Smoky Mountain Homecoming

Discovering a sense of home while hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains. Have you ever felt at home somewhere you’ve only been once?

Heights, and The Art of Turning Back

Even with countless mountain peaks in my rearview, some primal lizard part of my brain will always scream High Places = Potential Doom.

Book Update!

My book about thru hiking the Appalachain Trail after my big gay divorce is well underway!

Hiking Thru Podcast Interview

The Hiking Thru Podcast interviews long distance hikers about life on the trail. Check out Part 1 of my conversation with host Erin Egan here!

The Challenge of Following New Thru Hikers

I started my Appalachian Trail thru hike two years ago on March 24, 2017. I heard about the AT six months prior when I was reeling from a blindside divorce, desperate for a huge change. It only took a few weeks of Googling to reconfigure everything in my life to make it happen. The 2200 […]

Saturn Returns Podcast Interview

The Saturn Returns Podcast features stories with a clear before and after. I discuss hiking the Appalachian Trail as a gay man and my new life in Alaska.

All By Yourself?! Thru Hiking as a Solo Female

A thru hike is a gift and my dream is that every solo woman on the edge gets that little push. With each woman who takes to the trail, the world gains another Mountain Goddess Warrior.

First Guest Post Inbound

Jake Treks will soon feature new voices and perspectives on changing your life through outdoor adventure.

Starting My Appalachian Trail Book

I hope to spark momentum in anyone who feels like an outsider to their ambition. Whatever your personal Katahdin looks like, you deserve to summit it.

I’m Writing a Book

I hope to spark momentum in anyone who feels like an outsider to their ambition. Whatever your personal Katahdin looks like, you deserve to summit it.