Episode Five: Halfway There
As Matt and Candy reach Harper’s Ferry, known as the psychological mid-point of a thru-hike, we explore how the trail went from simple footpath to a uniquely shaped National Park. The AT’s history is also a history of racial segregation, and we talk to historians and modern hiking guides who are using the trail to teach about the underground railroad.
This episode’s guests:
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Sandra Marra
President and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
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Philip D'Anieri
Author of “The Appalachian Trail: A Biography”
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Anthony Cohen
Historian and Expert on the Underground Railroad.
Photo taken during his 1996 trip along one of the routes of the Underground Railroad.
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Brittany Leavitt
Backpacker, Climber and Educator - CEO of Brown Girls Climb
Bottom right corner - with the “blackpackers” from her 2016 Outdoor Afro trip on the Appalachian Trail.
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Mills Kelly
Author, Podcaster, and Emeritus Professor of History at George Mason University
Learn More:
Learn more about the Appalachian Trail Conservancy: appalachiantrail.org
Grab a copy of Philip D’Anieri’s book, The Appalachian Trail: A Biography: atbiography.com
Learn more about Anthony Cohen’s work via the Menare Foundation: menare.org
Learn more about Brittany Leavitt’s outdoor education work: britleavitt.com
Learn more about Outdoor Afro: outdoorafro.org
Learn more about Mills Kelly’s work as a historian and podcaster: millskelly.net
Chili Pepper Woman crossing into West Virginia.
The AT enters the historic town of Harper's Ferry.
HQ for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
The AT crosses a number of railroad lines in Pennsylvania.
Episode Credits:
Produced by: The Wild Lens Collective in partnership with New Hampshire Public Radio
With Support from: Big Agnes
Producers: Matthew Podolsky, Taylor Quimby
Promotion/Social Media: Hannah Mulvany
Music by: Blue Dot Sessions
