<p>As a young child, Kimberly Shaffer didn't have a lot of understanding of the Appalachian Trail. But her great uncle, Earl Shaffer certainly did, as the first person to successfully thru-hike the AT in 1948. This year, Kimberly decided to mark the anniversary of his first walk, and set out on the trail. This is the story of her her own walk, honoring a family legacy and along the way getting closer to the words and experiences documented by her great Uncle Earl. </p>

<p>As a young child, Kimberly Shaffer didn't have a lot of understanding of the Appalachian Trail. But her great uncle, Earl Shaffer certainly did, as the first person to successfully thru-hike the AT in 1948. This year, Kimberly decided to mark the anniversary of his first walk, and set out on the trail. This is the story of her her own walk, honoring a family legacy and along the way getting closer to the words and experiences documented by her great Uncle Earl.&nbsp;</p>

24 - Kimberly Shaffer

70 years ago, the Appalachian Trail was thru-hiked for the first time by WWII veteran Earl Shaffer. The2180 is a series of 70 stories from 70 people who have made the Appalachian Trail a part of their life,  and in the process, have found a larger understanding of themselves and the world around them through the crown jewel of the American hiking experience.