The need for hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is a way of life for long distance hikers. Although some trails travel through small towns, more often than not, the hiker has one or more miles of walking between the trail and the off-trail destination. The towns or villages offer resupply items, such as food, first aid, toiletries and, perhaps, lodging in a hostel or motel. Hitchhiking from the trailhead into town, saves the hiker time, energy and in some cases, a pain-free journey.
Although I have provided many rides to backpackers, I have only hitched a ride once, in 2016. My husband, dogs and I were section hiking the Virginia Appalachian Trail, and our first task included walking the 101 miles through the Shenandoah National Park. During that time period, my fitness training schedule was rather intense. I trained 3 times days a day Monday through Thursday: morning cardio, lunchtime strength and conditioning, evening power yoga. On Fridays, I’d back off my workouts to just cardio and strength training, substituting the night yoga practice for a drive to our weekend hiking destination.
It was early July and we left home earlier than usual so that we could enjoy some exploration time in the Park. We had Friday through Monday reservations at Skyland Lodge. Dinner at the lodge restaurant, followed by a comfortable bed ensured high energy for the next day. Since it was summer, we had plenty of daylight to complete a 22 mile section hike. Wearing light packs, we trekked swiftly along the AT super highway.
After 10 miles, I developed a dull and achy sensation in my right hip. I stopped to stretch and to shake off the nagging idea that I had been overtraining. I walked on, eager to chunk off our largest AT hike to date. At mile 15, the ache changed to a stabbing pain. Thirty minutes later, at mile 16, I was taking baby steps and knew that I could not complete another 6 miles. A glance at the trail map showed a road crossing and parking lot were less than a mile ahead. It was there that I hitched my first and only ride.
Thumbing a ride
My husband settled on a grassy spot beside the small parking area off of Skyline Drive. It made the most sense for him to remain with our dogs, Faith and Toro, while I got a ride to our suburban. He yelled encouraging comments as I practiced holding out my thumb. A vehicle approached and I readied myself for a drive by. Surprisingly, the car pulled over and the window rolled down. I simply asked for a ride to the Loft Mountain Wayside parking lot, and the college-aged man shared that was his destination, too. What luck!
I do not recall the driver’s name, but I do know that his rescued dog’s name is Barbara. We chatted the entire 20 minute drive. I confessed that it was my first hitch. He said that I was the first ride that he has given and we laughed that we were nervous newbies. Barbara seemed nonplussed over the entire situation. After all, she got extra pets from the hiker-lady in the front seat of her car.
After a sincere thank you, I hobbled to my SUV and drove to pick up my crew. During that 45 minute time period, the dogs napped and Brian made new friends. A brother-sister duo from Michigan was embarking on their first ever backpacking trip. Upon my arrival at the parking area, I joined the conversation for short time, laughingly recounting my first hitchhiking experience. We wished them well on their sojourn, packed up the dogs and our gear, and headed to the lodge.
The trail provides
The next day, we completed a shorter hike without incident, knowing that we still had Monday to pick up extra miles to complete the entire weekend mileage goal. As we drove toward the lodge for a hot shower and a big meal, we recognized 2 hitchhikers along the side of Skyline Drive. It was the sibling duo! They had dropped their too-heavy packs behind the guard rail and were slowly walking along the parkway toward their car. They had been trying to catch a ride for the past hour, but no one had stopped.
The weary twosome climbed into our Suburban and we circled back to pick up their packs. We laughed and talked on the drive to their car. Like true hikers, they spun a humorous tale about their first day on the trail. With promises to stay in touch, we dropped our new friends at their car and headed back to our rented room.
There is a popular saying among hikers: “the trail provides”. A more accurate statement is that “trail people provide.” Strangers who have a love of the AT, Shenandoah National Park, or the great outdoors, unselfishly care for others in need. This genuine kindness and pay-it-forward attitude makes me proud to be a part of the hiking community.
I continue to provide rides for hikers. And I believe that if I need to thumb a ride in the future, a kind soul will pull over to shuttle a stinky hiker, her husband and tired dogs while listening to trail tale along the way.
Read how to stay safe during your hiking adventures
The 10 Hiking Essentials For Safe Adventures
You never know when an emergency may happen. Carrying 10 essential items in your pack is important for the health and safety of yourself and others.
