2,190 Miles. Georgia to Maine. 164 Days.
In 2017, just a few months after retiring, I stood on Springer Mountain in Georgia with a backpack, very little hiking experience, and absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into.
One hundred sixty-four days and 2,190 miles later, I stood on top of Mount Katahdin in Maine.
It’s Just Walking: Just Pete on the Appalachian Trail is the story of everything that happened in between—the mountains, injuries, miserable weather, unexpected friendships, plenty of mistakes, and the stubborn determination to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
What began as a personal challenge became something much bigger. With the help of family, friends, and people I met along the way, the hike raised more than $67,000 for charities close to my heart.
And somewhere along those 2,190 miles, Jeff Peterson became Just Pete.
The Journey
Chapter 1 — Why?
Before the hike
Chapter 2 — Ready. Set. Go.
Springer Mountain, GA to Davenport Gap, TN
Chapter 3 — Then It Rained.
Davenport Gap, TN to Fox Creek, VA
Chapter 4 — Virginia Blues.
Fox Creek, VA to Thornton Gap, VA
Chapter 5 — That Hurt.
Thornton Gap, VA to Wind Gap, PA
Chapter 6 — Don’t Ever Give Up.
Wind Gap, PA to Mount Easter Road, CT
Chapter 7 — If I Can Walk 500 Miles.
Mount Easter Road, CT to Hanover, NH
Chapter 8 — It’s Just Treacherous.
Hanover, NH to Gorham, NH
Chapter 9 — Rain. Pain. Maine.
Gorham, NH to Mount Katahdin, ME
Chapter 10 — The Final Chapter?
After the Trail
The trail ended at Mount Katahdin. The adventure didn’t.
For more information on the Appalachian Trail, you can visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.