Meet the A.T. Thru-Hiking Class of 2026
Oct 22, 2026
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail sees millions of visits each year, but only a determined few people complete the entire trail, hiking nearly 2,200 miles across 14 states.
These stories shared by 2,000-milers reflect a sense of adventure, determination, and deep connection to the Appalachian Trail that develops within and unites these long-distance travelers who are otherwise strangers.
2,000+ Miles Later, A.T. Hikers Tell Their Tales
Sridhar “Lucky Dog” Saraf said don’t call him crazy, but he lived only an hour away from the A.T. for more than 20 years and never knew it existed. This year atop Katahdin, he completed a 9-year section hike that taught him perseverance, patience, humility, and deep appreciation.
“Completing the trail has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my life,” Saraf said. “I am grateful to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the trail Clubs, volunteers, trail angels, and my family and friends whose support made this lifelong dream possible.”
Sridhar Saraf
A Place of Healing
The A.T. journey for section hikers Charles “Refuge” Lockwood and son was “shaped by deeply personal challenges,” he said.
“My son lives with autism spectrum disorder, and I have faced my own struggles with PTSD,” Lockwood said. “What began as simple weekend hikes together gradually grew into longer adventures — first three or four days, then two weeks, and eventually a journey from Springer Mountain to Bennington, Vermont.”
It took them a while to return and finish out their A.T. journey, but finally they hiked Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine in May and June.
For both my son and me, the Appalachian Trail became far more than a hiking path. It became a place of healing.
Away from the constant pressures of everyday life, his son found relief from sensory overload and expectations to fit into an overwhelming world. Lockwood himself found space to confront his own struggles, rediscover hope, and reconnect with himself.
“Just as meaningful as the mountains and forests was the Appalachian Trail community,” Lockwood said. “Fellow hikers consistently offered kindness, encouragement, and compassion without judgment. Whether sharing a meal, offering a helping hand, or simply taking the time to listen, they reminded us that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.”
Memories Made
Northbound thru-hikers Dustin “Waterboy” and Esther “Mrs. Frizzle” Munts recall memorable days hiking the Trail together.
“My favorite memory was going into a town to resupply and meeting a very nice elderly couple who invited us into their home, cooked us dinner, and spent the evening sharing stories and laughs with us,” Dustin Munts said.
After the hike is finished, small moments can become big takeaways.
“My favorite story to tell was spending a chill day in New York eating ice cream, hotdogs, and camping out at the outdoor movie theater,” Esther Munts said.
Community Together
Not every day on an A.T. thru-hike is ice cream and hot dogs. Just ask Charlotte “Skittles” Belote, who found herself northbound in the middle of a bad storm that hit this summer near Salisbury, Connecticut.
“Trees came down around me, my tent flooded, and most of my gear got soaked, but trail angels, community, and family helped me endure this disaster,” Belote said. “It was absolutely heartwarming to behold neighbors helping the hostel caretaker remove limbs, laundromat owners washing clothes for free, and trail fam huddled together figuring out how we would avoid trail closures and scheduling shuttles.”
Belote says it’s the type of teamwork and dedication that rivals military deployments she has experienced.
From Ethiopia to Appalachia
Longtime section hiker Getachew “Mouse Trapper” Tesfaye said he has hiked since he was a young Boy Scout in Ethiopia. His and his friend’s A.T. section hike was 22 years in the making.
“I developed a love for hiking and the outdoors with my high school buddy, Getachew H. Wold. We spent many years hiking together before our lives took us in different directions.
“When we reconnected in the United States, our shared passion for adventure quickly returned. Beginning in 2000, we joined other high school friends to climb several of Africa’s great mountains, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Ras Dashen. These experiences eventually inspired two of us to take on an even bigger challenge: hiking the Appalachian Trail.
“We began our A.T. journey on Christmas Day in 2004, at Harpers Ferry, never imagining that it would take us more than 21 years to complete the entire trail. Rather than hiking it continuously, we completed it section by section, returning whenever time and circumstances allowed. In 2026, after more than two decades, we finally completed the entire Appalachian Trail.
“Throughout the journey, we carefully documented our progress. For each state, we purchased detailed section maps and recorded the date and number of hours it took us to hike each section. But our maps became much more than a record of mileage and time. We also wrote down memorable experiences, interesting places, people we met along the trail, and the small towns we passed through. Over the years, these maps became a personal journal of our adventure—a record not only of the trail itself, but also of the friendships, people, and experiences that made the journey special.
Looking back, completing the Appalachian Trail after 21 years feels like more than finishing a long-distance hike. It is the continuation of a friendship and a passion for adventure that began with two Boy Scouts hiking together in Ethiopia many decades ago.”
Best for Last
A view from the summit of Katahdin was well worth the hike for Northbound thru-hiker Adrienne “Salamander” May, whose last day on the A.T. could not have been more perfect.
“My best day on trail was the final hike up Katahdin,” May said. “Views were clear and the climb was so fun.”
She ran into three other thru-hikers before the final ascent to finish her hike.
“Seeing Trail Cousins before the final ascent was such a highlight. We pushed on after a tearful hug and finally saw the sign,” May said. “I can’t tell you how fulfilling it is to touch that Katahdin sign after hiking for 175 days. I’ll never forget it.”
Share Your A.T. Stories
The ATC always accepts submissions of stories and photos from the Trail via our media submission form. Share your experience for a chance to be featured!