Welcome back to False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails, the podcast where the mountains may be high, but the stories are even wilder. This week, we’re bringing you two gripping tales that highlight the unpredictable—and sometimes chilling—nature of the trail.

First, in Snow, Wind, and Regret, Michael Keene (@gingerbeard_keene) recounts a White Mountains misadventure that tested the limits of both gear and grit. From frozen boots to hurricane-force winds, it’s a story of survival, setbacks, and the strange allure of the wild that keeps us coming back for more.

Then, we dive into The Stranger, a tale that will have you glancing over your shoulder on your next solo hike. Mia’s instincts are her best defense when an unsettling encounter turns her trek into a high-stakes escape through New Zealand’s untamed backcountry.

We’ll break down the stories, ask the tough (and funny) questions, and wrap things up with Trail Mix, where Em curates the perfect songs for your next adventure. Plus, stick around for trail etiquette tips that could save your winter hike from turning into its own epic fail.

If you’ve ever wondered what the mountains have in store—or how you’d fare in the face of nature’s (and humanity’s) curveballs—this episode is for you.

In this episode of False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails, we kick off the new year with a wild ride—literally. Em recounts a harrowing trip to the airport involving a rogue truck and some airport antics you won’t want to miss.

Then, it’s time to dive into two unforgettable moose encounters. First up is Moosecapades, where Avery faces off with a thousand-pound forest overlord on the Middle Saint Vrain trail. Spoiler: yelling "MOOOOOOSE" might not be the best survival tactic, but it makes for a legendary tale.

Next, in Trail Stomp, Ricky’s blurry vision leads to a heart-pounding standoff with what he thought was a horse (plot twist: it wasn’t). From scaling boulders like a terrified mountain goat to rethinking life choices, this story is one wild hoofed adventure.

We round things out with Trail Mix, featuring three songs perfectly paired with trail vibes, and some life-saving moose encounter tips in Trail Etiquette and Other Shit.

Join us for laughs, lessons, and the kind of epic fails that make the trail worth it. Rate, review, subscribe, and share your own misadventures—because every mountain is just one more “almost there.” See you out there!

Happy trails (and watch out for moose)

Join Octavia and Em for a festive detour as they unwrap their favorite Christmas movies and share a sleigh full of holiday fail stories! From a spider-infested Christmas tree disaster to an unforgettable (and unintentional) concert ticket mix-up, and a Christmas Eve that spiraled into chaos before breakfast, this mini-sode has all the holiday mayhem you didn’t know you needed.

Whether you're sipping cocoa or untangling those cursed lights, we’re here to bring you some laughs and remind you—holiday fails are the ultimate tradition.

🎁 Got your own tales of seasonal mishaps or misadventures? Send them our way at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @FalseSummit.

Happy trails, happy holidays, and stay off the naughty list… and the edge!

In this episode, Octavia and Em are serving up two incredible stories from the trail that dive into resilience, survival, and the unexpected moments that make adventure worth it.

First up, we share Borrowed Miles, the inspiring story of Astro, a young hiker facing stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma who found hope—and a pair of socks—from a trail legend. It’s a tale of grit, connection, and the unshakable belief that the trail provides exactly what you need, just when you need it.

Then, in Eyes in the Dark, we head to prime grizzly country in Wyoming for a heart-pounding encounter with one of nature’s apex predators. It’s a reminder that no matter how experienced you are, the wilderness always has the final word.

Stick around for Trailmix, where Em curates three perfect trail tracks. Then Octavia dives into Trail Etiquette and Other S**t and shares tips for hiking with kids.

And don’t miss the teaser for our upcoming New Year’s special: False Summit: After Dark. We’ll be back to kick off the new year with more wild stories and questionable decisions.

So grab your pack, lace up those boots, and join us on this week’s journey through trails, tales, and epic fails.

1st story source: FB as Chris Hillier and IG as Hillier.c and trail name is Wolverine

https://americanhiking.org/hiking-resources/#hiking-101

In this week’s episode of False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails, Octavia and Em bring you two unforgettable stories from the wilderness. First, we meet Leon the Bison in “Bison Bestie,” a majestic, unlikely hiking companion who proves that even in the wild, friendships can be formed. Then, in “Forest Rebellion,” we dive into the chaotic adventure of two rebellious teens who discover that nature doesn’t play by their rules—and sometimes, it downright rejects you.

From heartwarming connections to spine-tingling encounters, these tales remind us of the raw power and unpredictability of the outdoors. Stick around for Trail Mix, where Em shares three handpicked songs to add to your hiking playlist and some trail etiquette tips (and other... s**t).

Tune in for adventure, laughter, and a few life lessons, all wrapped up in the wildest stories the trail has to offer.

Dana Meise ( @the.great.hike )

Join Octavia and Em on False Summit for two unforgettable tales that redefine "epic fails."

First, in Helicopter Hijinks, a group climbing trip in Washington’s Dutch Miller Gap spirals into chaos thanks to an overconfident novice. From botched self-arrest drills to a rogue crawl through the wilderness, this story is equal parts hilarious and nerve-wracking, with rescue operations that snowball wildly out of proportion.

Next, in Dialing from the Depths, a listener recounts their daring (and disgusting) mission to rescue a phone that took a nosedive into a vault toilet on Isle Royale. Ingenious teamwork, makeshift tools, and a ShamWow-turned-shamPOO save the day—but not without leaving some lingering questions about what’s truly worth saving.

Plus, Em curates a mellow, reflective Trail Mix with songs from Devendra Banhart, The Tallest Man on Earth, and Still Woozy. Then stick around for trail etiquette tips and some light-hearted banter about movie outings, arcade nostalgia, and more.

Prepare for laughs, lessons, and a bit of secondhand wilderness stress in this episode of False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails.

This Thanksgiving, we’re serving up a feast of epic fails on False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails! First, in “Party Crashers and Predator Paws,” a solo hike unravels into chaos with a brutal climb, frat-party-style campers, and a hair-raising encounter with a mountain lion. Would you rather face the party—or the predator?

Then, in “On the Edge,” a nerve-wracking scramble through a narrow gorge forces a hiker to lean on strangers and confront their fears. It’s a story of grit, gratitude, and finding your footing when everything feels unsteady.

Whether you're listening while hiking off that pumpkin pie or dodging awkward family dinner conversations, join us for this special holiday episode. And as always, share your tales of trails and fails—we’re thankful for every wild story you send our way!

Marti Shawn @Hippietoanextent / https://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php/114727-Ghost-Stories-Folklore-welcomed

Welcome to False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails! This week, Octavia and Em bring you two unforgettable adventures packed with chaos, resilience, and a healthy dose of humor.

First, in Havoc, Horses, and Hiccups, join two travelers navigating Albania’s Peaks of the Balkans. From luggage-hauling horses to steep mountain passes and a surprise cow cameo, it’s a journey of epic views, unexpected obstacles, and a guide who knows how to keep spirits high (with a little help from raki).

Then, in Parched and Found, Spencer and Carey take us on a grueling Yosemite hike with one massive oversight: they forgot their Camelbaks. Facing dehydration and exhaustion, they encounter mysterious Scout “guides” who may or may not be what they seem. Ghosts, hallucinations, or just another epic trail story? You decide.

Stick around for Trail-mix, where Em shares three must-listen tracks and essential trail etiquette tips to stay safe during hunting season.

So, lace up your boots, grab some blaze orange, and prepare for tales of adventure, mishaps, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

Got a story or trail fail to share? Hit us up at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram at @falsesummit.

Happy trails—don’t fall off a cliff!

@tripstowalkabout, https://ptavocados.com/valbona-theth/

https://americanhiking.org/resources

Welcome back to False Summit, where tails, trails, and epic fails keep us climbing. Join Octavia and Em as they dive into two unforgettable stories that capture the essence of outdoor adventure—and the wild mishaps that come with it.

First, in Moon Angel, Angela’s moonlit hike with her loyal pup takes an eerie turn when an unexpected flash of her camera draws a desperate runner out of the dark. What follows is a surreal encounter under the stars that blurs the line between fate and coincidence.

Then, gear up for Frozen Fiasco, a tale that combines the 80s winter camping vibe with one man’s epic standoff against a blizzard—and his own misjudged freeze-dried meal. A blustery blunder turns messy, but the storm has a frosty fix in store, proving that survival in the cold sometimes means laughing at yourself.

After these tales, Em’s “Trail Mix” segment serves up three must-hear songs to fuel your next adventure. Stick around for trail etiquette tips and essentials to pack for your next hike—because even the best-prepared adventurers know there’s always room for an unexpected twist.

Hit play, and let’s get lost in stories of near-misses and unplanned rescues.

https://americanhiking.org/hiking-resources/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz7C2BhDkARIsAA_SZKbC9I--LYDQUU14p4jt6RT4_C8uURUSluOeXFCtWO-XiQcuHTyizzsaAvUqEALw_wcB#hiking-101

In this engaging episode of False Summit, nine-year-old Audriana joins her mom, Octavia, to reflect on their experiences with nature, including a particularly dramatic encounter with fire ants in France. Audriana also shares her thoughts on elements of nature, from the edible to the annoying.