One More Day on the AT

08/26/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton.

Her music, generosity, and deep connection to these mountains will always be remembered.

From all of us at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.

Honoring Dolly Parton, whose spirit will forever flutter through the Smokies. 🦋

NPS Photo

08/25/2026

NATIONAL PARK WEEK⛰️

If you’ve thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail through SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, you know there are some things you just don’t forget…

The wild berries you ate straight off the trail. Those ridiculously good blackberry milkshakes. Those waysides that appeared exactly when you needed them. The views, but also the bears…bobcats…and of course… the occasional rattlers and copperheads.

But beyond the wildlife, the food, and the views, there’s memories that are irreplaceable. Close your eyes and remember your favorite part of your hike in Shenandoah…and tell us, what was YOUR favorite memory there?

🌲Tell us in the comments. 👇

08/24/2026

NATIONAL PARK WEEK⛰️

For National Park Week, we’re highlighting one of the incredible places the A.T. passes through: GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

And what better way to experience it than through the words of one of our past scholarship recipients?

📍Kuwohi — 6,643 feet.
The highest point on the Appalachian Trail.

Back in May 2022, one of our hikers reached Kuwohi as she made her way north on the A.T. She wrote:

“Today we climbed to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. My toes have blisters, I was exhausted, and it was windy, which was actually nice. The smell of pine was so strong it was almost too much, but it was still so nice that I didn’t want the smell to end.

I think this has been my favorite part of the trail so far. I could’ve stayed and lived in the dark, mossy pine forest, with the sun gleaming through every so often. Oh wait… I do live here. And it reminded me of home, the forest finally feels like we’re headed north.

It’s been a challenge pushing our bodies through to the end of each day, but it’s been worth every second of being out here. We reached 200 miles at 6,643 feet.”

This is what the trail is all about. The blisters. The exhaustion. The challenge of pushing your body one more mile. And suddenly, you’re rewarded while standing on top of a mountain, looking out at a view, surrounded by pine and moss and sunlight, realizing this is exactly where you’re supposed to be.

08/24/2026

This quote is more than a reflection, it’s a testament to the impact of kindness, community, and believing in someone’s future.

Receiving a One More Day on the AT scholarship has meant something unique to every recipient, but one thing remains the same: no one reaches the trail entirely alone.

If you know someone who could benefit from this opportunity, we’d love for you to share our organization with them. One share could lead someone to the journey that changes their life.

08/21/2026

✨Flashback Friday✨ Marigold, a One More Day on the AT Scholarship recipient from the Appalachian Trail Class of 2022, celebrating her journey to the summit of Katahdin.

Before her hike, Marigold shared that after leaving an abusive community, she hoped the Appalachian Trail would bring healing, clarity, and the confidence to build a new life. She dreamed of finding peace, connecting with people from different walks of life, and one day helping others experience the healing power of the outdoors.

After completing her thru-hike, she told us that receiving the One More Day on the AT Scholarship was the most transformative experience of her life. During one of her hardest chapters, the trail gave her the time, peace, and perspective to create the future she has today.

Years later, simply driving past the white blazes brought her to tears. As much as her life has changed, she says the trail will always feel like home and she knows she’ll find her way back if she ever needs it.

Our thru-hike journeys don’t ever end at Katahdin. They stay with us for a lifetime. 💚

08/20/2026

Somewhere between the first mile and mile 2,197.9… Georgia and Maine… blaze one and 165,000…

08/20/2026

🥾Thru-Hike Thursday UPDATE from Elizabeth 🍃

Elizabeth has officially made it to Vermont! She’s now reached 1,600 miles on her Appalachian Trail journey.

Looking back on her time through Connecticut and Massachusetts, Elizabeth says entering Massachusetts through Sages Ravine was an incredible experience. She wondered if New England would really live up to the hype, and then the beauty of the trail gave her the answer. One of her favorite moments was stopping beside a picturesque sheep farm, where she found herself watching the sheep for nearly 20 minutes.

Now in Vermont, she’s taking in the dense, vibrant forests of the Green Mountains, the infamous mud (which she says she doesn’t mind thanks to all the fun stepping stones!), and the goldenrod beginning to pop up everywhere, a favorite flower of hers and a sure sign that fall is on its way.

Perhaps most incredible is how she’s reflecting on the distance she’s traveled. Elizabeth remembers how proud she felt reaching her first 100 miles. Now she’s at 1,600, with nearly 600 more to go.

Elizabeth shared:
“It still feels kind of crazy I have nearly 600 more miles to go, but I know they’re going to fly by so I’m trying to remind myself to really enjoy every moment of it. It feels like an honor and privilege to have made it this far.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Keep going, Elizabeth! One more day. One more mile….

08/19/2026

Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t just the scholarship, it’s knowing you’re not walking alone.

We’re honored to share the voices of our scholarship recipients and what this experience has meant to them. Their words capture the heart of why One More Day on the AT exists.

If these stories resonate with you, help us reach someone who may need this path next. Share our organization and our mission. Together, we can help someone choose one more day.

08/14/2026

✨Flashback Friday✨ Nate and F-Word!

Before there was One More Day on the AT, there was Nate.

In 2018, Nate set out to hike the Appalachian Trail and made it 700+ miles. Somewhere along those miles, an idea to help hikers was born, rooted in the belief that the trail can offer healing, transformation, and a chance to find your way forward.

When Nate passed away in 2019, his family turned that idea into something real and created the One More Day on the AT scholarship organization, helping hikers in need get to the trail and experience the same kind of healing and transformation Nate found out there.

And then there was F-Word. 🥾❤️

Nate met F-Word on the trail, and the two quickly became best trail buds. F-Word would go on to become a crucial part of the One More Day team, sharing his trail knowledge, experience, and passion for helping others get out there.

📸These photos are from 2018 at Dragon’s Tooth! Nate and F-Word, living their best life!

08/12/2026