One Year Ago Today

We Began Our Appalachian Trail Adventure

One year ago today—February 13, 2025—April and I passed under the stone arch at Georgia’s Amicalola Falls State Park. It was the first step of a seven-month Appalachian Trail thru-hike that would eventually lead us to the summit of Mt. Katahdin in Maine.

Why did we start in February when most hikers wait until late March or April? Well, April (later known as “Pace Setter” on the trail) grew up in southern Florida and had never seen snow. She suggested February, and since we were already looking at a mid-month start, I suggested Valentine’s Day.

The day before our official start, we checked in at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy office, registered our thru-hike, and posed for the classic photo under the arch. After a short hike up the mountain past the famous falls, we spent the night at the park’s lodge. The next morning, we hiked to “Mile 0” atop Springer Mountain to officially begin our journey northward.

Throughout the trek, we posted YouTube videos whenever we could. We called it the “AT Comedy Channel,” and we’ve been told they’re pretty entertaining—but I’ll let you judge that for yourself.

Tomorrow, exactly one year since we first stepped foot on the AT, I’ll begin posting “One Year Ago Today” photos in the Notes section of this site. I’m actually preparing for a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in April 2026, but I plan to edit and upload these 2025 AT photos daily as internet access allows.

As for April’s wish for a snowy February start? It worked out. Oh, it worked out! She saw snow—lots and lots of snow.