For many, hiking the entire Appalachian Trail (AT) is a dream. For one man, it became a reality after years of preparation and a lifetime of love for the trail.

Growing up in east Tennessee, just 10 miles from the AT, Del Ray resident Maynard Birchfield developed a passion for the outdoors as a Boy Scout. "That’s when my dream of hiking the whole trail started to take hold," he said. But life took him in a different direction first.

In 1980, Maynard enlisted in the Air Force. After his service, he moved to Northern Virginia in 1986 for a job with a defense contractor. He left the area in 2010 but returned to Del Ray in 2018. Retirement in December 2022 opened the door to finally pursuing his dream.

Once retired, Maynard knew he needed time to prepare. He spent 2023 completing shake-down hikes in Shenandoah National Park, testing gear and building endurance. "The shake-down hikes helped me figure out what equipment I needed and what I didn’t. They also helped me prepare mentally and physically," he said.

He started with 10-mile hikes carrying a 15- to 20-pound pack, gradually increasing distance and weight. A turning point came when he attempted a 15-mile hike with a 24-pound pack. "That was a wakeup call," he admitted. "I’m thankful that I did the preparation. If that had happened on the trail, I might have quit."

Maynard officially began his Thru-Hike on Feb. 7, 2024, in Georgia. His first major goal was reaching Neel Gap, about 30 miles from the start. A well-known milestone, Neel Gap is where roughly 25% of hikers abandon their journey, often tossing their boots into a famous tree. He pushed forward, determined to continue to North Carolina’s 100-mile mark and then to the Smoky Mountains.

The Smokies presented a formidable challenge. The trail’s highest elevation lies in this range, and winter conditions made for unpredictable days. After completing the section, Maynard arrived at familiar territory—the mountains of east Tennessee, where his love for the AT first began. His family met him, providing a much-needed break. "My sisters fed me well, which was much appreciated after weeks of ramen, tuna packets, and trail mix," he said. His nephew even joined him for a four-day stretch, allowing him to share part of the experience.

Reaching Virginia was another milestone. "Virginia is the longest section of the trail, about 550 miles, but it is not as difficult as Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee," Maynard explained. The relative ease allowed him to pick up the pace. Returning home for a short break in Del Ray offered a much-needed reset—especially for the food. "You think about food a lot on the trail! I lost about 25 pounds, but would not recommend it as a weight loss plan."

With Virginia behind him, the halfway point in West Virginia came quickly. As Maynard progressed through the northern states, mental endurance became more crucial. "There were days where you think, ‘I don’t have to do this,’" he said. But by the time he reached New Hampshire and Maine, the physical difficulty returned full force. The trail's rugged terrain and breathtaking beauty kept him moving forward. "At that point, I was determined to finish."

Hikers on the AT adopt trail names given by fellow trekkers. His became "Beatnik," a nod to Maynard G. Krebs from The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. While some hikers form long-term groups, or "tramilies," he hiked with different groups at various times. The companionship of others helped him push through to the end.

On Sept. 10, 2024, after more than seven months on the trail, Maynard reached the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine, completing his journey. Throughout the hike, he documented his experience on his YouTube channel, @MaynardHikes. "Their comments and encouragement helped me through some tough times," he said.

A lifelong dream realized at the young age of 65, the Appalachian Trail tested his endurance, resilience, and spirit. From Georgia to Maine, through cold winters and scorching summers, Maynard walked nearly 2,200 miles to achieve a goal that has been decades in the making. "It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done—but also one of the most rewarding."

Publisher's Note: This is the first of a series of installments about his journey over the coming months, state by state!