MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) — Dale Sanders, at 91 years old, has reclaimed his record as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail, having fallen 71 times during his journey. Six of these falls were classified as hard falls, including one that required brief hospitalization and another just 200 yards from the finish line. Despite these challenges, Sanders completed the 2,193-mile (3,530-kilometer) trail, which stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy defines a thru-hike as completing all sections of the trail in any order within a year, allowing for breaks. Sanders began his hike on September 6 in West Virginia, taking breaks along the way, and finished on Monday at the summit of Maine's highest peak, where he paused to pray.
"I had to thank God, and I had to thank my support team and everybody that got me here," Sanders stated.
Sanders, known by his trail name Grey Beard, first set the Appalachian Trail record in 2017 at age 82. His record was surpassed four years later by his friend M.J. Eberhart, also known as Nimblewill Nomad. However, Sanders announced his intention to reclaim the title shortly after.
Sanders noted that his latest journey was more challenging than his first, despite six months of training. "I just have to always go back and say, 'But I am 91, so I'm blazing new ground hiking long distances like this,'" he remarked.
In June, while descending Killington Mountain in Vermont, Sanders fell in a boulder field, sustaining scrapes but no broken bones. He later experienced numbness in his left arm, which led to a hospital visit where doctors diagnosed a pinched nerve. Although he was cleared to continue hiking, he considered quitting but was encouraged by his wife to continue.
Sanders enjoyed several positive experiences during his hike, particularly in Pennsylvania, where he appreciated the well-maintained trails and support from "trail angels" who provided refreshments. "When people are taking care of you and bringing you caramel frappes on the trail, the rocks don't matter," he said.
Sanders has gained a following on social media, which he did not expect. "I wanna get it back, but right now, that's secondary," he said regarding his record. "What's most important is that people are motivated and given encouragement by my efforts."
Meredith Ewenson, who met Sanders during a hike in New Hampshire, expressed admiration for his accomplishments, stating that he exemplifies the idea that anything is possible and that the journey is what matters most. She noted that her group recognized him only after he passed them on the trail.
Sanders, born in Kentucky in 1935, has set numerous age-related records, including being the oldest person to paddle the entire length of the Mississippi River, completing the journey on his 87th birthday. During his recent hike, he faced various obstacles, including downed trees and steep scrambles, but maintained his determination. At one point, he took a brief nap on the trail before continuing his hike.
Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.