5,000 miles in 2025! My Thru Hiking Plans This Year

It is finally time that I thru hike the Continental Divide Trail, and go after my triple crown. I have already done the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, so there is just one left. The 3,000 mile CDT, which I'll be starting mid July, going southbound from Glacier National Park, and attempting to do in 3 months.

But that's not all! I am starting the year with a warmup winter thru hike of the 1,100 mile Florida Trail! And funny enough... I'll be carrying a SIX POUND skateboard for the journey. Along the FT there are quite a bit of paved roadwalks which kind of suck, so the skateboard will be used on those to..... make them suck less! So a thru skate of the Florida Trail to begin 2025, starting early January and heading southbound.

From there I will head north in my van to the Appalachian Mountains where I will hike the 300 mile Benton MacKaye Trail, which parallels the Appalachian Trail and even shares the same southern terminus at Springer Mountain. It travels north in an S shape, crossing the AT one more time. It goes through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park for a long time, and overall I think will be really cool! Not nearly as busy as the AT but a similar experience through the same environment, sounds great! I will do this hike in April.

The 70 mile Foothills Trail is also nearby, between Charlotte and Atlanta, and I will do that as well when in the area. It's a trail and thru hike which I've heard of for a long time, and would love to see it for myself. It is known to be an incredible shakedown hike for those who would like to do the Appalachian Trail. Similar environment, and a good place to test your gear and learn new skills.

From there it will probably be the month of May, and I will begin traveling north, and finishing up preparations for the Continental Divide Trail.

My Favorite Thru Hiking Gear:

0:00 - 5,000 miles in 2025
0:20 - Going after my Triple Crown
1:01 - Skateboarding the 1,100mi Florida Trail
5:01 - Foothills Trail
6:21 - Benton Mackaye Trail
9:08 - Continental Divide Trail

THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:

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[JupiterHikes]

Check me out on Instagram for the most recent updates for my hikes this year! @jupiterhikes

[JohnZahorian]

was a pleasure! you're a natural on that sewing machine. looking forward to hearing about the trip

[gypsygirlhikes]

Yes!! Please do gear videos on each of the trails. I learn so much from you and how to get lighter each time! Congratulations and looking forward to following along!! Stay safe you two!!

[heartattackhiker]

I'm glad Sprocket will be there with you Jupiter. Take care my friend, looking forward to your journeys.

[OakleyOriginals]

What a great idea to skateboard the roads on the Florida Trail. You definitely "walk the walk", doing it YOUR way, which is nice to see. Hike on, and enjoy those miles of adventure with Sprocket!

[dougmiller]

You're an inspiration to me in every video to let in my pack and get out and do more miles to enjoy nature in a more natural state. Looking forward to following along with your adventures this year

[MyraHart]

It's so great to be able to tag along on your adventures! Your year sounds wonderful!

[blisterwalken]

Sounds cool. Especially mixing hiking and skating. Weirdly enough, i just went out skateboarding today for the first time since i briefly tried as a kid. Look forward to seeing your 2025 adventures. Keep on rolling 😀

[rachescakes]

Happy trails! I always love your adventures. You don’t shy away from the less popular trails. Skateboarding the FT sounds like quite the adventure!

[Colby]

Yes!! Sounds like a fun year planned. Skateboarding will be fun to watch.

[tmcg]

I’m excited for you! Your skateboarding adventure is a mash up that’s unexpected and I love that you’re thinking out of the box and playing in a fun way. I also love that ur are doing the CDT in your ultra light way. I admire your dedication, creativity and skill set regarding thru hiking! It’s inspiring!

[DingDong-fqmo]

Love the skateboard idea, and can't wait to hear about how it goes.

[NateHikesTexas]

So dope!! Combining my two loves, skateboarding and hiking!! Very stoked to see the videos. Good luck man!!

[peterjohnson]

I'm looking forward to following your year, Jupiter. Your videos are always interesting and inspiring.

[skebqc]

I like the skateboard thing. This is how we commuted when I was a teen. Slapped some big longboard wheels on rised short boards.... good times! Cant wait to see how it goes!! Have, both of you, a great year!

[jphiking]

Thru-skating, that is awesome. It is so cool to see a new way to enjoy a trail you’ve done before. And I’m excited to see how you like your DIY pack.

And for the CDT, it’s great to hear you’ve decided to it this year … in part because I too am doing it this year (SOBO too.) I hope I’ll meet you out there!

Really looking forward to your videos!

[JohnHikes]

Awesome plans. Though being in the southeast and hiking every trail here, I do have a recommendation for you to consider.

Do the foothills trail east to west. From here, you can hike to or take a short shuttle ride to the beginning of the Bartram Trail. Hike the ~115 Bartram Trail. Both the Foothills Trail and the Bartram trail are profoundly underrated trails. I loved them both. Everything great about the AT, but with less people. When you hiked the AT, you passed the Bartram Trail twice. Once near Wayah Bald and again at Cheoah Bald (terminus of the Bartram Trail). You then can either get a ride to Springer to start the BMT or hike down to Springer to start the BMT. I've backpacked all of these trails. You will not regret hiking any of these trails. That was my plan to hike sometime in the future.

I am north of Atlanta if you need some help with anything. Best of luck on the trails and can't wait to follow along on the journey.

[jodigreanead]

How novel! Love your creativity and will enjoy watching 😎

[Hobomountainwander]

Happy Nrw Year. I love the idea to thru skate the FT. I love the Foothills trail and it was so much fun. I hiked the Benton McKay from the Pinhoiti to the Smokies. I have from the Pinhoiti to Springer left to finish.


Good luck on finishing your triple crown

[elliemisiura-qvjh]

Thrilled for you & excited to see it!