For Teddy Kondrich, hiking the Appalachian Trail end-to-end in 2024 was the chance of a lifetime.
The trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, spanning 2,190 miles through 14 states — from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
On Feb. 28, the Postal Service released stamps that highlight the trail’s scenic variety, with a stamp to represent each of the 14 states.
Kondrich, 25, who works as a barback, began his hike on March 9 after his family drove him to Georgia from their Pittsburgh home.
His dad helped inspire his journey.
“My dad said one of his biggest regrets was never hiking the Appalachian Trail,” Kondrich said. “He wanted to do it, but life got in the way — work, kids. My hike allowed me to connect with him in a special way.”
Half of the time Kondrich hiked alone, but he also shared the trail with a handful of hikers who started the journey at the same time.
Challenges inevitably came, such as a severe thunderstorm in New Hampshire. Kondrich and four other hikers were on top of Mount Madison when the storm hit, so they sought refuge at a nearby resort.
“The hotel said we could stay the night if we washed some dishes and swept the floors, so that’s what we did,” he said.
Kondrich saw plenty of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, a moose and several bears.
He and his fellow hikers were aided by volunteers known as “trail angels” who live close to the trail and provide meals or rides into town.
But his biggest help came through the U.S. Mail.
His parents mailed him food and replacement gear to 10 Post Offices along the trail, where USPS employees would hold the packages until he arrived.
Those packages also contained motivational notes from friends and family members. A friend’s grandmother even baked him cookies.
“I’m incredibly humbled and touched that so many people wanted to help me out and be a part of this. I could not have done it without them,” he said.
Three pairs of hiking boots and 172 days later, Kondrich finished the hike on Aug. 27.
He walked away from the experience with a renewed sense of gratitude.
“On that trail, you become grateful for the little things, such as a dry day or a hot cup of coffee. I’m now trying to practice that in the real world — to be grateful for the good moments when you can get them.”
