Benton MacKaye

When Benton MacKaye first presented the idea of the Appalachian Trail in 1921, his main goal was a sanctuary for factory workers. Working conditions in the early 1900s were very dangerous and strenuous. Though Benton MacKaye’s actual vision for the Appalachian trail came true, the idea of embracing recreation to escape the chaotic and tiresome city and rejuvenation through nature lived on.

Earl Shaffer was a WW2 Veteran and the first known Thru-Hiker of the Appalachian Trail. He served as a radioman in the Pacific Theater during World War 2 and first thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1948 in order to "walk off the war". The only equipment that Shaffer used were military issued boots and a military rucksack. Shaffer unknowingly would go on to inspire an individual who has opened the door for many other Veterans looking to "walk off the war".