If you are are interested in hiking the Mountains to Sea Trail, I have two recommendations that I believe you will find extremely useful. These resources will be helpful for anyone on the trail, whether you are a thru-hiker, section hiker, slack packer or just looking for a new day hike.
1: “Jester” Section Hiker podcast
This website is by Julie “Jester” Gayheart
I ran across her site when searching for podcasts about the Mountains to Sea Trail. Jester is a serious section hiker who lives in North Carolina and she has a very impressive hiking resume’. This past year she completed the 40 Hike Challenge and as a benefit to all of us, she has reviews of each of the 40 Hikes while she is on each specific trail. I have found it extremely beneficial and inspiring.
Jester goes beyond just an interesting and entertaining podcast by also giving the listener the opportunity for more information in her “show notes” on her site. Even though I am primarily doing long day hikes, I have gone back and listened to all of the episodes in her podcast. I have found them all instructive. If you go to her website you will find a list of the podcast episodes that are specific to the 40 Hike Challenge, but I encourage you to listen to the other episodes as well. Jester has intriguing interviews with some amazing fellow hikers. I also appreciate her sharing her packing lists.
I highly recommend this podcast! An added benefit is the great song that she has as a bumper on her podcast – you will find that you will be singing along as you’re headed to the next trail.
2: The MST Guide APP by Pocket Trails
I stumbled on this 2nd recommendation while listening to Jester’s podcast – Episodes #50 & #69. Josh Smith has a great story about why, when and how he created the MST Guide APP. I urge you to listen to his story.
The MST Guide APP can be downloaded on Android and IOS. I have used it on several hikes with my iPhone. The APP is simple to use and has a lot of useful features. In a recent conversation with “Jester” she informed me that her and Josh are now co-owners of Pocket Trails. I am looking forward to see how they continue to improve and enhance the app.
Also, I forgot to mention that the APP is free! Thank you Pocket Trails.