I spent a total of six months and ten days on the Trail from Springer to Katahdin. There were great days of exhilarating happiness, and more challenging days where I trekked through many feelings of anger and sadness. There were some days that were very physically and mentally challenging. I found, however, that having recently experienced grief the mental challenges of the Trail were more manageable because I had just faced my worst nightmare — losing a parent. I felt at the time that after what I had just gone through, I was strong and could accomplish anything I put my mind to. 

For instance, during the month of May, I trekked through the state of Virginia. As thru-hikers know, Virginia has the longest stretch of the A.T. It rained a lot and was very hot. The thought of nearing Harpers Ferry, my family, and friends helped me persevere. I also found that hiking through the rain helped me feel a close connection with my dad, as he had always had a special connection with umbrellas and rainy days. My dad was an artist and had created “the Umbrella Project” — art happenings that were about people coming together, under and using umbrellas to create and make memories. When I was packing for my thru-hike, my mentor from my ATC internship, Laurie Potteiger, was so thoughtful and gifted me a small lightweight umbrella to carry with me on my journey in honor of my dad.

The umbrella was special and symbolic to me. It was especially on rainy days, and in other many little moments on the Trail, that I was able to feel my dad’s presence guiding me closer to my goal of reaching Katahdin. Just like my dad’s Umbrella Project, the Trail to me is essentially a beautiful journey where people from different backgrounds come together and share stories, while creating the memory of a lifetime. And I found that when I pushed through the challenging times, the Trail rewarded me with beautiful views, stunning campsites, and lifelong friends. 

I connected with many amazing people who also shared stories of grief and loss with me. The camaraderie that I experienced on the Trail helped me get through many of my toughest moments. And I realized that many others were also out on the Trail working through various life obstacles — I certainly wasn’t the only one.

Now that I am five years out from my loss and studying to be a mental health counselor, I do believe that the healing properties of a long-distance hike on the Appalachian Trail (or other long trail) are like no other. In my opinion, the peace that nature brings does not compare to anything else. I also developed a whole new level of strength and resilience while on the A.T. that I had not known was within me. Without being able to get out and hike the Appalachian Trail, my grief journey would have been much more challenging. I am forever grateful for the healing powers of this magical trail.