For many people, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) isn’t just a trail. It’s a place to build confidence, discover inner strength, and try new things. This summer, a group of young people with Soul Trak Outdoors, a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit, stepped onto the Trail.

For most of the NYC based-trip participants, this was their first time hiking on the A.T. None of them had ever spent multiple days outdoors before. But over the course of a week, they connected to the land, learned new skills, and pushed themselves mentally and physically. At the end of their journey, they emerged with trail names, hard-earned stories, and confidence in themselves to try something completely new.

Soul Trak’s mission is to connect communities of color to outdoor spaces while building a diverse coalition of future outdoor leaders. Through hands-on, experiential programs, their staff introduce young people to activities like climbing, paddling, and backcountry travel. Nature, as Soul Trak emphasizes, is both a gathering place and a classroom: a setting where people gain new skills, develop a sense of place, and learn what it means to care for the environment.

On their A.T. trip, Soul Trak participants spent the week hiking, camping, and learning from people who help protect the Trail. Potomac A.T. Club Ridgerunners and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Harpers Ferry Visitor Center staff members shared stories and tips. The Ridgerunners also helped the group become Junior Ridgerunners with a pledge to practice Leave No Trace and help care for the Trail.

The ATC’s work to maintain and protect the footpath, its surrounding landscapes, and the visitor experience help organizations like Soul Trak introduce new hikers to the A.T. In this way, our missions are entwined. When organizations like Soul Trak take young people to the Trail, they’re not just giving them an adventure—they’re cultivating the next generation of stewards who will help ensure the A.T. remains cared for and protected.

Below, Soul Trak participants reflect on their first time on the Trail in their own words, and under their newly earned trail names.

Was this your first time visiting the Appalachian Trail?

The Running Man: Yes, this is my first time.

Theorist: Yes! It was an experience I hope to do again.

Hawkeye: First time backpacking, but not hiking.

NACL: Yes, and I’d do it again with Soul Trak.

What surprised you about the A.T. experience?

The Running Man: The amount of miles and hills.

Theorist: Not showering and the amount of hills and the pure exhaustion. Highly recommend training legs.

Hawkeye: How many people I saw on the Trail.

NACL: Being able to live outside for a week.

What challenged you?

The Running Man: The hills.

Theorist: It’s a mental game. Physically, you’ll be fine. Mentally, you need to have a good mindset. If you don’t have one, you’re cooked.

Hawkeye: Staying positive.

NACL: Minimal showers and bathrooms.

What was your favorite part of the A.T. experience?

The Running Man: Reaching new campsites.

Theorist: Getting a shower and getting to call my parents after being on Trail for 4 days. And the fresh air.

Hawkeye: All of the lookouts. They were really cool, and I don’t see views like that usually.

NACL: Being on Trail and looking at wildlife. Also not looking at my phone and having no distractions.