Hiking into the Unknown: A Novice Thru-hiker Takes on the AT, Solo

One hiker's journey in navigating unpredictable trail, growing community, and, ultimately, learning to believe in herself.

When Nicole decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2023, she wasn't your typical backpacker. The reality: She was anything but experienced.

With only a handful of day hikes under her belt and a single overnight camping trip, she embarked on a 2,190-mile solo journey along the AT that would challenge what she knew—and believed—about herself.

Nobodyinmyfamilyisveryoutdoorsywhatsoever,andthat'soneofthereasonsIdecidedtodothetrail—Ireallywantedtoexperiencenatureandhikingformyself.

Unexperienced but Unafraid

Most aspiring thru-hikers spend months researching, watching countless YouTube tutorials, and meticulously planning their gear. Nicole took a different approach. Her preparation was minimal at best. The only pre-hike research she did was watching one quick YouTube video on how to hang a bear bag. She didn’t read any books, listen to any podcasts, or even take training hikes ahead of time.

Her backpack was a behemoth. At the start of the trail, it weighed in at a whopping 55 pounds, and screamed "first-time thru-hiker.” Yet even with an unconventional approach to starting such a big challenge, Nicole said she didn’t want it any other way.

Ididn'twanttoover-prepare,sothatIdidn'tgetoverlyanxiousornervous.Andtobehonest,Iwasreallyexcitedgoingin.Ifeltprettyconfidentinmydetermination.

Nicole always had an inkling as to why thru-hikers were typically so successful in completing their adventures: It’s the grit they hone when hiking over long distances. It’s those days of not seeing any other hikers on the trail, the grueling miles on end with massive blisters and banged-up shins, and the endless other challenges you’re forced to overcome along the journey.

Her first night on the trail was a brutal introduction to these realities—and that grit you grow along the way. Temperatures plummeted to 16 degrees, and Nicole found herself in a nightmare scenario soaking wet with her water bladder frozen and cracked. She finally fell asleep from sleep deprivation, shivering uncontrollably.

Most would have quit then, but not Nicole. She hiked 22 miles the next day to the first hostel and replaced her gear. It was in this moment, from the start, that she proved to herself she did have the determination and will to get through tough times.

Learning the Trail's Language

Instead of seeking expert advice before her hike, Nicole embraced the trail as her personal classroom. She lived by the mantra "hike your own hike," which meant leaning into her own individual journey of discovery along the way. At shelters, she’d observe other hikers from afar, watching quietly to learn through observation and organic interactions.

Her learning method was unconventional but effective. She watched how others set up camp, observed their gear choices, and absorbed trail wisdom through natural conversations. And there even came a point when Nicole imparted her own learnings on other less-experienced hikers too: Like when someone needed help lighting their camping stove, and Nicole taught by lighting her own pot for dinner.

Transformation on the Trail

The Appalachian Trail was more than a physical journey for Nicole—it was a deeply personal transformation. She likened the experience to putting on an oxygen mask during an airplane emergency: taking care of herself first. At a time when she felt lost and uncertain about her life's direction, the trail became her path to self-discovery.

TheAppalachianTrailwasmyairmask.

The journey taught her profound lessons about self-acceptance and confidence. She learned to be comfortable with herself, to stop seeking constant validation from others, and to embrace her own quirks and personality. The trail community became her support system, showing her the power of genuine human connection, kindness, and the power of sharing knowledge with one another.

Her most memorable moments weren't just about conquering miles, but about unexpected experiences—like encountering a pack of escaped farm goats that followed her for half a mile, or taking an unplanned rest day to watch horror movies with fellow hikers. As a self-proclaimed “Type A” personality—specifically, someone who wants to plan all the details in advance and always be in control—these unexpected moments taught her the importance of flexibility and spontaneity.

Igrewalotmoreconfident,notonlyinmyabilities,butinwhoIamcharacter-wise.I'mreallyproudofmyselfthatIgrewinthatway.

By the time she reached Mount Katahdin in early August, Nicole was an entirely different person. She had hiked 2,190 miles in just four and a half months, transforming from a novice hiker with minimal experience to a confident, self-assured individual who understands the true meaning of believing in oneself.

Nicole’s key advice for hikers taking on a solo thru-hike:

• Give yourself permission to do something for yourself
• Lean into the power of genuine human connection and kindness
• Embrace learning from others—and from yourself—on the journey