The Appalachian Trail as both Spiritual Journey and Aesthetic Tourism - Christina Lobosco

Identifying the inspiration to hike any trail comes from an underlying motive but is different for each individual.  A motivation to travel could be to adventure a new place unknown to someone or simply to enjoy your surroundings. The difference between these two is the determination and drive to go out when conditions are poor and opposite of what was intended.

As said above, people walk the trails for different intentions.  In particular, a man named Earl Shaffer walked a trail after the hardships and experiences he faced in World War II.  After having his best friend die, it was clear that he needed to “clear his head of the wartime trauma,” which could be accomplished by walking the trail.  While clearing his head from the depression, Shaffer was receiving healing.

This trail not only provides healing, but it provides each walker with purpose and peace.  Many travel with the potential to leave something on the trail, but inevitably receive an imprint from the trail.  The Appalachian Trail, among others, are able to give benefits to people without their knowledge. The trail is able to imprint and provide experience for those who are either inexperienced to what’s around them or unaware of how important nature is in our lives.  Travelers are given long-lasting memories and experiences that one trip provides.

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