Backpacker Radio James Appleton on Hiking and Peakbagging in the Adirondacks
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by James Appleton. James is a walking encyclopedia on all things Adirondacks, hosting a podcast dedicated to the park, having authored a book about its lore, and he serves as a hiking guide throughout the region. James gives us the rundown on these rugged 46ers, including superlatives like his favorite, the most underrated, the most overrated, and the best for beginners. He also provides a primer on the Northville-Placid Trail, shares the best and worst times to experience the park, and offers an overview of the Lake Placid 9’er, a challenge he created. James also gives us the lowdown of how awkward it is to be on a film set during a sex scene.
We wrap up the show with the news of Hurricane Helene's historic destruction throughout the southern Appalachias, and how people can contribute to the relief and recovery efforts, the triple crown of commercials (including how our editor's dad is the commercial GOAT), whether you'd rather find cockroaches or a body in your attic, and the full rundown of going to Buffalo for the MNF Bills game.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
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Hikerkind: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at hikerkind.com.
Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker.
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Interview with James Appleton
Time stamps & Questions
00:06:15 - Reminders: Join us in Denver on December 7th! Apply to be a 2025 blogger and support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content!
00:12:05 - Introducing James
00:12:53 - What was your introduction to the outdoors?
00:15:27 - What are the hot spots in Lake Placid?
00:18:05 - Tell us about the Blue Line Bakery
00:20:00 - Tell us about working in the film industry
00:23:00 - What’s the coolest movie you’ve worked on?
00:24:30 - Tell us about working on a sex scene
00:27:25 - Is it difficult to hike peaks with a lot of muscle on your upper body?
00:31:30 - Discussion about Adirondack hiking culture
00:36:20 - What are the most common 46ers to start off with?
00:38:35 - Do you need map and compass skills?
00:40:31 - Tell us about the Lake Placid 9er
00:42:20 - What led you into losing weight and how did it work for you?
00:44:57 - What was your guilty pleasure snack?
00:46:30 - Was it hard to workout while cutting carbs out?
00:48:27 - What are the highlights of the Northville Placid Trail?
00:53:00 - Discussion about James’ podcast
00:54:42 - What equipment do you bring onto the trail for recording audio?
00:56:00 - Do you have free time?
00:59:41 - What goes into becoming a guide?
01:02:03 - What are your favorite peaks to hike?
01:04:00 - Which peaks do people put off hiking?
01:05:00 - What’s the best peak for beginners?
01:06:15 - What are some underrated mountains that are not 46ers?
01:07:00 - What peak have you done the most?
01:08:00 - What’s the wet season in the Adirondacks?
01:09:40 - What are the shelters like on the NPT?
01:12:20 - When should people visit the Adirondacks if they had any week of the year?
01:13:35 - When are hikers normally done with the NPT by?
01:16:00 - Discussion about bugs
01:18:06 - Do you have plans to hike in other areas?
01:21:15 - Tell us about your upcoming book
01:22:40 - Can you give us a quick campfire story?
01:26:31 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your outdoors hot take?
01:28:00 - Where can people keep up with you?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Want To Help AT Communities Recover From Hurricane Helene? Here’s How by Kelly Floro
QOTD: Which would you rather find living in your attic, 1000 roaches or a person?
Triple Crown of commercials
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
Road Trip Update
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