May 5, 2026
TN BBQ (5/11/26)
Follow me to Maine!
Northbound Appalachian Trail thru-hike / Georgia to Maine
Map
The full route stays visible from day one, and pinned check-ins appear once the hike starts.
Spotlight
Featured trail moments and standout snapshots from the trip.
May 5, 2026
Journal
Open any entry without leaving the homepage. Entry numbers match the mileage log below, and older updates scroll sideways.
May 17, 2026
Wellā¦ Itās not all sunshine and rainbows out here folks. Tough terrain and lethargy led me to a rough start to the day. And I finished my audiobook and have listened to all the songs on my phone x50/ea. BUT! I turned it around and ended up doing maybe the most miles Iāve done yet? Iām kind of racing to Erwin(Ervin?), TN so I can take a day off. Thereās a smoothie shop there called Groovy Smoothie and Iām about to give them a ton of business.
Hopefully I get up earlier tomorrow and donāt have to hike ātil 8pm. But definitely need the beauty sleep now.
Deion- there are your 40k steps. Working on 50k now
Nick- Iām going to shoot for a āmarathon weekā in Virginia where I do 26.2×7 days in a row. Youāll have to excuse my inability to do it now – feel free to look at a map which shows the elevation of the area Iām hiking for a better excuse as to why
Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 16, 2026
Itās always a bit of a doozy leaving the comfort of town, but I was full of pizza and muffins and NA beer to hit the trail early-ish this morning. THEN! I ran into a hydration station for a cycling race, and was given not one, not two, but three energy bars! Shoutout Southeast Gravel. THEN! I came across a sign at a crossing that said free cookies, and sure enough, there were homemade peanut butter cookies on a great ladyās porch. Grateful, lucky, happy out here on the trail. At camp, going to sleep soundly tonight. Adios.
Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 15, 2026
Landed in Hot Springs @ noon today. What a cool town. Super hiker-friendly. I was going to do a āzero dayā and spend a whole day here being lazy, but the trail calls. Got an awesome campsite right by a big river, and am going to hang out there and stargaze before packing up and hitting the trail again tomorrow. Resupplied, laundered, well-fed, and ready to make my way out of North Carolina (even though I love it here). Shoutout to Ed and David, thank you for being interested in the trip. C ya l8r
Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 14, 2026
Folks your prayers are working magic!! I am feeling stronger every day, and enjoying this so much. Trying to savor it as much as possible. The support you all have given is incredible.
I had the best night of sleep while camping on the trail yet last night, after the most miles Iāve done so far. I got to go up to Max Patch today (picture big grassy plateau tucked between lots of beautiful mtnās), sit and eat beef jerky and reflect gratefully. It was my favorite solo moment on the trail so far.
Lots of great folks out here, excited to get into town tomorrow to do some more eating (and to wash these clothes!!). Good night, all.
Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 13, 2026
Got some hiking done today!! Really wanted to get myself in a position to close in on Hot Springs and weāre almost there. Tent is set up, food is eager to be prepared, legs are sufficiently tired. All is well. Thank you all for the outpouring of support I absolutely love reading the messages, public and otherwise. Will upload more pics once cozied into Hot Springs.
Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 12, 2026
After getting all fueled up in Gatlinburg, I hit the trail today and made my way out to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. This will likely be my last night in the Smokies š but I am looking forward to continuing on and seeing more states and such. I put my watch on my ankle today and got way more stepsā¦ so I donāt think itās accurate either way. Trail mileage is the only thing thatās accurateā¦ but smiles per hour are the only thing that matter and Iām breaking the speed limit on those!!
Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 11, 2026
I had a bunch of prolific things to share about todayā¦ but Iām staring down a full rack of ribs at Bennettās Pit BBQ in Gatlinburg, TN (heaven?) and only so much is coming back to me. I did 20-some-odd miles today, climbed THE HIGHEST POINT ON THE TRAIL, made a new friend (Relic from the Great North), shuttled into town, did bathtub laundry, Walgreens resupply, and settled on what is hopefully a fantastic BBQ spot. No complaints. I donāt want to say trail legs bc I donāt want to jinx itā¦ but trail legs?
-Whack-A-Mole
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 10, 2026
Okay I need to pre-address some rumors because itās only a matter of time before someone (like Nick) starts checking me about my walked mileage vs. my trail mileage. And to that, I say: I have the cheapest Garmin running watch available. I am using trekking poles. There is lots of elevation change. So my watch isnāt calculating my mileage and steps correctly. I only hike the white blazes so my mileage daily is at least that.
But hiking through the Great Smoky Mtnās is so amazing. Lots of beautiful views. Lots of cool people. Legs and blisters feeling good, knock on wood. Clingmanās Dome coming up soon already!
Goodnight, Whack-A-Mole out!
![Still [White] Blazing!](https://ahikinghooper.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_7020-1024x768.jpeg)
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![Still [White] Blazing!](https://ahikinghooper.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_7034-1024x768.jpeg)
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![Still [White] Blazing!](https://ahikinghooper.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_7047-1024x768.jpeg)
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![Still [White] Blazing!](https://ahikinghooper.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_7024-1024x768.jpeg)
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 9, 2026
I have made it into Great Smoky Mtn National Park (Forest?), which honestly feels great because this was my Top 3 most-excited-for places on the trail. So time to embrace it and enjoy the beauty! Set up camp with āAmericaā from VT (thank you for your service) and a true blue Australian from the Gold Coast. My pass is good for a week so I am going to see the sights and avoid bears. I will upload pics if/when I have a chance. Thank you for reading as always, and I hope you all are well š
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 9, 2026
Gotta do a day after update today for cell service reasons! Yesterday was a tough one; my eyes were bigger than my stomach for sure, but I got to a good shelter and now can get to the famed Fontana Hilton! Need to get some supplies. Off to hiking š
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 7, 2026
Went waaaaay down a big mountain to the famed NOC (I didnāt bother flashing my proverbial thru-hiker card but there wasnāt much to do) and then waaay back up another mountain to get to camp. Looking out for my future self, really. Tomorrow I get to visit the famous Fontana Hilton (and go into Great Smoky Mountains NP?). Hit my head on a bunch of things today. Cleared concussion protocol already. Canāt remember what day it is anywayā¦ so my birthday isā¦uhhh. š
Shoutouts Dreamcatcher, Horsepower, and On It for all taking trail names!!! Tried assigning a musical theatre major āLa La Landā but she said the movie stunk. I beg to differ, La La Land
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 6, 2026
Hola. Had a great night sleep at The Grove shelter after resupplying at Ingles (a new experience for my Northerner self..) and the 76 (6ā¦7..) Outfitter in downtown Franklin, then after a late-ish start had the easiest day of hiking on the trail so far. Getting stronger? Perhaps. It also rained torrentially all day so there was no one else on the trail, and I thrived off of The Lumineers, 6 bagels (that I ate before noon, mind you), and this new audiobook Iām digging. Made it to this Cold Gap Shelter place and get to go to the famed āNOCā tomorrow to lose my money!!
-Whack-A-Mole (yes, Iām embracing it)
Also- I donāt take onto account any trash talk into my daily mileage, but I welcome it nonetheless.
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 5, 2026
Hey there, did 12mi this morning then got picked up by a nice shuttle into the quaint little town of Franklin, NC where Iām going to stay at a hostel tonight. Legs are pretty beat after the last couple of days, and have matching pinkie toe blisters I need to take care of. Gonna head into town for a resupply and maybe a burger (or two) then get ready to hit the trail again tomorrow š
P.S. I am backloading photos!
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 4, 2026
Hey there checking in from some shelter way further than I wanted to go but here we are safe and sound. Lots of elevation today. Shooting to make it to Rock Gap tmrw for a 3:45 shuttle pickup then a hostel stay in Franklin, NC. Hiking still rocks!
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 3, 2026
Howdy! I left the hostel this morning (shoutout Stanimals for the amazing breakfast) and got to my spot at Plum Orchard Gap Shelter. Some nice vistas today, lots of ups and downs (literally, not figuratively. It was a great day!). Split off from the crew to go unlock new characters. Sorry for no pics, there is a formatting issue. Iāll try to find a solution, but if not, just imagine really pretty mountainscapes for 8hrs a day. Itās really nice out here
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 2, 2026
Checking in from Stanimals Around the Bend! After 10mi, we decided a shower and a bed to sleep in and a half day off trail was the best option, and I donāt regret it one bit. Plus, now I can watch the Celtics play game 7!! But otherwise, Iām really enjoying being out here in nature every day. Going to resupply some snacks courtesy of this little mountain gem, and hit a big breakfast before getting after it again tomorrow. Back-adding some pictures of the travels
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
May 1, 2026
Here we are on day 3 (I think?! Itās funny how quickly things start to blend together), and I feel really good. Robert – I met up with Sam and Charlotte yesterday, and they rock! We went up Blood Mtn together this morning then tacked on a bunch more miles to Low Gap Shelter. Expecting rain from 7pm to 7am, which isnāt much of a worry! Iāll add photos when I can, the service isnāt great and itās tough to do while walking.
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
Apr 30, 2026
Thank you all so much for all of the amazing messages, keep them coming! I left Hawk Mtn Shelter this morning around 8am and put in a full day of hiking til around 4pm at Woods Hole Shelter. Lots of rain and thunder and MICE last night but we prevailed. I have had two trailnames proposed to me – Change Up and Whack a Moleā¦ the jury is still out on it
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
Apr 29, 2026
I wrapped day one up a couple hours ago – I am officially on the A.T.! The approach trail was no joke, but I made it to the Southern Terminus and got my first dose of trail magic (thank you Stiches, ā99). Met some great guys at the Hawk Mtn shelter, filled up my water, made myself dinner, and gonna rest these legs. Thank you for checking in!
I am officially started!
A cool stream
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Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
Apr 28, 2026
After a long travel day, I made it successfully to Amicalola Falls State Park and importantly, the Appalachian Trail approach trail (the AT-AT?)! I am so extremely thankful for the support of everyone who has helped me get this far. Tomorrow marks the true beginning of my journey š
Be Aware!
Hair is overrated
Am I in the right spot?
Fancy living
Current check-in plus the last few updates nearby.
Log
Daily trail data, broken out separately from the journal cards.
| # | Update | Check-in | Location | Steps today | Walked today | At mile | Since last | To go |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Creature from Belarus | 5/17/26 @ 9:11pm | Marshall, NC | 40,256 | 22.35 mi | 317.6 | 22.8 | 1,880.3 |
| 19 | Double Trail Magic! | 5/16/26 @ 6:38pm | Marshall, NC | 35,584 | 19.72 mi | 294.8 | 19.6 | 1,903.1 |
| 18 | Mountain Towns > | 5/15/26 @ 6:49pm | Hot Springs, NC | 24,578 | 13.64 mi | 275.2 | 7.9 | 1,922.7 |
| 17 | The grassy knoll (my campsite) | 5/14/26 @ 5:57pm | Hot Springs, NC | 30,410 | 20.9 mi | 267.3 | 20.2 | 1,930.6 |
| 16 | Goodbye Smokies :-( | 5/13/26 @ 7:09pm | Clyde, NC | 33,037 | 18.3 mi | 247.1 | 23.4 | 1,950.8 |
| 15 | 10%ā¦Complete! | 5/12/26 @ 8:00pm | Cherokee, NC | 37,160 | 25.2 mi | 223.7 | 15.7 | 1,974.2 |
| 14 | Itās all downhill from here | 5/11/26 @ 7:17pm | Gatlinburg, TN | 28,059 | 15.6 mi | 208.0 | 17.9 | 1,989.9 |
| 13 | Still [White] Blazing! | 5/10/26 @ 5:56pm | Gatlinburg, TN | 24,828 | 13.8 mi | 190.1 | 17.5 | 2,007.8 |
| 12 | Great Smoky Mtnās! | 5/9/26 @ 5:39pm | Almond, NC | 21,010 | 11.7 mi | 172.6 | 13.2 | 2,025.3 |
| 11 | Up and down and up and down | 5/8/26 @ 8:00pm | Robbinsville, NC | 26,296 | 14.6 mi | 159.4 | 15.4 | 2,038.5 |
| 10 | Bumblebee Tuna | 5/7/26 @ 6:46pm | Bryson City, NC | 30,918 | 17.13 mi | 144.0 | 18.6 | 2,053.9 |
| 9 | May Showers (what rain?) | 5/6/26 @ 5:44pm | Franklin, NC | 35,590 | 19.74 mi | 125.4 | 19.5 | 2,072.5 |
| 8 | Hostel #2ā¦ Cinco de Mayo | 5/5/26 @ 1:57pm | Macon County, NC | 22,476 | 12.46 mi | 105.9 | 12.2 | 2,092.0 |
| 7 | Gone to Carolina inā¦actuality! | 5/4/26 @ 7:00pm | Hayesville, NC | 35,136 | 19.5 mi | 93.7 | 19.8 | 2,104.2 |
| 6 | Georgia (almost) off my mind | 5/3/26 @ 5:57pm | Hiawassee, GA | 39,420 | 21.84 mi | 73.9 | 21.2 | 2,124.0 |
| 5 | Hostel #1 | 5/2/26 @ 3:26pm | Towns County, GA | 20,814 | 11.54 mi | 52.7 | 9.7 | 2,145.2 |
| 4 | May the first! | 5/1/26 @ 6:07pm | Helen, GA | 30,853 | 17.2 mi | 43.0 | 15.3 | 2,154.9 |
| 3 | Follow up | 4/30/26 @ 7:48pm | Suches, GA | 39,471 | 21.9 mi | 27.7 | 19.6 | 2,170.2 |
| 2 | Numero Uno | 4/29/26 @ 5:15pm | Suches, GA | 28,315 | 15.7 mi | 8.1 | 8.1 | 2,189.8 |
| 1 | The prequel | 4/28/26 @ 6:00pm | Dawsonville, GA | 10,134 | 5.83 mi | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2,197.9 |
Notes
Recent encouragement from family and friends. Open a note to read the full message.
Canāt wait to see that sexy beard of yours in october š«£
Go whackamole go! Miss u!
Killing it man. Looking strong!
Happy Monday morning! Have a nice work week š most of us have a day off next Monday, how will you celebrate Memorial Day?