AI Generated Image
You’re On Your Own, Kid: 6 Lessons I Learned After Hiking Over 3,000 Miles Solo
The Trek • • science
Key Points:
- The author recently completed their third Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) section hike, marking the completion of their first state on the PCT and reaching over 3,000 miles combined on the Appalachian Trail (AT) and PCT, with approximately 93% of those miles hiked solo.
- Since starting on the AT in October 2021, the author has completed the entire trail and over 800 miles of the PCT, learning primarily through solo experience and online hiking communities due to difficulty finding hiking partners.
- Key lessons learned include the importance of connecting with online hiking communities for advice, upgrading gear based on experience, improving nutrition and hydration strategies, understanding wildlife encounters, and always having multiple backup plans while sharing them with trusted contacts.
- The author highlights personal growth and increased confidence from overcoming challenges alone on the trail, developing a passion for long-distance hiking, and becoming self-reliant and resilient through trial and error.
- Looking ahead, the author remains motivated to continue hiking, eager for new lessons and adventures as they pursue further miles on the trail.
