Why Am I Hiking So DANG Slow?! [Real Life on the Appalachian Trail]

[@jonbroadsword7572]

The only reason you are walking slower is because your pack is weighed down with the thousands of viewers you've invited on your momentous journey -- and Thank You so much for bringing us along.

[@cinramirez8627]

Don’t be so hard on yourself, Maddie. You might be slow but you’ve got stamina. You’ve got this!

[@craigdarby9533]

Don't rush. Enjoy the walk. Life goes too quickly. Thanks for the cool scenic views!

[@designdoctor247]

AMEN and stay healthy!!!

[@nancyolesin9389]

Awe, sweet Maddy, you’re not slow, just contemplative. I’m always the slowest swimmer, hiker, walker, etc., and always the slowest showering and changing in the locker room after a workout. I’ve come to realize I just need to do my own thing and not worry about the pace of others. Hope you make peace with your own pace.

[@TheSpiralLab]

You need to be gentle with yourself. You climbed so many of those rocks so many times-to set up the camera, film yourself, and then go back to get the camera again. You did that *so many times* to give us all that great footage. You’re not just hiking the trail, you’re making small films every week! Of course you’re going slower than everyone else!

[@TheSpiralLab]

Also, you’re a really good filmmaker!

[@khadijahmuhammadkebe9062]

You are very Epic!!!!!!!

[@backyardgames-zw2lu]

I’m proud of you and you should be proud of yourself. Hang in there. Hike your own hike. Enjoy every day bc despite the challenges you’re doing amazing. You’re one of the best trail vloggers. Hang in there.

[@woodchip2782]

You’re so right! She’s my favorite this year!

[@IndUSARider]

BIBP Girl, I have been following your AT journey right from the start and feel like I am hiking with you. I want to say something that was said a million times and you heard it a million + times. ‘Hike your own hike’ and enjoy while you’re there. Only a few people can do what you are doing. Be prod, Enjoy and keep going!!!!

[@NYDaughter1972]

I love your videos, Maddie. Thank you for taking the time to make them. Hiking the AT is not something I am capable of doing, so I appreciate coming along with you.

[@rcdriver107]

Hiking on the Appalachian Trail is not for the faint of heart. That is for sure.

[@margueritemitchell1829]

​@@rcdriver107or the physically challenged

[@aprilfensom6412]

Don't go fast, you'll miss seeing the awesomeness around you. ❤

[@serendipity5569]

Gotta make the cutoff date

[@JRoss707]

You’re doing great. I’ve noticed a few of your fast paced contemporaries have disappeared from the trail in recent weeks, and you’re still smashing it. Good job.

[@bonniekaminski4752]

From your first video until now, I've seen maturity and growth. Being a parent of adult children, I wonder how your parents feel when they see your videos. Do they cringe like I do when you get hurt, or when you are so hard on yourself. Thanks for the honesty and transparency. Keep Going!! You've Got This.

[@turboupgradegokartjoe1174]

❤Your hike is like life. It will never get any easier, you will only get better at handling it. So super proud of you Ranger! You definitely have this in you! Your brain is the only thing in the world that could stand in your way. Just keep moving, and you will make it to the end.❤

[@woodchip2782]

You’re a fantastic person! Bright, focused and resourceful, I don’t think you’re that slow. Keep in mind that all those movies you make are time consuming and steal a lot from your hike. But, selfishly, I’m happy you’re making them for us!😊 Keep them coming!😁

[@JeffJensen55]

Exactly! You have to remember, it is very time consuming to go up, set up the camera, go back and then retrace your steps. Even taking the time to talk and video while you’re hiking distracts from your hiking and slows you down. We really do appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos! Just keep pluggin’ along! ❤❤

[@tommybewick]

You're doing a great Job!. I will be slow too. I plan on hiking it when I'm retired at the age of 62. 57 now. My goal is just to finish the trail. You'll get there. Don't worry!

[@ajschiessl2162]

I swear on my life, many of the labeled distances on that trail are skewed. You’re doing a great job staying in the right mindset!

[@hopeard3512]

All those rocks remind me of the Adirondacks a little bit. They definitely kill the feet. But you’re doing awesome! This is YOUR journey don’t compare to anyone else!! ❤❤❤ Editing to add: I too am considered on the “slow side.” But that is SO subjective. No one will remember you for how fast you went per mile. What matters is that you finished! Or that you even tried to begin with! It’s inspiring either way! No one sets your pace. You do that. And there are benefits to taking a little longer. Less likely to fall and get injured! But in all seriousness…. I’m soooo inspired by you. You motivate me to keep hiking no matter how insignificant I feel sometimes in comparison to super strong and super fast hikers. It’s so silly really. The outdoors belongs to ALL of us. (I could talk about this all day, sorry). But just try to remember that you are so amazing and strong and you are truly doing something life changing and inspiring to so many people. ❤❤❤❤❤ YOU GOT THIS!!!!!!!

[@MediaMaverick_]

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Please. You’re doing an amazing thing + great videos to boot! 😊 Savor each moment.

[@designdoctor247]

yes!!!

[@KGood28]

You're way faster than others I've been watching. Don't beat yourself up!

[@RickINFJ]

You're right, we are born into our bodies. We have to exploit our strengths and accept our shortcomings. Your pace is steady and safe. 💪I feel you...I'm a short guy and always had to work a little harder at keeping up with friends. Don't get hung up on comparisons or the 'status quo'. We are all unique and you are perfect at being Maddie. Vlogging is a whole other job on top of hiking, and you're great at it! Rest well weary traveler. ✌️

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Very true, thank you!!

[@tennesseeyaya1830]

You’re doing great, much better than I ever did. Stay safe, enjoy the journey.

[@VivianInTheOC]

I’m a super duper slooow hiker. You would totally pass me any day. You’re doing great. Hang in there. Keep up the great work Ranger👍👍

[@Busboss1811]

Take your time sweet heart, we love you

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

We are rooting for you girl! You got this!

[@CoolBreeze413]

Lol don’t beat yourself and say you’re “slow”, you’re an absolute trooper and you are doing something epic that most people will never even dream of accomplishing in their lifetime

[@RC_0669]

You are killing it Maddie! Those camera angles of you rock scrambling - WOW! I bet you will feel better when you are off those crazy rocks. It looks so hard!

[@designdoctor247]

1:55 eeeekkkkkkk!!! i agree wow

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

You said it was hard and you didn’t quit and that that was pretty significant. You are absolutely right. That is an important observation!

[@Get_Some_Nature]

You made it into Delaware Water Gap!! I loved that church hostel last year. The paper towels to dry off after the shower was weird. The ice cream shop on the corner serves real home made ice cream. I had it twice before leaving town. You will be hiking over a long bridge and at your feet will be the state line for New Jersey. Make sure to take a picture giving the bird to Pennsylvania! I flipped off those rocks with both hands! I'll never hike in Pennsylvania again!!! New Jersey is still a little rocky but nothing like PA. 30 miles north of the state line and it's back to normal trail! Whoot! You are getting stronger! You got this! Keep up the positive vibes Maddie!!!

[@ChipChoc00]

Stay positive! You are doing with so many cannot do. I think your walking pace is impressive! Thanks for sharing what it’s like on the trail with us.

[@jennifercarmack2405]

I don’t think your slow. You are setting up camera angles and providing us great content. That means your doubling back quite a bit and doing twice as much work as everyone else and your fans, thank you! Team Ranger!!!

[@melindaobrien8766]

YOU ARE EPIC!!!!!

[@Get_Some_Nature]

Now you know why Rocksylvania sucks so much. You have to watch every step and it slows you down. Hike your own hike. Don't compare yourself to other hikers. It will only steal your joy. You need to go easier on yourself. You are doing great! I know the rocks are frustrating but you are almost done with them. The trail will be so much smoother in New Jersey and New Jersey. You got this Maddie!!! 💪🫂

[@janmariolle]

This is an awesome video. You are able to articulate the struggles we all face with a healthy and honest mindset. ❤

[@veggielovinaccountant]

Maddie, you have got to gat yourself new shoes! Most thru hikers go through 3-4 pairs! New shoes and a lighter shirt!

[@aadmonk]

Take it easy on yourself, you are a strong person. Being a bit faster isn't worth risking injury. You have got this!

[@karenhellier8790]

My ankles hurt every time you show us rocky trails. Ouch...but good for you for making it through. Proud of you Maddie!

[@ClairenParkerontheRoad]

Watching your videos is making me say new terms like I told someone I was taking a Zero when I took the elevator instead of the stairs.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Hahaha I love that!!

[@Jo-AnnCraze]

Maddie, You are doing such a great job!😅❤One step at a time at your own pace!!

[@monikajappert3093]

❤love to watch your Videos! Swiss greetings👍🙋‍♀️

[@trotsky88]

Maddie, you are nimble around those rocks. You killed em!

[@ronnovak2314]

And you’re doing this in the altitude and excessive heat! We’re rooting for you to make it!

[@laruep2275]

You're doing so much more on the trail than some others. Give yourself some creative liberty with your speed!

[@garyaaron8425]

You're doing great! Remember, we're pulling for you.. .not pushing fer you!

[@danielmcdevitt4731]

I am about 25 miles shy of completing my section hike of Pennsylvania. I started in 2021, so don't worry about your pace! I am limited to day hiking when I can find a hiking partner. Your review of my home state is spot on. Don't worry, we're not offended by the truth. Thanks for sharing your hike, the vids are entertaining and informative. Hike on.

[@catobubnikowicz9959]

Hiking boots with vibram soles would insulate your feet from all those rocks. It might also allow you to walk faster if your feet do not feel every pebble. I am amazed you are able to do all those rocky trails in basically sneakers. You are awesome! I know you are already done but KZbin showed me one of your later videos and I just had to go back and am binge watching your AT series. Thanks for taking us along!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks for watching!! Yeah, thicker shoes would have definitely been worth getting!

[@deborahhill3105]

I so relate! In my group of friends I backpack with, I am by far the slowest and I know how mentally draining that is. Then you have the mental drain of the rocks. It’s mentally exhausting to have to think about EVERY step. I am slow, but I also have a small stride so that is definitely a factor. Try not to beat yourself up. Keep your protein up. When you get to a cruisy piece of trail, turn on your turbo drive. The fact that you can hike the miles you get in each day is amazing!

[@mikemoore4016]

Sometimes it is so hard it's difficult to explain, but it's like all endurance sports, somehow we get up, pack, and do it!!!

[@davenorman8966]

Brilliant vlog yet again Maddie, and you're doing a great job nailing the AT and letting us follow your journey, thank you!

[@lladams4872]

I love watching ur videos. U are an inspiration. What I love is that u are an honest & genuine person. Very rare especially on social media. Enjoy this journey, I know all the viewers are enjoying it with u!

[@Josephhikes]

Thanks! I’ve just got off the AT at 660 miles after Angel rest Hiker’s Haven. All my Tramily left the trail . One from illness and me partly because of my leg injury. I hope to do some more miles this year . Until then I’m cheering you on from home !! My trail name is Texoma.

[@larajackson7506]

I'm living and from Pennsylvania so I get it! You did a great job and I'm so very proud of you! Continued prayers and love for you always! Thank you for sharing!❤😊

[@honeybadgerhikes]

You are there for yourself, this is your hike! When it’s all said and done, you will have your own memories. Comparing yourself to others robs yourself of joy. Others are hiking their own hike and doing what they need to do without waiting for you. May be finding other friends with similar pace would be more enjoyable. Just a few thoughts.

[@jasonjones5213]

I am a slow hiker, always have been,Just learned to except it.Great video.

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

Experiences learned and overcome on the 2023 AT thru hike. Tough terrain! Earth showing off its beauty. Yummy yum yum calorie up. Ranger in charge! 💪🇺🇸

[@kathrynbaker5188]

Cracked up with your dance clip!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Glad you liked it!

[@per-kjell4844]

Your hiking the Appalachian trail, you are definitely doing great 😮just keep going, it's not a marathon, most people never finish and you are in Pennsylvania!!!!!!😊

[@sharonspangler8118]

You are doing great! Don't be hard on yourself, you walk faster than most people!!!! And l lover your videos.

[@Standbytogetsome]

I’ve done that section from Wind Gap to Delaware water gap and it is miserable! Nice job getting through without an ankle injury!

[@bobv7753]

Hello Maddie, as all would agree you're doing great! You've accomplished so much. Keep in mind that you are currently hiking one of the toughest trail sections in the middle of one of the hottest summers on record. Hard on anyone! Also your putting in double duty with your KZbin content. Pretty awesome I might add!!! The videos & shots your setting up takes time. You've amassed quite a following and giving many who can't hike your first hand experience. Sharing your talent is a gift. Your in the moment living a grueling physical & mental challenge. The rewards of just partaking are significant. You will especially realize this later in life. Rest when you need to. Nobody is judging you but you. Your family, friends & followers are proud of you & appreciate your efforts. Especially with your channel content. When you're tired, beat down & wasted. Stop, rest & take time to appreciate your accomplishments! We all do!!! Best Wishes from an old hiker.

[@kennethchildress4454]

Hi Maddie. I’m a disabled retired veteran. I sectioned the southern half 4 years ago. The AT is one of my favorites and plan to complete it next year. You’re such an inspiration and you’re REAL. You keep it 💯 Not many can do what you are. You’re doing great! Thank you for taking the time to take us with you. I like when you get the light bulb. You know the AHA moments. It’s an interesting and unique journey and only you can experience it your way. Isn’t that mind blowing?! Keep it up lil’lady we are all rootin for ya!

[@dawnsteisslinger353]

My favorite part of this video was when you showed us the HUGE trees!!! So cool!!!!!=). Lots of rocks for sure. I think your doing great Maddie. It’s hot as you said and that always makes hiking harder. Also remember you’re making these beautiful videos for us and I’m guessing that takes up some of your hiking time as well. I so appreciate you’re videos, you’re good spirits and seeing all you can show us. Thank you!!❤

[@JamesEnTennessee]

Nice camera work. Thanks for sharing. Remember, "when the going gets tough - the tough gets going!"

[@larajackson7506]

You are doing great!! Pace yourself, do what you can and thank you for sharing!! Continued prayers and love for you! You got this girl!❤😊

[@CDNUTZ]

There is still so much time left to hike. It's not a race. Don't worry about it. I don't hike fast either but always seem to get to my destination. You're doing just fine.

[@amerphoto1]

Maddie, you are right that you are born with the body you have and of course we are not all the same. I too, am not as fast as I would like to be and very frustrated seeing people pass me putting in the big 30-mile days. But be very careful trying to push yourself too hard and get an injury that will really slow you down. Like you said, you did not quit. That is the most important thing. You may not have the strength, but you have grit and determination. Love your videos and love your personality. Best of luck, stay healthy and make it to Katahdin safely!

[@debbiegares7459]

Blue mountain is a crazy hard hike. I dont live far from there. Its a huge ski resort.

[@scooty46805]

✌️thanks for sharing♥️

[@jimmymalone3494]

I really enjoy your hiking videos.Ranger you got stamina' good luck to you.

[@missionaries7575]

You get to see it all not zooming through we all have our own pace. Enjoy the nature. I look forward to your videos and I want to camp so bad but look at you :)

[@sherryzee2634]

John Denver sang, "Some Days are Diamonds, Some Days are Stones". Seems your Days were Stones. As someone who has just finished 16 weeks of therapy and healing after a severe rolling of my ankle, I have watched how you carefully place your feet when you are navigating the "stones". This may slow you down some, but you are being SAFE and safeguarding your body, health and well being. I'd stick to being you and hiking your hike

[@dunning29]

Some of the best videos on the AT! Great job! Made me smile…

[@aandpforme]

You are doing amazing! More than 99.99% could. Hang in there. We are cheering you on

[@jujubean7254]

Well try not to be so hard on yourself! You are doing sometthing that lots of us will will never accomplish !! You are building resilience and character that will serve you well in life!!! Hang in there and thanks for sharing!🤗🖐

[@jamesadams2334]

Mountain Laurel is the Pennsylvania state flower.(rhododendron - very similar) The pack fit problem is probably due to weight loss and body shape changing. Ah, rocks. Rock hopping is a learned skill and I never had a problem with that because I was a river guide in Ohiopyle, Pa. for 35 years. I don't suggest trying to learn it while on the trail due to the chance of injury but once you are complete with the trail maybe you can learn it for the next time. You have to be able to make quick decisions and stick to them. Always look ahead and decide what location you will put you next step down. As soon as your foot touches down, you should already be deciding where the next foot is going. By doing this you can actually kind of glide across the tops of rocks in a smooth fast gait and move smoothly through the rocks. There are times that you don't have a choice and have to stop to step down or up a large step but for the most part, I can move through rocks at about 2 1/2 mph with a smooth gait about 95% of the time. If you do try learning this, start without a pack. Maddy, you are doing great and moving up trail at a good pace. Everybody travels at a different pace but you are doing fine. I think you are moving along quite a bit faster than you think. Your spirits are good, you are having fun and I think you are doing fine. Katahdin is getting closer every day, and the time left will fly by. Enjoy what you have left. It is definitely the most beautiful parts of the A.T. Hike safe, Hike strong, Have fun! geek

[@bajamy1]

Just remember you are a lot faster than those of us sitting at home watching you

[@amandadaisydogwanderings]

Maddie - i hope you become a nature tv producer after this. Your through-hike is the best tv show i'm watching. Every day i think to myself, i wonder what maddie is up to today and i love to watch your experiences. You're a really great story-teller 😊

[@1z1zmike]

Nice closeups and perspectives! Thanks…you’re doing great!🙏🙂

[@ClaireAdare-zi9nn]

I can't believe that you walk as easily as you do on those rocks!!!! You are doing great!

[@khadijahmuhammadkebe9062]

You are very Epic!!!!!!

[@lindiemoon]

It looks hot! Glad the rhododendron tunnels returned 😊 and hehe you are an excellent dancer

[@gwenh1697]

Another great video, Maddie! I found you when I was researching Sienna vans about a year ago. Love your content and I'm glad so many others do too.

[@gretat1087]

This was probably my favorite wrap up you’ve done from the whole trail. It seemed honest and vulnerable and while I always love your videos sometimes I feel like you force the cheeriness (not in a bad way but just maybe you were trying too hard for us). Anyway, this felt like we saw the real you. Still ultimately positive but in the most genuine way. I love your videos. Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip!!

[@nancysatori4744]

Love your spirit girl, keep it up!

[@azalianz1570]

Hi from New Zealand I love watching your journey

[@ClaireAdare-zi9nn]

OK- the dancing part was fun!!! Loved it!

[@markpiet1547]

Ranger, Thanks for sharing your journey. You are one of the best vloggers on the AT. 2023. Don't be discouraged with your pace. Just enjoy the fact that you are able to be out there. By the way, love your fast forwards in your videos. Great job.

[@FloridaGirlAdventures]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos for us. For me its like reliving some awesome times. Thank you! Be good to you 😊

[@ISLEOVUE]

Maddie is fast going up hills; at 15:22. Haha like the views, nice weather. Life a work a progress.

[@roberttrinies7698]

It seems that the slower KZbinrs have some of the best personalities. You're also funny, made me laugh,then ponder... maybe I'm a good dancer too ! ? 🤔

[@jeanfrost5452]

The dance number🤣😅😆

[@CaptainRon542]

you are doing great dont worry about your speed enjoy everything the AT has to offer. I live 11 miles from this Northern section of Pa and Iam on this section all the time you have to look down and watch every step. Its better to be safe then sorry

[@jimschlabachpeacefuloutdoo7327]

Praying for you to gain speed and sleep well. You are doing great!

[@douglas1071]

Really really rocky? That look crazy. Essentially, that part of the trail looks like an ankle break waiting that happen. I am so glad you're doing so well. Innis crazy hot here in Northern VA. Hope it's cooler in the mountains and stuff. Be well.❤

[@rjfranz217]

Stop being hard on yourself. You are doing something very few people can do or even try. It’s not about your pace, you are out there for the experience and seeing tour limits. You have been through a lot and 0ver 1,200 miles and keep on going. All of us viewers are impressed with you👍

[@wildflowersadventures]

You’re doing it! Great job! That looked fun!

[@DistractedDaisy]

Omg, how’d those rocks get there. That is crazy. Be careful.❤

[@cheesecake1003]

Your dancing segment is adorable and funny!

[@sydoniestock2187]

Another positive you can add to your list of pick-me-ups - you don't have asthma. As an aspiring AT thruhiker with asthma, I guarantee you are doing so much better than I will be at that same point on the trail! You are doing great, and I love watching your videos ❤

[@marytoutloff2838]

You are so special and precious.

[@BiggySnacks]

Really enjoying your long and short firm videos; you are such an inspiration! Keep it up!

[@Bane-l7h]

One time, I was rushing up a rocky trail and tripped on a rock, biffed it. Had I taken it easy I would have made it to the waterfall sooner. What I'm tryin to say is "Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is Fast." Take it easy on yourself, Ranger. And keep dancin!