There is a one-word test you can offer someone to gauge their likelihood of following through. Whether it’s the Appalachian Trail, their education, their job, the last piece of pizza…this simple question uncovers a profound truth.

Why?

Why are you doing what you’re doing? There is no right or wrong answer, but when taking on a challenge with a high degree of difficulty, the answer need be a conviction.

The Appalachian Trail is a challenge with a high degree of difficulty. Just ask the 70% of hikers who don’t finish.

When someone asks for my top piece regarding a thru-hiking the AT, I don’t talk about gear, I don’t talk about the physical preparation, I don’t talk about logistics- I talk about purpose. Answering this all important question of why you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail, is a window into a hiker’s purpose. Knowing your purpose will keep your mind strong when confronted with a lightning storm, your feet are covered in blisters, or you’re missing family and friends.

Appalachian Trials takes this process into more depth, utilizing the full extent of your emotions, ambitions, and fears to build the most convincing answer to this all-important question. I also encourage (see: threaten) readers to write these reasons down and keep them close to the chest during their hike. I outline what my reasons were in the book; Ladybug gives us an excellent example of what this looks like.

Curious, I asked the good people of the Appalachian Trials Facebook Page to share the reasons why they were hiking (or, had hiked) the AT. Below are many of their responses. Some are heart-wrenchingly sad. Some are uplifting. Some are funny. Some are obvious. But- as long as they’re convictions, these reasons will serve as a hiker’s most dependable fuel source.

28 Damn Good Reasons to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail

Thanks to everyone who shared their reasons. For those considering a thru-hike, I hope the above help you to discover yours.

Want more posts like these? Sign up for the Appalachian Trials Newsletter to get the Best Around the AT.