The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190-mile hiking trail stretching from Georgia to Maine, representing one of America’s most iconic long-distance hiking challenges. The hashtag exploded on Instagram and YouTube in the early 2010s as thru-hikers documented their multi-month journeys.
History
The AT was completed in 1937, but social media transformed it into a bucket-list phenomenon. Approximately 3,000 people attempt a thru-hike each year, with about 25% completing the full journey. The hashtag documents everything from trail prep to summit celebrations at Mount Katahdin.
Culture
Key moments: trail names (Sunshine, Blaze, Whisper), zero days in trail towns, resupply strategies, shelter logbooks, and the iconic white blazes. Popular gear: Osprey packs, Altra trail runners, Sawyer filters, and ultralight quilts. The phrase “hike your own hike” (HYOH) became a mantra.
Notable Moments
- 2014: Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild” film inspired surge in female thru-hikers
- 2017: Scott Jurek set speed record (46 days, 8 hours, 7 minutes)
- 2020: Trail closed during COVID-19 pandemic
- 2021: Record number of thru-hike permits issued (9,000+)
Sources: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Trek, Halfway Anywhere