Pilgrim’s Progress: A Spiritual Journey Along the Appalachian Trail

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Title: Pilgrim’s Progress: A Spiritual Journey Along the Appalachian Trail
Description: This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores the Appalachian Trail and the experiences of those who hike it. The author describes his own experience on the trail and how it created further connections to his environment and a spiritual experience. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

"The Appalachian Trail meanders 2,190 miles through the forest between Springer Mountain, Georgia and Mount Katahdin, Maine. Of the more than one-thousand hikers that attempt to walk the entirety of the trail in one year, known as thru hikers, only about a quarter will complete their trek. Despite the grim odds of success, every person that attempts a thru hike—whether they finish or not— comes away from the experience changed. Time in the wilderness, particularly on long adventures such as a thru hike, is spiritually impactful and life changing. The changes aren’t always readily apparent, but it is impossible to embark on a thru hike and not walk away a different person. Hikers may view these changes through a religious or spiritual lens, or they might not notice them at all, but regardless, Appalachian Trail thru hikers partake in a spiritually transformative experience during their four- to six- month crusade."
Date Created: 05/17/2021
Creator(s): Will Babb
Audience: All audiences/General public
Rights: This photo and text were accessed on 06/09/2023 at https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/enr3470studentbook/chapter/pilgrims-progress-a-spiritual-journey-along-the-appalachian-trail-2/.
Issues: Mindfulness and Simplicity
Relation: Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America

Item sets: Written/Textual Resource

Media: Babb.png; [Untitled]