A Hiker's History of the Appalachian Trail with Mills Kelly (BPR #352)

In this three-part episode of Backpacker Radio, hosts Zach Badger-Davidson and Juliana Chauncey welcome historian Mills Kelly to explore the layered and often surprising history of the Appalachian Trail through his book, *A Hiker's History of the Appalachian Trail*. The conversation begins with Mills’ personal journey from Boy Scout inspiration to a dedicated section hiker, highlighting the emotional complexity of not completing the full trail. He reveals the trail’s unexpected origins as a network of fishing camps and steakhouses, not a long-distance hiking route, and uncovers troubling legacies—such as Paul Fink’s collection of human skin and the systemic exclusion of Black hikers through sundown towns like Irwin, Tennessee. The episode also celebrates the overlooked contributions of women in early trail clubs and traces the evolution of hiker culture from chaotic, trash-filled shelters to the Leave No Trace ethos, aided by initiatives like the Ridge Runner program. In the second segment, Mills dives into the dramatic rerouting of the trail through southwestern Virginia—300 miles shifted due to sparse infrastructure—thanks to the quiet heroism of local figure Shirley Cole. He contrasts the trail’s original socialist vision of accessible nature for workers with today’s fast-paced FKT culture, emphasizing the tension between preservation and recreation, especially at Katahdin. The story of Eiler Larson, the first person to hike the entire trail over six years as a disabled veteran and street preacher, emerges as a powerful testament to the trail’s spiritual and human dimensions. The final segment shifts to a playful, self-aware reflection by Juliana Chauncey on podcasting’s behind-the-scenes chaos, audience engagement, and the strategic placement of cringeworthy moments, closing with sponsor shoutouts and a surreal, comedic twist that underscores the show’s signature blend of authenticity and whimsy.