Our family of six is planning a 2027 thru hike of the Appalachian Trail, a dream we’ve been nurturing for years. As our oldest turns 16 this winter, we’re feeling the urgency to make the most of the precious time we have together—after all, we only get 18 summers with our kids. Hiking has always been a part of our lives: our oldest climbed their first mountain before age two, and our youngest was on the trail at just six days old. The Friends Of The Trail's Hiking Marathon deepened our love for hiking and ignited a passion for backpacking in all of us. This journey is something we all want to experience as a family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

We’re raising funds to help cover the many costs involved in this adventure, including fees, hostel expenses, gear replacements, accommodations, meal costs, and special experiences for our four young children. Your support will help us make this dream possible, ensuring our kids have the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore together on the trail. Whether you want to help us with gear, donate to our dream, or even join us for a hike, we appreciate any and all support. You can also follow our journey as 12 Poles Trekking on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. We are so grateful for the love and encouragement from our friends and supporters in this community—thank you for helping us make this adventure a reality!