The Appalachian Trail - The Hardest Mile on the Appalachians?

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Joshua and Amber Niven. Joshua and Amber are the co-authors of "Discovering the Appalachian Trail: A Guide to the Trail’s Greatest Hikes." Appropriately, we chat all about the AT including some fun historical facts, their favorite day hikes, the most underrated spots on the trail, the hardest hikes on the trail, and much more.

We wrap the show with a triple crown of things we're NOT looking forward to this holiday season, a preview of some QA episodes we're putting together, 10 things someone ought to know before hiking the CDT, and more!

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Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESSTREKMORE” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 

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Interview with Amber & Joshua Niven

• Amber's AT Day Hikes Trek Post
• Amber's Website
• Joshua's Website
• Discovering the AT Book Website
• Get the book at REI
• Asheville Fine Art Printing

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:58 - QOTD: What things baffle you about the opposite sex?

00:16:27 - Reminders: Patreon Q&A video episodes will be coming out in 2023

00:17:37 - Introducing Amber & Joshua Niven 

00:18:20 - How long was Joshua in Germany?

00:19:40 - When did Zach and Joshua first meet?

00:20:19 - How did Amber and Joshua meet?

00:22:26 - Tell us about the printing shed and business.

00:24:19 - What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever printed?

00:25:37 - Where in the journey did hiking the AT happen?

00:28:20 - Was it hard to get off trail?

00:30:30 - Tell us about your old log cabin and building a new one.

00:33:02 - Discussion about kids and parenting

00:35:36 - What is The Thru Project?

00:38:14 - Discussion about how the Thru Project transformed into the book

00:40:46 - What are some wheelchair accessible hikes along the AT?

00:43:50 - Joshua’s ‘what not to do on trail’ story

00:48:20 - Did you two ever butt heads in the process of writing the book?

00:50:10 - What would you say is the most underrated day hike along the AT?

00:55:35 - Give us a second underrated day hike!

00:57:26 - What do you mean by secret camping?

00:59:40 - What are some really difficult day hikes?

01:03:43 - What are some easier day hikes?

01:04:55 - What’s a good hike for stargazing?

01:07:07 - Tell us some interesting history facts about the AT.

01:11:55 - How much did you travel to write the book?

01:14:00 - Legend about Frog Town

01:14:52 - Discussion about hiking with kids

01:17:40 - Are you still able to appreciate nature while hiking with kids?

01:19:32 - Fuck Marry Kill: McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, and Grayson Highlands

01:21:00 - Discussion about the trail in Virginia

01:22:56 - The history of Tinker Cliffs

01:23:43 - Fuck Marry Kill: New Jersey, Vermont, and Pennsylvania

01:29:00 - Duncannon stories

01:33:41 - What camera setup are you using?

01:35:50 - What are your best photography tips for thru-hikers?

01:39:23 - Do you still do your own photography?

01:40:32 - What are your favorite yoga poses and breathing techniques for hikers?

01:44:10 - Where can people get the book and follow you?

SEGMENTS

MG Check-In

Stupid Thing of the Week

Trek Propaganda

• 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiking the CDT by Jenn Wall

Triple Crown of things we’re NOT looking forward to this holiday season

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.

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A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Matt Soukup, Greg Mac, Tracy “Trigger” Fawns, Mike Poisel, Kristina Diaz, and Dayne.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.