Dale Sanders Sets Record as Oldest Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker

MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) — Over 14 million older adults in the U.S. fall each year. However, few fall as frequently as 91-year-old Dale Sanders, who claims to have fallen 71 times while reclaiming his record as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. Six were major falls, resulting in one short hospital visit and another fall 200 yards from the finish line. Despite these challenges, Sanders persevered across the 2,193-mile trail stretching from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy describes a thru-hike as completing all sections of the trail in any order within a year, including pauses. Sanders commenced his hike on September 6 in West Virginia, took intermittent breaks, and completed the trail atop Maine’s highest peak on Monday, offering a prayer by the summit sign. His gratitude extended to God, his support team, and everyone involved in his journey.

I had to thank God, and I had to thank my support team and everybody that got me here, he expressed.

A Long-Planned Comeback

Sanders, known on the trail as Grey Beard, initially set the Appalachian Trail record in 2017 at age 82. His friend, 83-year-old M.J. Eberhart, also called Nimblewill Nomad, later claimed the title. Soon after, Sanders embarked on his comeback plan. Although his first journey exceeded his expectations, his latest attempt proved considerably tougher. Despite six months of preparation, he felt less prepared than anticipated.And even today, I feel that I should probably be in better shape than I am, he admitted last month. But I just have to always go back and say, ‘But I am 91, so I’m blazing new ground hiking long distances like this.’

In June, Sanders fell forward in a boulder field on Killington Mountain in Vermont, scraping his arms, legs, and hands. Thank God nothing got broken, but I was banged up, recollected Sanders. I didn’t rub the blood off, I just kept hiking. Weeks later, his left arm went numb, resulting in hospitalization in Maine. While doctors initially suspected a stroke, they discovered a pinched nerve. Though he resumed hiking, he contemplated quitting. His wife in Tennessee convinced him to continue after he returned home in early August following the passing of her mother.

Changing Missions Along the Trail

Sanders’ Pennsylvania journey included well-kept paths and treats from trail angels. When people are taking care of you and bringing you caramel frappes on the trail, the rocks don’t matter, he shared. Sanders’ popularity has grown among fellow hikers due to social media, which surprised him. His mission evolved beyond reclaiming his record.I wanna get it back, but right now, that’s secondary, stated Sanders. My efforts motivate and encourage people, which is now the most important thing.

Meredith Ewenson, who encountered Sanders in June while leading a hike in New Hampshire for a group of women, reflected on the inspiration he offers. Seeing it in real life is something that I’ll definitely remember forever, said Ewenson. Her group, taken aback by Sanders’ distinct pace, learned of his identity upon seeing the Grey Beard logo on his shirt. They reconnected with him at an Appalachian Mountain Club hut later that day. I got here at noon, Sanders remarked upon their arrival at 4 p.m. The following morning, Sanders performed a victory dance before continuing. His mobility is insane, observed Ewenson. His face on that body just doesn’t make any sense. My brain couldn’t compute how he was so impossibly fit for being that age.

Adventures Beyond the Trail

Born in Kentucky in 1935, Sanders faced bullying in his youth due to his small stature. He found confidence in acrobatics and swimming and later served in the Navy, retiring after decades in parks and recreation. Sanders holds diverse age-related records, including the title of the oldest person to paddle the entire Mississippi River—a journey spanning 87 days beginning on his 87th birthday. During his recent Appalachian Trail adventure, he faced challenges like fallen trees and steep climbs energetically, though he grew tired during a 12-mile day. He took a brief power nap on the trail before resuming.

Reported by Ramer from Concord, New Hampshire. Supporting a free press is vital for robust democracy.