In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, Chaunce hiked the Foothills Trail! With Chaunce being just a few days removed from this 76-mile gem of a hike, the trail is fresh on her mind, and she provides us a detailed rundown of her experience and standout stories, the trail's many highlights, how it was doing this trek with Harper, a full overview of her gear, an encounter with a zombie ghost, and all the nitty gritty logistics one could dream of having heading into this waterfally, bridgey hike in the Carolinas.

We wrap the show with what our old person traits are, a triple crown of non-toilet paper items to wipe your bung with on trail, 36 east coast trails you can hike, and some details about an upcoming live podcast.

Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

Jenna Davis: Email [email protected] or call 303-946-9476 to get a free consultation.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “DINGLEBERRY” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com. 

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Interview with Chaunce!

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:05 - Reminders: Mark your calendars for a BPR live podcast in Denver on April 23, leave a 5 star review on Apple and email us to get a BPR sticker, and recommend a guest who will be at Trail Days!

00:08:50 - Why did Chaunce hike the Foothills Trail?

00:12:00 - How was the weather?

00:14:55 - What’s the background of the Foothills Trail?

00:16:48 - How did you get to the trail, logistically?

00:19:35 - Discussion about the costs of the trail

00:25:00 - Discussion about getting to the trail

00:27:33 - Which direction did you hike?

00:32:42 - What was the terrain like?

00:34:20 - Can you camp wherever?

00:35:30 - Discussion about expectations versus reality for the hiking difficulty

00:37:22 - Discussion about day 2 of hiking

00:38:18 - Any notable highlights from the first couple days of trail?

00:41:00 - Discussion about wildlife

00:46:45 - Discussion about the bridges and stairs

00:51:23 - Discussion about Chaunce’s massage

00:53:15 - Why didn’t you bring a rain jacket?

00:54:30 - Tell us about hiking with Harper

00:57:10 - How crowded was the trail?

01:02:08 - What was the resupply situation like?

01:05:05 - Who would you recommend the Foothills Trail to?

01:07:38 - Discussion about the road walks

01:08:34 - Discussion about waterfalls

01:11:30 - Discussion about how challenging the hike was

01:14:50 - Any good poop stories?

01:15:50 - What were your favorite waterfalls and bridges?

01:16:40 - Would you describe the Foothills Trail as flat?

01:17:20 - Discussion about the gear Chaunce carried

01:33:18 - Discussion about Harper’s gear

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 36 East Coast Trails That Aren’t the Appalachian Trail by Diane Duffard

QOTD: What’s your old person trait?

Stupid Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of items to wipe your bung with

Plug Me

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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