My goal is to alternate the big 6 month thru-hike years with shorter 4-8 week thru-hike years. Last year was my AT thru-hike, so this year I am trying to not abandon Dana for half a year. My original plan was to do one big warm-up section hike on the AT in the spring, and then thru-hike the Colorado Trail for about 7 weeks in August and September. Unfortunately, I ran into some health issues on that warm-up hike which completely messed up my 2025 hiking plans. This led to several short section hikes, one LASH, and a lot of day hikes.
Harper’s Ferry, WV to Front Royal, VA – April 2025
This was supposed to be a 3 week 300 mile hike from Harper’s Ferry to Daleville, VA for me and Ed. Unfortunately, it turned into a 5 day 58 mile hike ending in Front Royal, VA.
Pen Mar, MD to Boiling Springs, PA – July 2025
This is one of my favorite section hikes in the local area. It is a great warm-up / shakedown hike that can range from 4 to 6 days. This time it was a 5 day 59.3 mile hike for Ed and myself.
Rangeley, ME to Baxter Park, ME – August 2025
I did not really enjoy the second half of Maine during my AT thru-hike last year. It was late in the season and I was getting burnt out. I would barely see a single person on trail during the later part of Maine. Plus I was yearning for a serious physical challenge. Ed decided to join me once again!
Harper’s Ferry, WV to Pen Mar, MD – September 2025
This is the entire section of the AT through Maryland. A nice easy stretch of trail that Ed and I did in 3 days and 42 miles. I day hike this section frequently, but Ed wanted to close his gap between WV and PA. So we did it as a short section hike.
Waynesboro, VA to Front Royal, VA – October 2025
Ed and I have tried twice this year to hike this section of the AT. October looks great from a weather perspective. It is a drought year and we will have several water challenges, but it is doable. Assuming the park does not close due to the looming Federal Government shutdown!
