Perry McKay, a 26-year-old recent Shepherd College graduate, has decided to take a different path in life than that of other recent college graduates. Instead of sending out resumes and looking forward to the daily 9 to 5 workday, Perry, who has always looked for challenges in his life, decided to hike the Appalachian Trail and at the same time, help save the National Parks.

On March 5, 2000, he began his hike at Springer Mountain, Georgia. This is the spot where just about all thru-hikers, as they are called, begin the long and sometimes painful journey of 2,160 miles that will bring him to Baxter Peak in Katahdin State Park, in Maine, sometime in or after August.

An estimated 3,000 individuals each year attempt to walk the trail with only 10% of them succeeding. Perry is determined to be among that 10%. He has hiked parts of the trail in preparation for this incredible journey but as any thru-hiker will tell you, "you never know what to expect of yourself or the trail, it must all be taken one day at a time." His first goal is to reach Harpers Ferry in May for the graduation of Shepherd College. Gaining lots of love and support from friends and family here, he will be re-charged and ready to complete his hike.

Perry credits his 12th grade government teacher for giving him the inspiration and determination to attack his goals in life. "Mrs. Michaelean Monahan and I still meet every Thursday to talk about my life experiences. She has inspired me in everything I have done." Perry is also thankful for his mother and all of his friends who have supported this very unusual goal. It is hope that their support will help him through the lonely times on the trail. When asked what he will miss most, he replied "loved ones, daily showers, potato chips and Bass Ale." 

On his hike, Perry will be carrying a backpack that was given to him by his friend, Marc Andre Desaulniers, who was killed in a car accident in 1996. He will also be using a hand-crafted walking stick made by his friend, Ed Brown.

During his six-month hike Perry will stay at various hostels and shelters that are set up along the trail. When possible he will sleep under the stars with mother nature providing leaves he will use to make his "bed" for the night.

To document his journey we here at the National Park Trust have agreed to set up this connection through our web site so that Perry's friends and family can keep track of his progress.

Perry's introduction to NPT

We went back and forth as to just how he was going to relay his messages to us. We talked about him carrying a laptop but he decided that would be too much weight. We moved down to a small hand held recorder but then we had to get into batteries and tapes etc. Since Perry was going to be keeping a small hand written journal we decided that he would call the National Park Trust office every week or so and leave us a voice describing the events of his progress. Those voice mails are what you are reading during the next 5 months as we follow Perry McKay through his dream of completing the Appalachian Trail.

Reports from Perry Trip Photo Gallery   Report # 1 - Mar. 20 Report # 8 - Jul. 6 Report # 2 - Apr. 11 Report # 9 - Jul. 17 Report # 3 - Apr. 29 Report # 10 - Aug. 7 Report # 4 - May 2 Report # 11 - Sep. 3 Report # 5 - Jun. 13 Report # 12 - Sep. 27 Report # 6 - Jun. 21   Report # 7 - Jun. 26

Clif Bar Inc. is a coporate sponsor helping Perry on his hike to "protect America's parkland" by sending him Clif Bars.

If you would like to sponsor Perry's quest to hike the Appalachian Trail, please click here