Susie McNeely decided as a young woman in 1979 that she would hike the Appalachian Trail with two of her closest friends. That trip had a lasting impact on her, as she went on to complete the Pacific Crest Trail in 1983, and then after retiring in 2016, the Continental Divide Trail which made her one of about 200 people to complete the triple crown of American hiking. Richard Judy, from Episode 1, is a longtime friend and hiking companion, and said of her strength on the trail: "When it comes to hiking, I would follow her into hell."

04 - Susie McNeely

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.

Sports & Recreation

Professional

Amateur

Outdoor

College & High School

The doors are closing on season one, but before they do, Producer Andrew Iden sits down with writer and producer Jarrett Bellini for a talk about how this podcast came about, the stories behind the making of the show and everything in between.

34 - The 2180 Season Finale

Nancy Reeder always loved the outdoors, so when she and her partner Lonnie began their AT thru-hike in 2009, they knew the would finish. What they didn't anticipate though, was the abrupt end of the thru-hike attempt in a frigid and snow-packed Virginia winter. They set out again though and managed to bring closure to a family tragedy that occurred on the trail years earlier. 

33 - Nancy Reeder

After reading the memoir of Earl Schaffer, the first person to hike the Appalachian Trail, Dave Donaldson wanted to honor the legendary outdorsman by giving himself the trail name Spirit of 48. What he didn't anticipate though was spending part of his hike with the AT's original thru-hiker and forming a friendship that would stay with him forever. 

32 - Dave Donaldson

When Jonathan MacFarland got on the Appalachian Trail, he was the first to admit he had no idea what he was doing. But along the way, his hike became a story of shedding guilt, learning to not be angry, and becoming the one others came to for advice. 

31 - Jonathan MacFarland

If it were up to Heather Starbuck, she'd gladly have never hiked the Appalachian Trail. But the tragic and heartbreaking death of her boyfriend, Matt Adams, became a mission to walk from Georgia to Maine in an attempt to shed light on a crisis that is gripping America. in our most powerful episode yet, she shares her story of tragedy, unspeakable loss and learning to deal with both. Audience discretion is advised. 

04 - Susie McNeely

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