By A. Grace BrownCome with me on a journey. We’re walking, we’re walking… Until suddenly you interrupt with a question. A brilliant one, really. Um, how far are we walking? Glad you asked. We’re walking for 2,174 miles; approximately 5 million steps. And then, just like that, we’re not walking anymore. Who would? you might ask.
This summer Jared Nudd became one of the approximately 9,000 people in the U.S. who have successfully taken on the challenge of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT). If you’ve attended New Hope Church for a while, you might recognize Jared as the quiet, unassuming guy who sometimes volunteers at the Ask Me Desk. If you’re a part of the “newhopeoutdoors” online community, you might also be aware of his growing reputation as a hard-core hiker and outdoors lover.
Jared’s fascination with the Appalachian Trail began many years ago, when he spent a week at Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, VA. While he and the other campers were hiking up to Spy Rock, Jared noticed a sign that announced that they were on the Appalachian Trail. Not long after that he learned that the AT extended from Georgia to Maine and his interest was piqued. A few years later, while attending Highland View Academy, Jared checked out a book called “Hiking the Appalachian Trail” by James R. Hare and from then on he was hooked. One day, he knew, he would be a thru-hiker too.
When asked why he wanted to attempt such a feat, Jared could give several reasons. Hiking the trail would be an adventure, a learning experience, and a welcome sabbatical from his normal routine. But it would also be a challenge. He notes that, “Eighty percent of the people who try thru-hiking the AT quit for various reasons. Hiking the trail is physically challenging, but the psychological challenges are even greater. I wanted to find out if I had what it takes to endure the hardship and keep walking day after day.”
On May 9, Jared strapped on his backpack and began his 2,174-mile journey from Springer Mountain, Georgia. It was an odyssey that would lead him northbound through 14 states, over all kinds of terrain, in all kinds of weather, and finally end on September 20 in Maine on top of Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the AT.
Along the way he would meet some fascinating people, see some breathtaking sights, and pick up a few life lessons that will remain with him for years to come. The Southern balds, Grayson Highlands, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and all of Maine ranked among his favorite places. And as for the life lessons, perhaps the most important one he learned was that even baby steps count; when the path is harder than expected, by continually putting one foot in front of the other you will eventually reach your goal. Welcome home, Jared! We’re proud of you.
