by Collin Stuart Chambers
“In difficulty lies opportunity.” I saw those words on a billboard today, somewhere between a gas station and the rising blue ridges, and they swirled themselves around my brain. The phrase looped over and over as I drove home on this warm,gorgeous spring day....
by Collin Stuart Chambers
Musings from the Trail: Through the Lens of a Long-Season Ridgerunner on the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hitch #8 — South Section | April 10–13, 2025 I often share a few highlights about my “hitches” (what my 4-day patrols on the...
by Collin Stuart Chambers
My first season as a Ridgerunner on the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park was incredible—but it started off cold. I quickly learned that staying warm enough to sleep well through the night was a challenge. Here’s a little something I...
by Collin Stuart Chambers
Yes! I take walks on my days off! (Well, at least on gorgeous days like this!) I learned the hard way some time ago that this was a sure-fire remedy for staying flexible, strong, and energized. Hiking long trails in the past such as the Appalachian trail, I would...
by Collin Stuart Chambers
The first hitch of the 2025 Smokies Ridgerunner Season was delayed by a day due to a winter storm. I was originally to enter the south section of the AT at Newfound Gap, but most of the roads in and through the park were closed. I was able to drive around the park and...
by Collin Stuart Chambers
I have great news! I loved being an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner in the Smokies SO MUCH I’ve decide to be the long-season Ridgerunner again for the 2025 season! As a Ridgerunner in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I am grateful I get to be a devoted steward...
