail days , we go every year , it’s good to see fellow hikers !! SKidMark

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Was it the same Kodiak? How cool!

[@marklitz2438]

Yes , when I met him it was freezing cold , he was in a T shirt … I said ain’t you cold … nope I’m good !!! SKidMark

[@frolege1]

I’m a grown ass 66 old man , and I think I might cry my ass off during a 2,200 hike …. So yeah

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Crying is good for you!! I say cry on!

[@frolege1]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces yeah, I’m still a romantic guy that loves a good tear jerking movie

[@mikeanders7885]

We used to take a week in June and hike the trail around the Damascus area for a few years when i was in high school. No water filters just filled our canteen from the stream. Couldn't afford mt house food. Canned goods peanut butter whatever we could find around the house we carried probably 40lbs packs. But we had fun. Good luck the rest of the way

[@mikeanders7885]

This was in the late 70s

[@MH-nz4mv]

Hi Maddie, wow, that was quite a lot you presented us. Thanks for your time and effort sharing this experiences with us. Wet wet wet...never mind your rain gear, you just get wet. Is it worth it to have expensive ones than? Trail Days must have been really fun and informative at the same time. And hey, you looked very pretty!! "Hallo" to my fellow countryman Vanilla und "Viel Spaß". Last but not least a big cheeeeers to all Trail Angles. You're amazing! Bye Maddie and Happy Trails ✌️

[@RC_0669]

What a fun video of trail days. Looks like it was worth the less than expected miles for the week!

[@bob20011]

I assume part of it being more spirtual was also due to a lot more uncertanity. No emergency gps devices, cell phones, or a lot of the common safety nets we have today. On top of that like they wouldnt have all the fancy camping gear we have, so it would be carrying more weight. And to top off the weight having to carry even more food due to less stops. Man it must have been a real soul search harrowing experience back in the day.

[@jasonjones5213]

Great video, trail days looked like a blast.

[@mikemoore4016]

Another nice video, Thanks 👍

[@mizotter]

GREAT VIDEO! I love everything about it! Glad you had so much fun at Trail Days! I just got a text from my son! He and his partner are on the AT and entering Grayson Highlands today! Happy hiking!

[@hanginwithbullfrog4657]

💪..... Thanks for sharing...I hope I can get out there and do 1 of the triple crown trails.... All unique in their own way....I really not sure where to start to be honest... But definitely not the reason I haven't done any yet.... But when the time does come🤔

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It’s always hard getting started! I did a few shorter thru hikes (TRT, SHT, JMT) to get my feet wet and know what to expect. But most people I’ve met out here just picked a year and “went for it”!

[@WanderingWithWanda]

I still think your trail name should be clover 🍀☘️ I really admire you Maddie! GO MADDIE, GO! 🚶🏼‍♀️

[@scottye1925]

Does she have a trail name yet?

[@WanderingWithWanda]

@@scottye1925 Yes, Ranger.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

She's over there to Pearisburg. That European sounding place.

[@walterpaton8698]

Waiting for drones to be used to for AT hikers for whatever reason. I wish i had the abilities to do this.

[@RoamingRoadJunkie]

First comment yeah🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

You win!!

[@peterquinter8130]

It’s a party! MAVERICK

[@chrissys9968]

Its Beautiful that these People welcomes You all to rest and GOD eat shower clean your clothes and gear. GOD Bless them all GOD Bless You .❤⚘🥰there's Neal's looks Delicious 🙏🙏🙏❤⚘🥰

[@bophalhok3245]

This might be a stupid question, how do you know if its the AT trail? Are there signs that direct you.. I love your videos. It's very inspiring and heartfelt.

[@razzbazle1582]

There are white blazes on the trees every 5 to 10 meters or so.

[@Oda298]

try taking off the Souls off the wet shoes it will dry quicker that u should do the trick keep on pushing 😊

[@yesidtac7863]

Muy buen video

[@chrissys9968]

Those Cookies yummy❤⚘🥰🙏

[@pyronymph-868]

You might have wildfire smoke exposure not just allergies; you can see it in the background.

[@harolddenton6031]

Meeting of hippies grandkids at trail days. Basically mini Woodstock festival party in the Appalachian mountains in sw va.

[@harolddenton6031]

Haha the yellow deli cult spreading words of wisdom.

[@harolddenton6031]

Cool that you interviewed smoke master. I drove through Damascus on that Saturday and I meet Smoke Master and another hiker names backed up. I chatted with them by the car wash over on opposite side of town from the vendor section of town. I gave them a ice cold beer. Cool young guys. I was driving the charcoal gray colored tacoma TRD offroad model truck with a mountain bike in the back truck bed. Tell them Harold Denton said howdy from northeast Tennessee.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s awesome! I bet they really enjoyed that!

[@JuniorFarquar]

​@@harolddenton6031Avoid!

[@nymph40]

We have a nice present from Canada on ny nj smoke from forest fires it has to be horrible for hikers breathing in this bad air pray for rain

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

Hi ...love your videos....I saw you folding up your wet REI Flash air 1 tent....I have the flash air 2......did the tent leak or did you stay dry that night......would really appreciate your response.....🙂

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

The inside stays dry, besides condensation! It’s the outside that got drenched that morning!

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces Thank you ...Ive never used mine in the rain and you cant trust reviews like boots on the ground reporting....you rock...!!!

[@frolege1]

Who’s this Warner Doyle guy …

[@ericadavenport2039]

"I got my undergrad in ceramics". 😅 What are people thinking! I wonder what she's doing with that degree now.

[@cathinieto39]

As someone who is following you but not knowledgeable about the AP trail, where was this festival? Did I miss it, or did you not mention where it was?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I thought I said, but I don’t remember! It’s Damascus, Virginia!

[@solarfear6681]

Cinderella in crocks stay beautiful

[@garycondon7719]

Did you go to U of L ?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Nope, but it’s our most famous “home team” in my eyes

[@janetwarren]

Honey for allergies

[@razzbazle1582]

Ummm, yeah, no.

[@JuniorFarquar]

I saw a flame azalea Used to work as an RX on a major trail stop. I was the guy that was recommended to come shoot the sh*t with and get advice from.For 15 yrs. Don't become one of those pseudo ultra too cool types. Usually rich kids. So annoying. You seem independent enough, though. 😊

[@jjano2320]

I don't know if I would like getting soaked by those parade spectators. I'd skip that part. Smart phones have made it better than the old days.

[@lizzielolz2837]

Did anyone else cringe at the mention of the yellow deli.....? (Their 100% a cult. Like a cult cult)

[@michaelberrier9766]

I'm really close to there

[@justinfisher7918]

You're too awesome! Don't stop! You got this Ranger!!;

[@KuenYauSumFot]

On the video background pic it’s looks like you and your bro! Does your family do the trekking with you?

[@janetwarren]

Thanks!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Hey just wanted to let you know I’m seeing this twice! If you meant to donate a total of $4 that’s awesome, but if you meant to do $2, it looks like it happened twice