Hiker Cindy Sinclair in 1980 by a road on the Appalachian Trail. Wearing exercise shorts and a tee-shirt

Bethany Shoop May 29, 2014 on the Appalachian Trail near Hampton Tennessee. She is wearing a hiking skirt and shirt.

Emma "Grandma" Gatewood was the first woman to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. She completed her first hike in 1955 at the age of 66 and went on to thru hike the Trail several more times.

Icewater Spring shelter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, crowded with sleeping bags and other hiker gear. Shelters, especially those in high traffic areas like the Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and any location close to a road, often see substantial use by short and long distance hikers.

Earl Shaffer on Mt. Katahdin at the end of his thru hike in 1948. Taken by an unknown hiker

Lewis Mountain Campground was originally Shenandoah National Park's "Negro" campground. The campground facilities including the original cabins can be reserved. Visit the Park's website for more information. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/lodging.htm

View of Harpers Ferry at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers

Chestnut soup is a tasty healthy way to enjoy chestnuts.

An American Chestnut Tree prior to the chestnut blight of the 1920s.

"This is the tallest known American chestnut tree in North America, clocking in at precisely 115 feet. It's an exciting find for those seeking to eventually restore the tree to its previous habitat."
Susan Sharon/MPBN

Historical Range of the American Chestnut Tree. The American Chestnut Tree once grew throughout the Appalachian region from the southern United States to New England.