Every season, a handful of college students set out to , whether as a gap-year adventure, a challenge over summer break, or a post-graduation breather before settling into the 鈥渞eal world.鈥 For a small group of students from in Virginia, however, hiking the AT isn鈥檛 a break: It鈥檚 their spring semester.
Since 2006, the college鈥檚 program has given students an opportunity to earn course credit while completing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. In the months leading up to their departure, enrolled students鈥攖here are currently 3鈥攖ake a full courseload including classes on nature writing and long-distance hiking. Then, they hit the trail with the school offering them support along the way. These students鈥 tuition covers a set of brand-new backpacking equipment, first-aid and skills training, and on-trail support from the college鈥檚 staff. Student hikers also receive a budget for on-trail expenses.
This year, Backpacker is partnering with the Semester-a-Trail program to highlight these students鈥 adventures and feature a selection of their writing. Read on to meet the students having the semester of most backpackers鈥 dreams.
Sam 鈥淲histlin Blue鈥 Mikkelson
Highlight of the trail so far: When I got to Hot Springs, North Carolina, I was hungry, sun-tired and alone. While I was standing in the outfitter store, a group of hikers I had met came up and said they had an AirBnB and were just going to get some food. I should come along, they said, because they were throwing a party. In minutes, I went from being alone to having a whole group of friends around me.
Toughest moment: After climbing up the mountain coming out of Walker Gap in Virginia, I sat down to take a break and eat some granola bars. After getting back up and walking for 3 miles, I ran into my friend Footloose, who I knew was behind me, and realized I鈥檇 been backtracking south for the past 3 miles. That was the longest 15-mile day I鈥檇 ever done.
Most interesting meal: My favorite trail meal is a tortilla wrap layered with hot buffalo tuna, peanut butter, honey, chipotle sauce, and hot Cheetos. Everyone I meet says it looks disgusting, but they haven鈥檛 tried it. Yet.
What鈥檚 something that you鈥檝e learned? I鈥檝e learned to live in the moment and not look ahead or make assumptions about what is coming. It鈥檚 best to take everything one step at a time.
Collin 鈥淔ootloose鈥 Coerr
Highlight of the trail so far: Staying at Fontana Dam shelter and watching the sunset over Fontana Lake and the Smokies. I relaxed on the deck reading and enjoying the view for several hours that day.
Toughest moment: Hiking up to Buzzard Rock, about mile 490, in a driving rainstorm. I was soaked and freezing cold, and that climb NOBO is not easy on a good day.
Most interesting meal: I鈥檝e been crafting some exciting new ways to get protein. My favorite is a wrap made of fajita tortilla, a chicken and herb packet, honey, and Dollar General chicken sauce.
What鈥檚 something you鈥檝e learned? Wake up early, and hike until dark. With longer days coming this gives me upwards of 14 hours of hiking time every day, with plenty of time for rest along the way.
A.J. 鈥淕reen鈥 O鈥橩leasky
Highlight of the trail so far: The magical enchanted forest at the top of Unaka Mountain during the onset of spring.
Toughest moments: Injuring my foot, hiking in pain, and having to come off trail; setting up camp when it鈥檚 cold, rainy, and windy.
Most interesting meal: Wrap with Oreo Cakesters, honey, and peanut butter.
What鈥檚 something that you鈥檝e learned? I鈥檝e learned what鈥檚 truly important to me in my life鈥攎eaningful relationships and the power of gratitude.