Appalachian Trail Documentary: DIXIE TO MAINE 

“Hangin’ in there like a hair in a biscuit!” If that doesn’t tell you she’s from the south, I don’t know what will 😂

The whole part about your dog completely broke my heart. 😭

You have NO idea how many people you have inspired. You have no idea how many days that you have made me laugh or smile with your videos. I look up to you so much and I hope one day I can go after my dreams just like you have. Please never stop doing what you are doing!

So cool to rewatch , Ive been following all your adventures. When I started following you . I had just gotten diagnosed with Cancer and was going through chemo treatments. Watching you and other hikers helped get me through. I’m currently cancer free and since then I’ve gotten to do some sections hikes on the AT. Thanks to God . Thanks to you for introducing me to the Trail ! Even though we never met you’ll always have a special place in my heart . 👍

Better than anything on TV. Getting rid of cable, tomorrow.

I have memories of the Appalachian Trail from as young as 5, specifically hiking Blood Mountain in North Georgia, back when my family would vacation at Vogel State Park. When I was 20-21, me and a friend were talking fairly seriously about thru-hiking it, when he backed out, due to wanting to finish college; I backed out, as I didn’t think that it was safe to hike solo. Fast forward to when I was 24: having just finished a year at a local university, me and three friends did a day hike up to Blood Mtn, and also nearby De Soto Falls. After the hiking, at Mountain Crossings, I bought a 2-hour dvd on the Appalachian Trail. While watching it the following week, I decided that I wanted to finally hike it. I spent the entire following year planning for the trip, from acquiring appropriate gear, to researching anything from “how to pitch a tent in the rain” to “bear psychology”. I set off in early May of that year (2007), opting for a later start, so as to not have to deal with the larger crowds of March and April, and to not have to worry about the potential need for winter gear. I ended up needing to get off in Damascus, VA, due to a stress-fracture due to an unhealed shinsplint, 460 miles and 35 days in. Fast forward to now, while finishing the AT has always been on my mind over these past 13 years, I never really entertained doing so quite so seriously until now. In truth, I think that I was demoralized by my injury, and also struggling with a feeling of failure due my “only” making it to Virginia. I now live 1 hour or less from most of the trail in both New Jersey and New York, and I normally go hiking at least once a week, some days hitting 18 miles. I’ve gained such a level of confidence, that I’m planning on hiking the AT sections in both NJ and NY this year, maybe, depending on my speeds, even Connecticut. Next year, the tentative plan is return to the Delaware Water Gap (where the Pennsylvania/New Jersey border is on the AT, and where I’ll be hiking later today), and to hike southbound to Harpers Ferry. By that point, hopefully my boss would realize how committed to this I actually am, and would give me a full month off to hike all of Virginia. From there, I’d “only” have New England left (sans Connecticut, if I’m able to cover it later this year!). Edited to add a note about the dog: late last year, my parents old dog died. She was probably around 17 years old, and was truly a part of our family. My mom had taken her grandsons, my 3 nephews, to the pound, and picked her based on how happily she reacted when she saw my nephews (then aged somewhere around 2, 4, and 6, give or take). While I had seen my family in different places over the years, I hadn’t actually been home for 3-4 years, thus hadn’t seen the family dog, Maisey, for several years. A week before Christmas last year, my entire nuclear family (in-laws included) met at Disney World, and I opted to ride home with my parents to my hometown in Georgia, flying home from there. When asked Why?, as I would only be there for 2.5 days, I was quick to say that I had a feeling in my gut that Maisey didn’t have much longer to live, and I wanted to see her one last time. When we walked into the house, she didn’t notice my at first, presumably as she hadn’t seen me in so long, and has no reason to expect me to walk in with my parents and brother. I extended my hand for her to smell, and as soon as she did so, her tail started to wag, and she looked up at me with a huge dog smile. She barely left my side for the remainder of my time there. She died less than one week after I left.

“It just amazes me that there’s not a lick of rebar in this thing.” That’s a country girl right there

My long term goal has been to pay off my debts and hike the AT. Thank you SO much for keeping keeping me focused on the end game. -Harpers Fery is Home.

I was doing some homework with my daughter about the Moon. Did you know the diameter of the Moon is less than the length of the Appalachian Trail! Lady, you walked around the Moon!! How incredible is that?!? Moon: 2,158.8 miles in diameter Appalachian Trail length: 2,200 miles

At 30 i had a life breakdown..... was talked out of walking the trail by family... at 32 i literally just lost a job and everything after my car broke down and decided i am walking the trail... your video is inspiring for someone who doubts themself but after watching i am literally so excited to hit the at and meet all the people and memories.

About to do a day hike here in Australia. watching this bad boy! This video just cemented the fact I am coming to USA to do the AT. Also, congrats on almost 100k subs!

“It’s been a LONG time coming “ ugh I cried at this part. So proud of you, Dixie. You’re so strong.

Very cool that you turned your many episodes into one long documentary. Great idea. Well done!

"Rigga's eating." Rigga was always eating!

AWESOME IDEA. I was just about to re-watch them and now I have this great feature length movie! I always cry when I watch you reach Katahdin. THANK YOU! P.S. Loved watching Perk's beard grow. LOL!

Unbelievable. I’m not a crying type of person but I teared up probably 3 or 4 times. Sugar Belle, the hard mental day part, the summit. I’m planning my thru-hike for spring 2021. That’s how I found your channel.

I am bawling my eyes out over your loss of Sugar Belle :( Thank you for sharing your story, the hard times and the good. Wishing you all the best on the CDT!

you inspire me every day, doing the six pack peak challenge out here in California, then angels landing in zion in September this year. I'm 63. thanks !

What an amazing journal of your experience, Dixie! I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I celebrated and mostly appreciated that you graciously shared your experience with us. God bless you girl! 🙏🏻

Fantastic! Gonna get some popcorn and enjoy the movie. Thanks Dixie (and Aaron?)

Dixie, you are amazing! And like many others I'm sure, you've inspired me to get up and get out there. After having recently found my passion for camping and knowing I've always loved hiking I came to RU-vid to find exactly what I was looking for: some motivation and advice to get started on my journey and low and behold I found you and your adventures! Thank you for sharing this with all of us and having the guts to be such an inspiration to us!!!

Dixie, you did us southerners proud! Great film and ready for you to tackle the PCT. 👍

OMG You Sang Country Roads! My WV Heart just jumped with happiness!

I can't wait for the full PCT video. it will rival the other great features.

Love this, Jessica. You were a HUGE inspiration when I made the decision to start my documentary out on the AT. Thanks for all the stories!

That was the most hopeful, most human thing I've ever watched. I was crying through most of it, haha! Thank you so much for being you and showing what it is you do. You're truly inspirational. 😊💚😊

9:20 you’re at Nantahala outdoor center!!! I work there ahhh

and I cried again when sugar belle went to heaven.

Dixie, aren’t you afraid of being out there by yourself?? I give you so much credit for your courage. Lots of blessings. ♥️🥰💞

RIP Sugar. Im so sorry for your loss. I know the pain. Thanks for sharing your pain/bliss and adventures with us all.. Great video..

I loved every second of your journey. I laughed, and cried. Congratulations.

I have only gotten seven minutes in and I have permanent smile! This is so super heart warming. Awesome beyond! Excellent work, thanks so much for sharing. It feels like I'm there!

You are such an inspiration, I'm 60 fighting cancer for the second time, and young lady you gave me hope through your journey !! God Bless you ~

Amazing timing! I just put down as a resolution (not so much a new year's as a life) to thru-hike the AT, and now I'm doing a lot of research to figure out how to prepare! Your videos are by far the best, and seeing your confidence as a woman in the outdoors is endlessly inspiring! Thank you so much for the amazing content, and I look forward to following you through the CDT!

This truly was amazing to watch. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. No words can really describe how anyone feels when they hit the end of that long and steep trek into the wild. Thank you for sharing this journey with us!

Had to give my Basset Hound Roscoe some extra hugs after watching this. Gonna miss that little guy when i hit the AT in 2 months. Well Done Dixie! Beyond Inspiring!

I am in awe. Just what you could squeeze into this hour, the friendships, the miles, the inner strength to walk the AT. You have completed something that only a couple thousand (?) people a year have done and I can’t say enough how much admiration for always moving forward, and carrying Sugar’s collar the rest of the way. Tears to my eyes.

Wow. Just wow. Congratulations seems too small to say, but that was amazing. Thank you for the emotions and what it made me feel. Bless you.

I bought gear today! Thank you! I watched "The Family" do the trail too. I know trails are closed now but I'm going to get out there when I can and start living the life I really want.

Oh my goodness, I am sitting here watching this, and I am crying my eyes out for your sad loss of your beautiful Sugar. They're our babies huh! Your courage and strength are amazing, and I am thoroughly enjoying this video. Just brilliant! Such love from New Zealand. xx

Watching this for the 50th time. Please do a reunion debrief with Rigga! I would love to hear you guys reflect so many years after.

Thanks for being such an inspiration to get people outdoors and hitting the trail. You made me realize that I have to stop dreaming and start doing, I start my three month section hike this May!

Hey its worth putting all Dixie's video'a on a big screen. Great views and info. God bless Dixie. Rick

Was that the fateful first Perk sighting at 29 minutes in?

this was very inspiring, thank you. currently planning a 2020 hike of the AT.

I can’t see through my watering eyes easily right now. I just finished this video after two days of watching. My son was admitted to the hospital today for an appendectomy and got diagnosed with chrons disease also(I also have chrons disease). I too have lost my best friend, he was almost almost 17yrs old this past August 7th when I had to say goodbye. I truly feel sorry you weren’t able to say goodbye to your friend. His name was Diesel. Sep 23 2000- Aug 7 2017. You touched my heart like my buddy used to. I’ve always wanted to accomplish that amazing journey since I was young. Tonight I secretly promised my two boys I would show them (and myself) that anything can be done! Cause you’ve done superhero stuff! I’m gonna do it to! This coming year! Thank you so much for your inspiration! I’m gonna finish your other thru hike vids asap!

Oh wow! You have no idea how your videos inspire me, I cried along with you, I’m so sorry about your dog, and I wish I could hit the like button many times. Thank you.

you are so strong and beautiful! im impressed. I wish to do something like this one day. Im a newbie hiker compared to this. But thanks for sharnig this amazing journey!!!

Right on! Nice job! I am gonna take your advice and start planning my first hike. I'm 58yrs old but I'm gonna do it

5.5K views in four hours? Damn!

Just watched this. I am in tears. So happy for you!!!!

I actually just finished watching each individual update of your Appalachian trail thru hike this morning lol

Climax is for everyone to "take a little step toward what they dream to do" even if it means leading "the cobwebs off the trail".

You have simply amazed me with your journey on the AT! Thank you so much for taking us with you. I want to hike it some day. God bless you Dixie.

This was absolutely beautiful. I feel that call to be out in the woods. I've wanted to hike the AT since 2000 when I read Bill Bryson's book. I did lots of day hikes when I was doing an internship in North Carolina that year. It was nice to be able to drive to anywhere close by and hike somewhere just amazing and gorgeous. I think back, that would've been the perfect time to hike it after I finished my internship and had no job yet. Instead I moved back to my home state trying to get job experience. I wish I had put a plan in place to hike the AT back then. I'm sure my life would be very different if I had taken that path. Here I am in my 40's really still wanting to do it even though I have no back packing or camping experience, and have a full-time job I really like. I think it's time to put a plan in place somehow whether I be crazy and quit my job or do it pieces and parts.

Well, darn.....the eyes are leaking here after watching the part about Sugar. So incredibly, incredibly sad, but so well edited together here. I have not seen all the AT original videos yet (though I still plan to) so did not know of your visit to your biological daddy's grave. wow, that trail experience was more of an emotional journey for you than I realized. I still have more to watch, but had to write here and now to let you know how touched I am by this full video. And I still have more to watch! Better wipe my eyes first, though......

Hoping to do the AT for my 60th in a few years. You were the first one I ever watched, and continue to be an inspiration with your resolve, your humor, your kindness, and your genuineness. Happy trails!

That 100-mile wilderness sign had me wide-eyed. 8/

@Homemade Wanderlust >>> If northbounders on the AT cross the _"Mason Dixon Line,"_ do southbounders cross the _"Dixon Mason Line?"_ 😊😊😊

Very nice video , as always ! Especially liked when everyone sang Happy Birthday to you. I never heard so many people sing off key at one time : )

You are a true inspiration. Did you see any 50+ hikers during the Appalachian?

for some reason, I always imagined the AT hike as a solitary experience. I never thoght about traveling with a gang of people

Unreal! After a few years I'm back watching again! You've come so far! Very proud of your accomplishments and editing! You are awesome Dixie!!!

I could relate to what got Dixie interested in hiking the AT, the same thing created the desire in me to do the John Muir Trail. We used to camp in Yosemite every year when I was a kid. A Trail Sign at the beginning of the JMT in Yosemite listed destinations...Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Tuolumne Meadows...all the way to Mt. Whitney at 211 miles. That greatly intrigued me! We’d do day hikes on it. We’d hike a few miles in, then my dad would say, “well, it’s time to turn around so we can get back to camp before dark”. I’d look wistfully at the backpackers setting up camp, thinking to myself “tomorrow they start where we stopped”. I finally got to do my dream of hiking the JMT in 2010.

So good! I’ve already watched all your AT videos. Had to watch this! Still cried when sugar died. You’re so enjoyable to watch.

Dixie, congratulations on this milestone. I know the feeling of accomplishment, the elation one experiences from running my last marathon is my example. When I did it, I had no idea that it would be my last marathon. Injuries to a foot requiring surgery that never was quite right afterwards, and 2 hip replacement surgeries took running away from me. Since you never know when your last hike will be your "LAST HIKE" embrace your love for hiking. Long may you hike! And congrats on the PCT as well.

Embrace the Suck is one of my favorite sayings ! lol out of all the videos ive seen the only questionable act was the run in with the black bear lol

amazing but what if I am not thrilled about hiking AT? Can I replace AT with GDMBR and call it good for a triple crown? AT is not my cup of tea at all. PCT+CDT+gdmbr or any other trail for that matter.. Im not sure if I need to chase after it since these ''rules'' doesnt seem to coincide with my liking. )))

What an amazing young lady you are. You must be so proud... well done😊

I've been watching a lot of hiking videos and always wanted to backpack. On one yesterday one of the guys said if you can walk, and quit your shitty job for 6 months you can do it. I'm going to start on small overnight ones this summer in the UP and hopefully the next summer is AT here I come. I'm old but don't feel it, I run 5 miles a day and lift some weights

Brought tears of Joy when you touch the sign. Thanks so much for sharing!!

People are still finding this video. Like it. Thanks for sharing. Congrats. I understand you discovered what comes next.

Just watched the whole thing, I’m so proud of you Dixie!! I can’t wait to do this after university.

Definitely an Alabama girl with the song on Rocky Top.

Hello, I just watched your AT video (1:20 version). Awesome stuff. In '75 the AT had (mostly) return Vietnam vets who were a little more solitary, adjusting to being home, but just as much fun to hike and talk with. You made it through some nasty weather and conditions. My first pair of boots (100 lb leather things, old school..) were trashed in the first two weeks. Got another pair of anchors shipped to me. Walking in fall leaves, kicking them into small puffs, was a hoot. Then the permanent rainy days came, and it was slopping through muck like you filmed so well. It was an awesome walk. I only did 400 mi then hitchhiked to Charlottesville, VA ($8 left), picked up a $50 check sent from home, and bought a GreyHound ticket back to Chicago. Mt. Katahdin was the first mtn I ever saw or hiked. What, 5280' above its base at sea level.. I'm older now, getting ready to do a little backpacking over the summer, with luck in the Wind Rivers of WY and Absaroka/Beartooth of WY/MT. You offer sage advice at the end of your AT video. I think Nike made off with its essence..

After all of that and you reach the end, stand on the sign wearing an U. of Auburn cap. Unbelievable, Roll Tide! Seriously congrats.

First of all, I want to say: "Thank you!!!" You are a total inspiration. That you had never backpacked before doing this, and, you persevered through the entire trail with all the challenges that came upon you through out the hike - especially, with losing your dog, yet, you never gave up. I have so often wanted to do a through hike of the AT, and, now, I really feel the need to do it at some point. I have watched a view of your videos over the last couple months, but, this documentary was incredible!! Keep it up (I say as now you have done the PCT and the CDT)! The journey is amazing, and, I hope one day to experience it myself!! Thank you again!!

great job Dixie. Thanks for the inspiration , Im a disabled veteran 52 years old starting my adventure march 10. i was starting to second guess my trip as the world looks for reasons to not go. Great timing on putting this out. Thanks again one foot in front of the other looking forward to leaving a bit of the war behind me on that trail.

Do you ever think about how Native Americans lived .. when you are hiking.. They did not have money ... and they did not own Property Per se..

thank u great documentary of the AT you had me crying in some parts the parts about your pet watching this documentary about the Appalachian Trail has expired me to keep doing research and to hit my goal in 2023 I'm going to hike the Appalachian Trail going Southbound Maine to Georgia thank u so much dixie

Haha the girls are gaining weight and the guys are shriveling away 🤣 (You can tell where all the food's going!)

Brilliant choice of music, especially in Maine. Absolutely brilliant.

"hangin' in there like a hair in a biscuit" Love that!

Great video/vlog. So inspiring. Congrats. I am doing it in 2026 upon retirement. Thanks for sharing

"Hangin' in there like a hair in a biscuit" Love your "southerness"! LOL!

Made me cry when Sugar Belle passed away. :(

i love the appearance transition that party mustve had molly. hi im new here

This was the first video of Dixie's that RU-vid blessed me with in my recommendations. Since then, I have gone back to the very beginning and binge watched every video this amazing young lady has posted. Plenty left to binge and I can't wait to see where she goes next!

Wonderful documentary Dixie. I’ve watched your three triple crown hikes now. I really needed them. I’ve been sick with COVID-19 and have been struggling to get up and fight through the weakness that I’ve found myself. Thank you

I followed this hike weekly 3 years ago (can it be that long?) and this will be delightful! Thanks!

Just recently rediscovered hiking and camping. In October I'll be hiking a portion of the AT for the first time in almost 40 years. Thank you so much for your channel. I love it!!

Congratulations on such a wonderful experience. Do you mind sharing an estimate of the expenses for the whole trip?

I live in WV. I would love to hike to Appalachian Trail one day. Great video!

Congratulations on your hike that was a great video 🙏🏼 WDE 🤙🏼

Hey “D” what’s up? I seriously can’t believe this Documentary doesn’t have one million views! It’s my favorite hiking video by far. The PCT & CDT Documentaries are great also. I’m sort of a “Jack of all Hobbies” . I definitely have way too many. I can’t just pick one! You have definitely got me into hiking though. I used to think that hiking was a very boring hobby. I thought it was just people going for a walk, and bringing stuff with them. lol. Thanks for the new hobby. “Stay Safe”. Love ya 💕

I’m going to touch that sign! #2019

Thank you for sharing this beautiful adventure 👍😎👍😎 and congratulations is in order...I’ve hiked sections of the AT in GA, TN and NC as a much younger man (slightly less than 300 miles in total) but I do enjoy seeing what I’ve missed. Yours was a most excellent video...I was just waiting for you to stand up on Mt Katahdin and yell “War...Damn...Eagle” 👍👍👍 you earned it girl!

AT playlist *Remastered* This is what Im talking about!!!

Your diatribe at 57:35 (order something right now) immediately reminded me of the VanHalen song "Right Now". Congrats on your accomplishments and keep doing what you doing, Dixie! Don't wanna wait til tomorrow, Why put it off another day? One more walk through problems, Built up, and stand in our way ,ah One step ahead, one step behind me Now you gotta run to get even Make future plans, don't dream about yesterday, hey C'mon turn, turn this thing around Right now, hey It's your tomorrow Right now, C'mon,it's everything Right now, Catch a magic moment, do it Right here and now It means everything Miss the beat, you lose the rhythm, And nothing falls into place, no Only missed by a fraction, Slipped a little off your pace, oh, The more things you get, the more you want, Just trade in one for the other, Workin so hard, to make it easier, whoa, Got to turn, c'mon turn this thing around Right now, hey It's your tomorrow Right now, C'mon, it's everything Right now, Catch that magic moment, do it Right here and now It means everything It's enlightened me, right now What are you waitin for Oh, yeah, right now Right now, hey It's your tomorrow Right now, C'mon, it's everything Right now, Catch that magic moment, and do it right, Right now Right now, oh, Right now It's what's happening? Right here and now Right now It's right now Oh, Tell me, what are you waiting for Turn this thing around

She is more beautiful in the field, than some Hollywood star on stage...