Introduction to the Appalachian Trail 

I'm from the future and I can assure you that not only can you hike the AT, you will go on to hike the PCT and CDT in heroic style.

00:00 A legend is born

I come back here periodically to watch the very beginning. The tremble in Dixie's voice at the beginning makes me want to time-travel and hug her and tell her everything is going to be amazing and this first step on the trail is the first step into a whole new life of adventure and making people happy.

I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching this.

This is the 7th time I have watched this series of videos. Sooo want to do this.

A "simple" shoe review search (couple weeks back) landed me in this wondrous rabbit hole that is your channel. Many thanks to you for documenting and sharing your experiences with all of us. Much respect as well for your process and evolution, ma'am. Happy Trails✨🥾✨

I had been watching every video on RU-vid pertaining to hiking the AT for 3 or 4 years when this video was posted. I've followed her postings ever since. Jessica "Dixie" Mills is one of the most inspirational people you will ever see. She's not political, but I would offer that if you are a parent and you are searching for role models for your daughter, granddaughter, (or any young gals out there looking for a Strong Female Lead), you really can't go wrong following Dixie. She challenges and completes some of the most arduous hikes during her adventures. She's not too embarrassed to show us when her "grand adventures" take a side trail off into "gullible's travels" (* The moon chased her down the Appalachian trail for a couple of miles one night) but she always finds a way to get the work done in spite of the setbacks - and that's a quality we all could aspire to. She tackles everything that a hiker might encounter on the miles of trails she's hiked (*over 10,000 miles) and she manages to finish the trail - crawl or climb (or fly!) There just isn't any "can't do" for this woman. Injuries, weather, mental fatigue, cougars, bears, insects, etc. may slow her down or make her work harder, but it doesn't stop her. Dixie walked away from a (lucrative) career to pursue her dreams, and even though I'm sure she has to work a lot harder now, it's made a huge difference for her and she's become an inspiration for all of us that believe in her. She's one of the finest examples extant showing that belief in personal dreams, and hard work can produce a more fulfilled life.

I like to think about how everyone from that first night tells the story of camping with Dixie on her first night, when a legend was born.

I love how this is filmed, with the combi first-person-third-person account of things. I am longing to hike both the PCT and the AT, so these videos are just awesome, thank you for posting them! :)

I started watchin after your PCT, watched the AT series...and am following the CDT....I always remember back to this first video you did and how "green" you were to hiking and backpacking....I'm an avid hiker and backpacker....nothing like you are now though....you are an accomplished thru hiker...an experienced outdoors.....person....as with any passion in this life, the more you go all in....the quicker the learning curve will be....in my profession, you have people who give it a little....and some who give it a lot....I feel those who give it and have got it are the one who found their passion.....the others have missed their mark....find your passion in life and it will reward you......from what I can see.....you have found it.....most people are still looking....almost forgot...tell Perk I said hello...he's a great friend to have...

I’m watching this after I watched the end of your PCT thru hike. It’s incredible to see your growth, both as a hiker and as a person. I could see how nervous you were at the beginning. And it might sound cheesy, but most people, when they’re afraid of something they just avoid it like the plague, instead of trying it out and growing as a person. You will always be an inspiration Jessica!

I just want to say how much I enjoy your videos they are super helpful and inspiring me even more to reach for my dreams and hike the trail!

Dixie you are AWESOME!!! What an epic challenge to hike the entire AT! You really showed your strength, your determination, and your great attitude. You are an amazing person!

Thanks for your cheery perspective! We all know how hard hiking with a pack is and you stay upbeat. You are trailblazing a much needed narrative. Hike on, bless you and the AT rocks them all.

Watching some of your first videos years later and I must say I live seeing the people you've met along the way

Dixie you are an inspiration to so many!

I always enjoy watching your videos and so do my wife and daughters. My wife and I, and our three girls started section-hiking the AT earlier this year. Your videos helped us prepare for those hikes. Thanks for all your inspiration and tips.

Dixie thank you for your video series. I just finished #44 and I am glad you were able to complete it.

Wow. I remember watching this as I'd planned my AT hike in 2017. Back when Jess first started. Gotten to know you , your family, your fur babies since then on your multiple journeys. Bless.

Your trademark opening video is important to keep. It's probably what will get you to 1M. Hikers are reluctant first starting out and you convey that as you describe starting the approach trail.

I just found this today while procrastinating studying for my next test in Nursing school...I am really looking forward to seeing how your trip went and learning somethings from your adventure before making my own trip. #bucketlistsdoexist! Thanks for sharing your journey!

My friend Jessica threw me off, I was like oh you mean Dixie! 😂

My son is preparing to thru hike the AT this year. Stumbled across your videos in a RU-vid search. Thank you for easing this moms mind. Your videos were fun, informative, and a great adventure. I'm driving my son and his best friend to GA for a Match 1st start. Happy trails❤️

Been watching random videos for your channel for about a week. I didn't realize Dixie was a trail name. Excited to watch your beginning.

Jan 2020 and I decided to come back to the beginning to watch again !!!

Heartbreaking and full of hope!

That was a great series on your AT hike! Really enjoyed it.

There's that pretty little Dixie. She is our instructor for thru-hiking.

Thank u dixie

Just did a binge on your videos and loved every minute of them. Just had to come back to the beginning again and remind myself of how you must of felt that first day. So proud of you :-)

I've been wanting to do a video blog of my Buckeye Trail hike this summer but wasn't sure if id be any good at it. Looking back where Dixie and other successful RU-vidrs started is inspirational though. Seems like your videos will get better the more you do them but you have to just get started to get the ball rolling. have fun and start uploading.

Glad I found this - look forward to travelling with you

I am looking forward to watching the rest of the videos. Thanks for posting and sharing your trip.

just spent the last few weeks watching your PCT journey, it was hands down one of the best. Now starting on the prequel hehehe Love ur channel.

Just binge-watched the PCT series, so I'm looking forward to this "prequel".

I've been inspired to do this

Great scenery, great video work, very enjoyable. As a matter of fact, you simply have to go do another trail because I am canceling my cable TV so I can spend more time watching hikers.

Hi Dixie! I live in Tennessee not far from the AT. My wife and I have done some day hikes but we are going to do more. I appreciated your chronicle.

Hey! Just noticed that your first video on this channel is posted on this date 5 years ago! Happy anniversary! I'm new here but already wached many of the "random" vids on different topics you did. Today I started with the AT playlist and noticed the above. Thank you for the videos. Тhey are very useful and interesting. Greetings from Bulgaria!

Good luck and I hope all goes well. I'll be watching.

Watched a handful of your videos over the last view days in preparation for my hike in Pennsylvania and really enjoyed them. Going to start with Video #1 tonight! Keep it up!

I am a new subscriber from NC. I am studying prepping for post election and I love Your videos. The Dehydrating videos is how I found You. You are awesome.

I stumbled over your videos and had to start from the beginning I'm in love with you and your adventure! I never knew this would would something that sounded so awesome until watching your videos

Keep the Videos coming Dixie. Fellow AL hiker here

Dixie... I actually got water off of that same rock. That's too funny.

Came here from your “how to film” and you’re breaking all your rules. Even holding the phone vertically, gak! Well, it was / is ok to be a noob.

I love the camp songs

Looking forward to watching the New England portion of your trip, as I will be section-hiking that this year. Thanks for your videos! Hoping to learn some things before I leave. :)

I'll be on the trail starting April 11 from Thornton Gap, Va heading south. Cannot wait! You should be in Pa by now.

You should do a video of your pack for the AT. I bet you would laugh reviewing it. I’m just curious. 🥰🥰🥰

I just found your channel and you are my Wanderlust lol I'm in Pgh and want to be part of the AT family soon. My girls are only 9 so I have 9 more years to prepare!!! I love your Southern swag!!!

I'm watching your thru-hike simultaneously. I hope you do a compare and contrast of the A.T and PCT.

In the early stages of making an AT trip a reality this spring instead of an idea. Is it always that crowded though? Seems like a lot of people

Woah man it just looks like a crew of adventurers. I'm so jealous, I should go on an adventure like that someday. Probably this summer I'll hang out around Europe and see what I can find

Just starting to watch this trip. after watching the PCT and CDT...

I have watched all your entertaining and informative video logs. They were very well edited. Keep up the good work. You should think about doing or interviewing for the travel channel because you ave a very good personality that is very much like Samantha Brown on the travel channel. Good luck in all your adventures!!

I found you through one of your other more recent videos that showed up in the side panel of You Tube .. clicked on it.. loved it.. and decided to start at the beginning of your AT journey.. I'm already on episode 29! Your perspective is so different than other vids I've watched. You've done an excellent job of capturing the social part of the trail and the friendships formed.. I already love your "fam"!! So, give this old lady some slack, were you and Rebel Yell a "thing" on the trail? Anyhoo, I'm really looking forward to your PCT adventure.. and someday.. someday, I will do a thru hike... been dreaming about it for 30 years.. long enough.. now, I need to get some planning started or it'll never happen... so THANKS!

This is the First video in your Uploads...so I am starting here.....cheers. Subbed yah

New subscriber and I am enjoying your information. I am looking forward to beginning my journey. My plan is to go big with a first time through-hike. A lot of "first times" I guess....should probably also make a point to like all of your videos prior to moving on to the next one...Thank you for the great videos!

Ok Dixie, I am building the desire to plunge into this adventure. At 81 I am some what reluctant to leave my family not knowing how well they'll do without my presence. I have never backpacked or done a single overnight on any trail. Guess I'd better think up a trail name and get with it. How about BerryBushBomber? That's how I'm known on the race circuit.

awesome!!!..you are so lucky!!!!....one day I will make that journey!!!...enjoy!

Great job on capturing your start on the A.T. Best wishes to you on your hike. And nice job to your video editor - :) Actually that's a pretty good idea.

Thanks for posting. i'm planning to do AT 2 or 7 years from now. I just need to straighten away my finance, get better stamina, and accumulate my gear. Your videos are motivating me to do it.

Ive been watching your videos every day for the past week, I have been wondering how she uploads?? Now i know, sending the footGe to friend.

So, this is it...the first steps on a 2+ thousand mile walk? Dixie is one name. *Moxie* would have been another. Major props for a significant undertaking. I imagine the trail camaraderie is excellent, whether hiking solo or otherwise. What's the report on the PCT 2016?

DO YOUR TENTS EVER GET MOLDY WHEN IT RAINS ALL NIGHT WHEN YOU ARE SLEEPING AND YOU HAVE TO GET UP AND GET ON TRAIL IN THE MORNING.

I am just finding you 4/27/03 so will be awhile catching up! Be well from Texas!

What section would be best for beginner Girl Scout troop 3 night max. Probably could do 6-8 miles a day depending on how many steep sections. And what time of year would be best, we have done 1 and 2 night back country backpacking

On a serious note, tho, you do a fine job on your videos. Besides your obvious charms you possess two things that ensured---barring serious injury---completion of your dream.... natural intelligence and a great sense of humor. As a 2-time thruhiker and soon-2-be tripler (2017) it would have been a pleasure to share a campfire with you for even just a single eve. Thanks for the entertainment, baby. Happy trails to you thru the rest of your life......

Great Video ! Best of Luck.

Mom and pops sending food aswell

so i watched PCT CDT nowww im going to start AT.... what a weird feeling !

Jessica you're pretty and your videos are cool. Keep it coming!

Really enjoying your video blogs. Lottsa fun. How much does your pack weigh?, with water and food, Jessica? I haven't yet seen you discussing your gear yet? I missed it, maybe? Yeah, the video editing is really terrific.

You've come a long way baby✌

There is a lot I CAN DO about the AT … however, I am scared shitless about NY state not being marked and the intensity about the rock formations in the upper part of the trail to its end. I have see in the AT vids, those 70 year olds who have completed it... worked it... and done it... HOW? Dixie... help me

You should have pretended that you twisted your ankle on the first step down. haha This video might have went viral.

You have an episode I believe from the Appalacian Trail where you and some other tru-hikers came across this deep water pit under some old structure or something that had this rancid stagnant water in it. I think yous had to let containers down on ropes to get it out. The water also had some kind of large dead animal in it but yous ended up filtering it and using it for drinking/cooking water. I'm trying to find that episode if you know which one it is.

So young!

so curious if you remember what your pack weight was when you first checked in? We start our AT trek in a few weeks!

Jess...Had I bumped into you on the Trail I would have become an instant pink blazer. Goodbye tramley, helloooooo future possibility!...LOLOL

Okay this is weird but I feel ~called~ to do this. It's not this passive feeling where I'm thinking "Yeah that'd be so fun! How adventurous. I want to do that someday." It's almost as if I HAVE to do it you know?

YOU ARE MY HERO

Hi Jessica;how many of the folks you videoed at approx "3min in" thru- hiked the trail? Hello to Whitney also.Randall

love the video. Side note the sound goes quite and then super loud at times.

Hey so I just watched your documentary you made hiking the full trail and it was amazing and beautiful and I wanted to share it but now I can't find it!!!!!! Can you possibly send me a link of it or steer me in the right direction of it?!? Idk why I can't find it !

Nice vid Dixie! When I was in Maine we sang that moose song A LOT! lol

I can't believe I ate the whole thing!

How were you publishing your videos? Did you post along the way or wait until you got back? What equipment (camera, computer, etc) and how did you edit? Thanks.

Before she was famous!

Worked my way backwards from CDT then pct now at.

What day did you start the trail?? love watching your videos!!

I’m planning a five day backpacking trip in Tennessee. What section of the Appalachian trail would you suggest?

How many miles did you hike each day during the first few days of your AT Thru Hike? Just wondering what your starting mileage was, compared to what you ended up with.

I am a "naturist" (made it up myself 'I think'). You had me at the approach trail water falls. I am an avid amateur photographer/videographer. I have viewed many videos on the AT thru-hikers and I find your information very concise and helpful. I am retired from the military and working full time. I want to thru-hike; however, I am mindfull I may not be "trail worthy" when time is on my side. Now to the point. 1) what is a true sense of trail community? I know there are people from all walks of life and places in there life. 2) Do you know or personal opinion; what the completion/failure rate may be? Thanks

I just found your vlog and will be watching your journey on the AT. I am thinking about doing the 2016 NOBO. I heard you say that you signed in and weighed in your pack. Where do you do this? Is this a way of how many people are on the trail? Or what is the purpose?

Hi Jessica, title of your chanel sounds german. Have you ever tried our Castle trails near France? Kind regards from the german hills. Alexander

When it comes to the shelters along the trail, is there an etiquette to staying there. Is it 1st come 1st serve type of thing. Or is it shared. In other words if I want to stay at a shelter and it is already occupied by other hikers, what should I do?

Dixie, tried to go to your blog and our corp server blocked it saying it's known to be managed by an individual known to be malicious??

I've been following your PCT journey and thought I'd take a peek at your Appalachian trail videos. Your name is Dixie on the PCT, but Jessica on the Appalachian trail? I'm confused. Is Dixie your trail name? If so, how did you get it?