American Veterans
On The
Appalachian Trail
Welcome to American Veterans On the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail is the most popular National Scenic Trail in America; and although American Veterans only make up 1% of the U. S. population, American Veterans make up a significant percentage of annual Thru-Hikers and Trail Maintainers on the AT.
The first two Thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail were American Veterans seeking a challenge and new direction after serving in World War II; and like them, today's American Veterans are seeking a challenge and rewarding leadership opportunities that the Appalachian Trail provides.
As I continue to work and hike full time on the AT, I hope that you also enjoy my Daily Trail and Travel Updates that provide valuable insight for all who enjoy the Appalachian Trail; as well as the current edition of the American Veterans Guide to the Appalachian Trail.
American Veterans Guide
To The Appalachian Trail
American Veterans on the Appalachian Trail represent a unique population who sometimes require additional resources that are not normally found in AT Guide Books. Therefore, the American Veterans Guide to the Appalachian Trail was written so that American Veterans can have all the resources that they may need in order to successfully hike the Appalachian Trail.
As I hike along the Appalachian, I will be placing a copy of this Veteran Resource in many of the shelters and lean-to's, as well as many of the hostels along the AT.
Just click on the button below to download your free copy.
American Veterans on the Appalachian Trail
-A Brief History-
The First Veteran
In 1948, World War II Veteran Earl Shaffer set out to "Walk Off" the war as the first person to walk an end to end hike on the Appalachian Trail. After less than 4 months on the trail, and with no help from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), Earl Shaffer hiked from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail; and he became the first American Veteran to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. In 2011, Earl shaffer was inducted into the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame.
The Second Veteran
In 1951, World War II Veteran Gene Espy set out on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia with a goal of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. With no assistance from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Gene Espy completed his hike in just 120 days. In 2011, Gene Espy was inducted into the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame.
Today's Veteran
Today's American Veteran is seeking a new challenge, volunteer opportunities, and a new community in which they can thrive with like minded individuals. The Appalachian Trail community is a place of camaraderie and support that allows American Veterans an opportunity to Discover how they can engage with other veterans, share experiences, and find a new direction in the outdoor community.
Meet Jim
After a career in the U. S. Marine Corps, multiple AT Thru-Hikes, and over 20 years of hiking and maintaining the Appalachian Trail, I remain forever dedicated to the preservation of the AT and the Long Distance Hiking Experience. After an extended break from the Appalachian Trail in order to address medical issues, I have returned to the AT in order to work, travel, and hike full time and assist American Veterans as they attempt to seek new challenges and a new direction on the Appalachian Trail.
Having held many leadership positions on the Appalachian Trail, I am keenly aware that it's not just American Veterans who make up the best of what the AT has to offer. The Appalachian Trail community is comprised of dedicated individuals from all walks of life; therefore, it is my ultimate goal to provide assistance to all those individuals who have dedicated themselves to the preservation of the Appalachian Trail, and the promotion of the long distance hiking in America.
As I travel, hike, and work along the AT, I look forward to meeting the next generation of long distance hikers, trail maintainers, and leaders on the Appalachian Trail. As such, please do not hesitate to call upon me for assistance as you hike the AT, or if you need a assistance on how to become a trail maintainer on the Appalachian Trail. I look forward to seeing you on the trail, and feel free to take a look at my Daily Trail Updates on this website.
