White Blaze - Stories from the Appalachian Trail

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is an adventure shrouded with foliage and mystery. Those who complete the trail are changed forever...
Nimblewill Nomad explains what the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a hike is, as well as what makes the journey - not the destination - so special and challenging to thousands of people each year.

[@koreanature]

My best friend, Great... We liked and enjoyed to the end. Thanks Have a happy day! Keep it up! +thumb up3!

[@PudgyPastures]

The guy at 5:55 is EXACTLY where I'm at right now. I'll be 54 in November and stuck in this rut and I keep thinking to myself, "So, this is it?" Surely there is more to life than cell phones and paying bills.

[@shadyberero6809]

This is such a lovely video. What a diversity of really thoughtful, emotional, aspirational, determined, wistful thoughts and reasons. Great idea and a really enjoyable watch. Very touching!

[@marcclement7396]

Love to hear some people my age (older) speak to this. Many of us did this without cell phones and satellite navigation. We followed somewhat outdated guide books, no fancy lightweight gear. Early 80's. We roughed it daily, and we never ever looked at a watch that showed elevation, mileage, or heart rate. I take nothing away from the younger crowd. We share this bond whether we brought Crocs and earbuds or hiked thru with metal framed packs, wool socks, and leather boots.

[@thiefonthecross7552]

So beautiful the aspiration to help lower income people to be able to do such things. Travelling and exploring has such an allure but many realize that most people simply do not have the means to ever do those things.

[@HunterMann]

Yes I like that a lot as well. It should not be an elitist thing to be able to take six months off from the rat race and go hike a trail. I also support the idea that high school teacher should also receive sabbaticals every seven years instead of just granting that to college professors. One thing I’ve never heard through hikers talk about is the actual cost of doing the hike. Obviously there’s the clothing the backpack the fact that you’ll probably go through a few different pairs of hiking boots, the cost of food and shipping the food to each post office along the way, but in the bigger picture what it cost them to lose six months wages down percent, to even lose their place in the pecking order. If you’ve worked hard for 10 years in your field of work, taking six months off you might lose your place in line and you have to start again at an entry level.

[@martyfox9099]

The last time I hiked the a t was right after my first amputation of my lower leg I really enjoyed the time spent and many people who helped along the way thanks 😊 and all please be safe 🙏

[@jamesadams2334]

I've thru hiked twice. It will change your life!

[@sheenarader6495]

We are all on the "trail" of life, just walking home! ❤

[@terrypaschal348]

The Legend, the very essence of a hiker ambassador. My friend and neighbor. Thanks Sonny for all you do from atop Flagg Mt.

[@troubadouroutdoors2126]

"The trail is a great leveler of people, it brings us all to the same point, of day-to-day life."... Amen "It's a very simple life."... Indeed "There are still a lot of good people in this world, and a lot of them are on the Appalachian Trail."... Yayuss

[@actoldlater...itsnevertool5288]

Awesome job combining all these hiker thoughts into a meaningful video. It was fun to recognize some of these faces from my time on the AT in 2018. I'll be returning to try again in 2019, having learned SO MUCH of which is succinctly expressed by those you interviewed. I think most of us can relate to much of the thoughts spoken out loud here. In case he's watching (and reading comments) I'd love to give a shout out to Steppin' Wolf, the man at both 5:34 and 30:02.... just a couple days after he rescued the woman from the approach trail, he helped me submerge my sleeping pad in a creek to find the leak. I ran into him often in the first 200 miles, usually spotting him near his tent in a random spot, quietly playing his guitar. For me, 2018 was the year of the inspiring people I met throughout my journey. 2019 is still a mystery, and I like it that way. (I do hope to meet Nimblewell!) THANK YOU for this beautiful video production.

[@godfreyt3706]

It was a process, but we are happy that it has touched you the way that is has. Happy Trails!

[@emmapowell28]

Thanks for mentioning who that is, great interview! What's the best way to connect with Steppin Wolf online?

[@sheenarader6495]

Great stories! Thanks for sharing!

[@annettehudson3980]

I love the way you explain it. GOD is real and only he is the way of life. GOD bless you all❤️❤️

[@aliash8599]

Amen.

[@olemissguy200]

Nah fam

[@janschautz1965]

Oh my goodness. I love this. And Mr Sunny ( I think is his name ?) is wiser than anyone I’ve ever met. I have not hiked the trail. I want to. I want to feel the release of the pressures. I want to experience the physical, mental and spiritual aspect he talks about. And I want to meet him. I could listen to all of the people talk about their experiences all day long. Thanks for sharing this. ❤️

[@robbiebeck22]

His trail name is Nimblewood Nomad. Go check him out - easily one of the most famous backpackers of all time. I think he is a retired doctor.

[@paulao7022]

Take some deet spray for mosquitos. You will be glad that you did. Check yourself for ticks. I have found in the spring of 2020, the ticks are really bad in the northeast. We had a mild winter, with lots of rain. Good luck, to all the adventurers every where!

[@diannh2894]

I can relate to when he said the trail is a great equalizer. I've been there. Just in other ways when I was homeless. I thought I was the only one who has experienced that and felt the same way.

[@hardknock1753]

It’s the people, the places the pain and the trials It’s the joy and the blessings that come with the miles It’s a calling gone out to a fortunate few to wander the fringes of God’s hazy blue Thank you Mr. Sunny Eberhart

[@godfreyt3706]

Such a great quote from a great man.

[@kdavis4910]

This is beautiful 💚✌

[@timbering4744]

You can’t distill it any further than that.

[@diannh2894]

Amazing documentary! I've been looking into this. One day I'm going to do it.

[@johnahern4345]

Absolutely LOVED this!!

[@lonleyndn]

Love 🙂

[@markpaiste]

Life is the very next path and the very next hill.

[@scottpope9105]

Good stuff. Nimblewill was my inspiration to get into thru hiking when I found his blog about the North Country Trail during research for a camping trip a number of years ago. I did the JMT last summer and hope to be on a slightly longer hike starting in June 2019.

[@BucksMom218]

A much needed reflection on Christmas morning 2020...as the world is sick, chaotic and full of unrest, the AT, even in thought, provides. Happy Holidays and Happy 2021 to all. Stay well! 🥾🥾🐾🐾💕💕

[@kampersadventures958]

Wow...so, so good. The commentary, scenery, music, what a special video. Thank you.

[@godfreyt3706]

Thanks so much! I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@kampersadventures958]

@@godfreyt3706 Very inspiring! I have shared this on FB with many of my friends that are also attempting a thru hike of the AT in 2020. They are totally loving it.

[@godfreyt3706]

Thanks for sharing! Happy Trails~

[@hikingadventures1017]

That was awesome! Thanks for sharing!! I can't wait to hit the trails again!

[@MrHooligan357]

the dude in the brown baseball cap has a viable idea. He needs to put together a proposal and pitch it to the right people. He will be successful.

[@Tipster49]

fantastic , powerful 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I’m planning/hoping, God willing, to hike the AT with my dog in 2020. I can’t wait!! I’ll turn 60 that year 😊 I would love to turn 60 on Katahdin but will probably do a flip flop if I can figure out the travel logistics.

[@godfreyt3706]

Good luck! That is a great goal. Happy early birthday!

[@jlopezjoaquin]

Nice! 2021 is my year!

[@hardknock1753]

Stephanie Bynum - same plan here Stephanie. AT and 60 in 2020! Hope to see you there

[@conniekoumjian8933]

I am planning to hike the Camino in Spain in 2020... God bless you and my best wishes go with you!

[@markbuckingham307]

Would not recommend bringing your dog.

[@michcatani7795]

2021 .... here I come 👍🏼👍🏼

[@brittlands8122]

Best video I've watched in long time

[@richardf7087]

Nice video. I really like some of the philisophy about why people hike the trails. It's not about hiking those long miles instead it's enjoying taking one just one more step.

[@gabrielahales8125]

This made want to thru hike this sucker so bad im starting to think about running from home to do it.

[@ihikefar]

Most folks get it wrong. Sunny Eberhart is one of the few who actually know how to correctly pronounce “Appalachian”.

[@bkbland1626]

Like it matters.

[@OG-PapaDude]

I think the first dude was the Trail Angel waiting at the Jerry Cabin shelter near the 300 mile mark with beer in '17!

[@BackOutside]

this video is so awesome

[@MountainLust]

Very inspirational. I'll do it one of these days.

[@StevenZiegler]

This was lovely--a refreshing change of pace from most KZbin vids. Thanks for making this video.

[@godfreyt3706]

We are glad you enjoyed it!

[@diannh2894]

This was beautiful

[@stephaniebolt6955]

If anyone has an email for the gentleman that talks about helping low income people get to the trail my niece suffers from depression she’s 12 I would love to do a hike there with her! I feel like that might just put her on a better path in her life 💜

[@MARLEYFANcbr]

2024 is my year. What about you all?

[@GuadalupePicasso]

I attempted a NOBO thruhike in 2007, having to get off in Damascus, VA, due to a leg injury. I’d always wanted to return and finish, but was never able to do so. It wasn’t until the lockdowns of 2020 when I finally got back to the trail. For me, hiking became my preferred form of social distancing, and the best way to manage all of the free time that I suddenly found myself with. At the tail-end of June 2020, after church on Sunday, I drove and parked my car at the last road crossing of the AT in New Jersey, taking a taxi 18 miles south, spending the day hiking to my car. The following week, I parked my car where I had that taxi drop me off, getting a ride to the PA/NJ border, at the Delaware Water Gap, spending 2.5 days hiking to my car, thus finishing the NJ section (save for the final 2.5 miles to the NY border from the last road crossing in NJ). Two weekends later, I parked my car at a state park in New York that’s roughly 2/3 through the AT section there, taking a Lyft to the last road crossing in NJ. I then spent 3.5 days hiking to my car, knocking out the last 1/3 of the NY section the following Friday and Saturday. Then, starting on the Friday of Labor Day weekend, I started at Harpers Ferry, spending 2-weeks hiking to just across the NJ border at the Delaware Water Gap. For this year, if all goes as planned, I’ll get to Damascus, VA sometime near Memorial Day, taking around a month to hike the 550+ miles north to Harpers Ferry. I also plan on knocking out both Connecticut and Massachusetts, maybe also at least part of Vermont.

[@MARLEYFANcbr]

@@GuadalupePicasso Sounds awesome. I am glad were are able to get out there and hike the AT any way you can. See you on the trail.

[@raimundb.5560]

The AT ...a dream

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

That was Amazing!!! I Love the AT!!!

[@thehafricanultralighter4973]

Flossy! My man. #kylehateshiking

[@davewalters9843]

The A.T. is addicting

[@kenbayard6737]

Very well done

[@godfreyt3706]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@GoingYooper]

Im still talking about it. :(

[@papajeff5486]

I have been a servant for 42 years. I have 2 more years to serve, uninterrupted. I think I would like to see what it would be like to do such a thing as spend a few months without serving anyone else, worrying are they comfortable, fed, warm. Do they need money? Do they need a bit of cheerleading? Do they need shelter? Do they need a bit of guidance? Maybe a long hike is in my cards. I’m not sure; l may be too old, now. Texas

[@kdavis4910]

You are never too old. Never.

[@billthompson4197]

The gentleman with the long gray hair. Did he hike the trail in 2013? If so, what was his trail name?

[@GuadalupePicasso]

He’s probably hiked the trail more than once, first time back in the 90s, and is consisted a legend. In hiking circles, he’s known as Nimblewill Nomad. He has at least one book, 10,000,000 Steps, which I highly recommend.

[@markcummings6856]

Good stuff 👍.

[@paulao7022]

I don't think, anyone should hike/camp alone. If you can't find someone to go with you, then take a dog. A dog, will hear & see things, long before you will.

[@michaelshanks8979]

Kind of amusing to hear someone talk about about how brutal the approach trail was while he's sucking on a cigarette. Cigarettes are not only detrimental to health but they are a budget buster. I quit smoking 28 years ago and, at the time, it was not for health reasons, it was a financial decision, and cigarettes are WAY more expensive now than they were back then.

[@tomsergesketter5138]

Wow. Awesome philosophy

[@lisakn27]

A youtuber said to do it right and to do it without a lot of headache it would take $10k-$20k to hike the AT

[@kdavis4910]

Not true. Depends on the individual.

[@bando3148]

Sign me up

[@drewwithamericansouthdesig9288]

One day, God willing, my wife and I will hike the AT.

[@curiositypiqued6573]

Got any paranormal/supernatural vids eg also infused with history etc ie/eg native Americans etc

[@donaldbarnharti7288]

Section hiked AT in 1997. Would like thru hike whole trail in 2020. Want to start in Maine. Travel south. Any advice.

[@brokebikemtb4448]

You should leave the end of the first week in June

[@paulao7022]

I suggest, any hiker's should take potassium & magnesium in you back pack. Magnesium, helps the bones & joints and etc. Potassium, will keep your legs from cramping. Ibuorophen helps too.

[@chinseng3056]

Should change name to ultralight trial.

[@troykeeling1733]

Nobo 97

[@MaxStevenson-ih5ji]

lol at calling 911 on the unprepared lady.

[@dwaynedale7343]

Yeah, elders dying of hypothermia is hilarious. Prick.

[@MaxStevenson-ih5ji]

i don't even buy that story anyway. Who has ever heard of a "water resistant tent"? You haven't heard that term at all ever because that isn't a thing. Anyway i thought it was funny that he called 911 when it sounds like the lady walked down anyway. Most people aren't aware that if you have an ambulance called on you, you will have a $500+ dollar bill. I mean she walked that far, she should be able to get down 2 miles. I was lol'ing because the guy tried to tell the story like he was a giant hero and all this when the lady probably would have been fine anyway. Then again i wasn't there so i don't know. good on him to help the lady out (assuming what he said is true 0o) Only a brain dead idiot who believes everything people tell him would think what i said was an attack on elders you gullible dweeb.

[@bdickinson6751]

@@MaxStevenson-ih5ji You've never had hypothermia have you???????

[@brucemcclendon2316]

Too many people on that trail....I don't want to seem like an asshole but for me it would be more about solitude and scenery, and the fewer people I see the better I would like it. More about endurance than social gatherings. In my business I deal with alot of people on a daily basis and would enjoy seeing alot less humans and alot more wild life.

[@stevehornberger6675]

You should do the cdt then.

[@IamtheEricaBergstrom]

Beautiful. I never heard of this before age 35ish. I would love to get this knowledge out to younger kids.

[@Jungle.D.OutDoors]

I was very much touched by this video... I am all the way in the Caribbean and always-thinking of how possible it is for me doing a Thru Hiker ..the AT / PCT. I love the great outdoors do lots of hiking in my region. Love hiking / camping and all that. My favorite Tv Pgm , Thru Hikers lol all day.

[@kdavis4910]

Holy spit, it's flossy from the Kyle Hates Hiking channel : ) About 10:29. And flossy is from Maine too.

[@jasonthomas652]

Just noticed that and went to the newest comments first to see who else noticed him!!!!

[@100bfriend]

70 days until my kickoff...im glad I saw this video

[@matthewsinclair507]

72 for me. See you out there!

[@godfreyt3706]

We wish you the best of luck!

[@sheenarader6495]

So encouraging to hear how you all relate to each other as a "trail family!"

[@marieann3355]

I would love to know who the guy is that said he wanted to make the AT accessible to low income people

[@tdbman2379]

I think his trail name is Steppin Wolf. Not sure if he's on any social media or not

[@kozmiczian]

. . . used to see reference to Nimblewill, back in my early hikes . . . '96, 'OO, 'O1, '11- '15 . . . watched the age change from analog to digital, as we were still using land lines in town in '96 . . . knees, hips gone in ’24. 76, hiking by proxy with the vlogers.

[@trailtimestories9166]

I so hope to hike this trail one day. Thank you for the video.

[@brianwofford3831]

Wow! Thanks for the video! I really enjoyed it. I have only hiked about 580 different miles of the trail, but I have loved the experiences.

[@GuadalupePicasso]

Nimblewill Nomad is such a legend. His book 10,000,000 Steps is one of the select few gold standard books not only on the Appalachian Trail (his book includes the original stretch of the International Appalachian Trail, and also the rest of what is generally known as the Eastern Continental Divide Trail, ending down in the Florida Keys), but of long-distance hiking in general.

[@amandaebarb4673]

⚖️ JUSTICE FOR GABBY .🕯️💐🏜️🚐 👤⏳

[@jeffmartin3406]

I hope I enjoy the journey and I hope the trail loves me back.

[@godfreyt3706]

The trail is not there for you, you are there for the trail.

[@Ureyeuh]

8:40 This is many of us. We could be him.

[@kellycarlen9605]

Enjoyed your movie. Thank you!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Really enjoyed hearing these hikers stories. Thanks for sharing. Just subbed.

[@gailvollmer5883]

Great Video. Very Inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[@godfreyt3706]

Happy hiking in 2019!

[@dage1301]

Great job discussing the journey!

[@godfreyt3706]

Glad you enjoyed it. The journey is the best part.

[@Bohonk212]

Definitely the journey not the destination and why so many get emotional atop Katahdin.

[@StevenSmith-xg7ky]

Awesome video!

[@hopalongjohnny9797]

Awesome video! Everyone has a story for sure. Hop Along Class of 2017

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

so true!! you are just another hiker out there. The way it should be always!

[@iam_whittle]

😲🤘hike on

[@dwaynedale7343]

@13:10 Is that Tristan Frower from List 25?

[@timandrew1091]

Saw my buddy Mitch in here 3 times

[@nathancox4217]

Excellent

[@jordanmills2882]

Very good.

[@commonsensecamper]

Great video! Just subbed

[@godfreyt3706]

Common Sense Camper thank you! Glad you enjoyed!

[@clarkansas6590]

Very good

[@aliash8599]

How much does it cost about ? I would like to have any an idea if how much I need to save?

[@Papah_Roach]

Ali Ash about 1,000 per month.

[@kdavis4910]

It depends on the individual. It costs about $1,200 for on trail expenses. You also should consider the price of gear and also save for expenses back home. I have been saving money for almost a year and have to buy the lightest gear possible that also allows for comfort due to a rare neuro muscular diagnosis. The gear doesn't ensure success but it will stop me from developing palsies, thus taking me off the trail. I have a tentative date of 2022 but it may be later. Just start and keep saving and you will get there. I know it seems like an enormous task.

[@kcevirodem]

I also heard between 5-6 thousand for the through hike.

[@timhikes8624]

Great video!

[@robertwnc]

Well done!

[@jacobpoucher]

disliked this vid is a joke.

[@lyricderbin1169]

Really?

[@fredderf3207]

Oh well.

[@godfreyt3706]

Disliked this comment is a joke

[@jimscott2998]

Why would you disparage the spiritual goals of those whose objectives are different than your own. Get a life with a real owned style, be happy for others’ accomplishments👍🏼

[@williamblackwell8259]

Opinions are like A-holes, everybody’s got one 😊