Into the Wild: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail

In 2019, I did something that would change my life forever. I thru-hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail.

Into the Wild is a story written by John Krakauer about Christoper McCandless.... and his story was a large inspiration for this journey, hence the title.

My amazon shopping list for this thru-hike:

(You can also use this link for your own shopping and I’ll receive a small kickback to help fund my next thru-hike)

[trentchamness]

I was obsessed with the trail when I was younger. Had all the supplies and waited on the right time to go. Life happened. This video popped up. I felt a physical heart pain. My youngest is a junior in high school. I made my list at REI and am heading there in the morning. I’m going to do this. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Purplexity-wwnb]

My wife and I hiked the trail in 1974 during our extended "honeymoon". I'm glad to see the younger kids have taken up the mantle. So many memories, still crystal clear, even after almost 50 years. BTW, we're still happily married, in no small part due to the difficult journey we endured at the outset of our union. God bless you.

[alanjackson]

British viewer here. I'm 48 yrs. Planning to do this when I'm 55 yrs (when my son is done at Uni). Hope to see some readers there.

[inthecouchproductions]

I don't know you, but from one human being to another: I am so proud of you for persevering.

[an_ark_e_]

You should be proud of yourself not just for finishing the trail but also for the great job you did editing this video. I think it is one of the better videos out there showing the trail and what it is like on a day to day and state to state basis.

[pablonickodemus]

The AT will stay with you forever. I hiked it in 1997 and I still keep up with most of my trail family. Like I told them at the end of my 7 month hike. "Don't let the AT be your last adventure, keep going, move further out and up"! I hiked the PCT two years later, then trekked through South America, Africa, climbed Kilimanjaro and finally I moved to Australia. Keep following the white blaze! - Globetrotter

[vcrpnff]

"do you want to be chained to luxury, money, or do you want to be chained to adventure?" is a great mentality for life

[zingzach]

I can’t believe I randomly saw one of my college buddies, Nick, eating an apple at ~15:38 into your video, which I decided to watch after seeing it on my “recommended” feed. I immediately texted him to confirm that it was, in fact, him. Such a small world. 😂🤯

[myrtleash]

I was sitting here racking my brain trying to figure out who the narrator sounded like... after a google search of famous actresses I saw the answer... Congratulations on having Jennifer Lawrence chronicle your journey...

I'm an old guy but it sure is heart warming and reassuring to see young people with so much zeal for life, able to find joy in tough times, knowing the meaning of friendship. You all, each and every one of you are an inspiration. Hope you laugh through life just like you did this trail adventure. God Bless you all.

[timothycottom]

I followed your adventure every step of the way. This video is a great reminder of the whole journey. In March of 2021 at the age of 62 I'll be following your example right after I retire.

[lorrainebradley]

I saw the length of this video and decided I was not going to watch the whole thing but I. could. NOT. stop. !! I ended up watching every single second! Very well filmed and great story-telling. I'm not lying when I tell you I cried with you when you reached the end, I was so happy for you and your group!! What an amazing accomplishment. I hope, one day, I can finish the AT as well!

[DougV]

That was one of the best things I've seen on youtube in a while. Felt like I was on the trail with you. Congrats, and thanks for sharing.

[tricitytypebeat]

I heard "I'm hiking the Appalachian Trail in three days, " and thought, "I don't think that is possible." Took me a minute to understand it was a starting time, not a finishing time lol

[mpakirk]

Quite possibly THE best AT through hike video on YouTube. Thank you.

[UnknownPreacher]

I'm 60 years old and I want to hike this trail. I just hiked Florida and parts of Georgia before someone bought me a bus ticket home. So awesome . thank you lord for the kindness of that person

[samanthaloera]

I just watched this. Tears. My uncle Ronnie passed away on the Appalachian trail and I always seem to come back and watch other people complete their journey. Very proud 🥺

[Mtnsunshine]

Wow. Just finished watching. (I was supposed to be doing some work, but could not stop.) are a genius at telling a story through video and the written word. So well done. 👍. If there is a film festival where you could enter this, I highly recommend you do so. It is mesmerizing, beautiful and so emotionally rich. Thank You, Thank You! ❤️❤️❤️

[hollyjennings]

Julia, thank you so much for your story. You are such an inspiration. As a 50 year old, I have so many regrets, regrets for finding reasons to not fulfill my dreams. I remember, in 1990, when I was in nursing school, telling my dad that someday, I will hike the trail...Fast forward to 2021 almost 2022, I have been a nurse for 27 years, a wife and a mother. I turned 50 this year... you cant get back those years. My husband and I do section hikes, but it's not the same. Do not get me wrong, I am thankful. Life goes by so fast and I hope and pray you are enjoying more adventures!

[ChillinWithBrody]

Yeah getting stung sucks. I grew up near the blue ridge mountains in VA and spent a lot of my childhood playing in the woods. I stepped in a yellow jacket nest the size of a basketball when I was around 12 years old. I'll never forget that, they stung me dozens and dozens of times. They were in my socks, my underwear and inside my shirt. I froze and couldn't move and remember my brother yelling at me but I was incapable of moving atm. I'll never forget that.
Great video, my son and I are thinking about tackling the AT someday.