About this project
Roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population lives within a day’s drive of the Appalachian Trail, but only about 10,000 people have hiked it from end to end in the last 70 years. The most substantial news reports mentioning the AT in recent memory have been in the coverage of Governor Mark Sanford’s affair, and his now infamous fib about hiking the Trail. Still, I think of the millions of Americans who live near the Trail, or have wondered what sort of an adventure a thru-hike might be like, even if they never undertake it on their own. I know they would appreciate and look forward to an exciting and honest story in which the Trail is the central character. I am 39-years-old and feel compelled to take this opportunity to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail southbound, from Maine to Georgia, beginning this August. Fewer than 500 people have reported completing the Trail in that direction. I am hoping the uncommon course of this trek will help draw some attention to it because, not only do I want to tell people what hiking 2,175 miles on America’s first National Scenic Trail is like, but I also want to talk about what readers might not be able to see in coffee-table books or on post cards. The Appalachians are characterized by a wealth of large, beautiful hardwood trees in some of the most diverse and richest forests in the country. The Trail and the mountain range traverse 14 states through some prominent mountain regions including the White Mountains, Black Mountains, Green Mountains, Allegheny Plateau, Great Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, and the Blue Ridge. In addition to the sights, the world on the Trail will be filled with sounds, sensations and experiences that are at times rural and pastoral, or natural and wild, and in many ways, distinctly American.
Funding for this project will be used to defer costs incurred on the Trail, including meals, postage and shipping for gear repair and replacement, laundry and showers. Most estimates indicate expenses will fall between $1.00 and $1.50 per mile.
Please follow my progress by "liking" my facebook fan page www.facebook.com/SouthboundForrest.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
39
Backers
$3,160
pledged of $3,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on July 26, 2010.
Pledge $10 or more
Your name will be included in the "Acknowledgements" section of the book, thanking you for your support!
Pledge $25 or more
In addition to "Acknowledgements", you will get a copy of the book!
Pledge $50 or more
In addition to "Acknowledgements" and a book, you can choose a framed, enlarged photograph from the hike!
Pledge $100 or more
In addition to a book and a framed, enlarged photograph from the hike, your name will be added to the "Special Thanks" section of the book.
Pledge $150 or more
In addition to a book and a framed, enlarged photograph from the hike, your name will be added to the "Special Thanks" section of the book.
Pledge $250 or more
In addition to a book and a framed, enlarged photograph from the hike, your name will be added to the "Special Thanks" section of the book, and a CD of the interviews done for radio while on The Trail.
Pledge $500 or more
In addition to a book and a framed, enlarged photograph from the hike, your name will be added to the "Special Thanks" section of the book, and a CD of the interviews done for radio while on The Trail.
Project By
Has not connected their Facebook account.
