Nick's Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Fundraiser

Dear Family, Friends, and All,

For those who do not know me my name is Nick, but on the trail, I go by Spoon Fork Knife. Those who know me know that I am a huge outdoor enthusiast. I was first introduced to camping by my father. We would go weekend camping by ourselves and with friends. My father and I also participated in Y Guides, an outdoor adventure program through the YMCA of Charlotte. As a young kid I found a deep love for hiking and backpacking that continued to grow with every night I spent in the woods. Growing older, I kept practicing my passion for backpacking and eventually learned about the Appalachian Trail. Since I was 9 years old, I have spent my summers at Camp Chosatonga in Pisgah National Forest. For several years, I participated in multi-night hikes to various points on the Appalachian Trail (AT) and surrounding areas. During the summer of 2011, I was able to take my first 10-day, 100-mile AT hike. I was 11 years old. Since then, I have made seven, 7-10 day hikes across the AT. While going on many different AT backpacking trips with Chosatonga I met one of my best friends, Patrick Carroll. Patrick and I backpacked hundreds of miles on the AT together. We would talk for days about the dream of doing the whole trail from start to finish. From my first camp AT excursion in 2011, I have been hoping to make the quintessential hike: a solo AT Thru-Hike from Georgia to Maine. A single hike of roughly 2,200 miles.

Beginning a section hike through the Smoky Mountains.

Subsequently, my love for the outdoors led me to enroll and graduate from Brevard College in May 2022 with a degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. Since high school I have been working in the outdoor industry to promote outdoor adventures, love of the wilderness, our American beauty, protection of the mountains, and Leave No Trace. Here are some of the organizations I’ve worked with:

View of the Appalachians on top of Max Patch, NC.

My mentors through my wilderness career have been my parents; Dr. Robert Dye and Dr. Will Hobbs at Brevard College; and Dave, Ann, Jeffrey, and Adam Trufant (and all the Trufant family) at Camp Chosatonga and Camp Kahdalea (www.twofuncamps).

My goals I have for this trip include more than simply finishing the trail. Completing the AT entirely the first time is my primary goal, however, I also seek to log my journey, recognize my emotions on the trail, excel as a leader, and continue growing in better fitness. I believe this expedition will increase my leadership by improving my risk management and expanding my comfort zone. I am planning to start my hike in March 2023 and I expect to finish in September 2023 (6 months).

Beginning a section hike through Hot Springs, NC.

I have developed a budget for the trip that includes these items:

Past hikers and experts estimate the 6 month Thru-Hike will have total expenses of nearly $10,000. I have already begun purchasing some of the necessary gear for this trip as well as saving for my financial goal. My GoFundMe is $8,000. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated.

Finishing a brutally cold section hike in tears at Fontana Dam.

If you are not familiar with the AT hike, may I suggest these references:

Even the smallest donation can fund my food for a day. Feel free to share this with others. Any and all donations are a great help.

I hope you will be one of my sponsors and help me achieve this once-in-a-lifetime goal. As I am able to make this journey, I will include each of you in a personal thank you letter and a vlog of my hike to be shared with you. Any unused funds will be donated to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in your name. If I am unable to make this journey, your donations will be returned to you.

Thank you so much, and happy trails,

Nick Forsyth!

Below zero temperatures in the Smoky Mountains.