Trailblazer: Hartselle man completes 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail at 72

Photos by Rachel Howard  

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At 72 years young, Hartselle native Anthony Hood has accomplished something that many can only dream of—he has hiked the entirety of the Appalachian Trail, a daunting journey spanning more than 2,000 miles from the rugged mountains of North Georgia to the rocky coast of Maine. After nearly two decades of section hiking, Hood’s long-held dream is now a remarkable reality.  

From its northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine, to its southern end at Springer Mountain, Georgia, the trail spans a total of 2,198.4 miles and crosses 14 states.  

For Hood, the journey began in 2006 during his time as a Boy Scout leader for Hartselle’s Troop 336.  It was a chance to introduce a group of eager scouts to the outdoors.  

“We wanted to do something meaningful during spring break, something that would challenge the boys and get them out in nature,” Hood recalls. That spring, he and his troop set off for their first section of the Appalachian Trail, known as the AT, hiking for a week through Georgia’s mountain wilderness. It was a trip that would spark a passion in both Hood and his young scouts. 

Year after year, the group returned to the trail, tackling different sections during spring break, slowly making their way northward. For several years, these hikes became a tradition. But as time went on, and the Boy Scouts moved on to other pursuits, Hood found himself with a lingering desire to continue the journey alone. “After the boys finished, I knew I wasn’t ready to stop,” he says. “I wanted to see the whole thing through, to really experience the trail in its entirety.” 

And so, Hood set his sights on completing the AT himself, as a section hiker. Unlike thru-hikers who attempt to finish the entire trail in one season, section hikers conquer it in small chunks, sometimes over many years. Hood’s dedication meant carving out time every year for these multi-week trips, returning each time to where he left off. 

Over the next 18 years, Hood faced both the physical and mental challenges of long-distance hiking. From Georgia’s steep climbs to Virginia’s rolling hills, from Pennsylvania’s infamous rocky terrain to the breathtaking yet grueling peaks of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, Hood persevered.  

Hood said there were plenty of tough days out there that included bad weather, sore feet and blisters, yet he persevered.  

Hood’s journey wasn’t without its rewards, either. He recalls seeing wildlife up close, from black bears to soaring eagles, and meeting other hikers who shared the same goal of completing the AT.  

“The trail community is one of a kind,” he reflects. “You meet people from all walks of life out there, all with their own reasons for hiking. There is a real sense of camaraderie and support.”  

This summer, Hood set out to finish the AT with his longest section hike to date. He was on the trail for 29 days, clocking more than 300 miles July 26, 2024.  

A normal day on the trail was 10-12 hours depending on weather and his stamina.  

“Early on in the trip, I doubted I would complete it,” Hood said. “But the Lord always puts people in your life to encourage you.”  

“On the fourth day, I was thinking I could not complete it, I was ready to come home, but I met a woman, she was a trail runner, and we talked for a little while. She was struggling with metastatic colon cancer,” Hood said, full of emotion. “She told me that if she could run those trails fighting cancer, I could finish my hike. She was a great motivator for me.”  

Hood didn’t know the woman’s name and the interaction lasted less than 10 minutes, but he said it had great impact on his life.  

Just short of a month after beginning his final section hike, Hood reached the summit of Mount Katahdin. He had done it. It was a moment of triumph and reflection — he says it still feels surreal.  

Hood celebrates reaching Northern terminus
of the Appalachian Trail on July 26, 2004.

For Hood, the completion of the Appalachian Trail at age 72 is more than just a personal achievement. It’s a testament to perseverance, determination and a lifelong love of the outdoors. “I hope my story inspires others to go after their dreams, no matter their age or the challenges in front of them,” he says. 

Though his hiking days on the AT are behind him, Hood isn’t done exploring. He still hikes locally and is always ready to lace up his boots and hit the trails.  

Anthony Hood’s journey across more than 2,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail is a reminder that the trail is not just a path through the wilderness, but a path to self-discovery, resilience and adventure. For those who dream of completing the AT, Hood says with patience and passion, even the longest journey can be completed—one step at a time.