Many hiking fans who go on to attempt the entire 2000-mile Appalachian Trail never forget their first time meeting a real-life thru-hiker. There's something about being in the mountains and exchanging a few pleasantries with some smelly guy with a huge beard and an even bigger smile, that makes you realize - maybe I can do this, too. One of the highlights from this summer's Appalachian Trail Adventure in rocky Eastern PA was encountering so many guys and gals of all ages who had just crossed the halfway mark on their Northbound thru-hike. Many of our trekkers were visibly inspired, even taking on trail names the way the thru-hikers do. It won't be long before Lech-Lecha alums start setting out to hike the Appalachian Trail themselves!

MA, 2.5 hrs from NYC and Boston
Trek Level: All Skill Levels