Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail

by Julia Sheehan

On the verge of turning thirty, Julia is suffocating under the unrelenting weight of self-loathing, hopelessness, and the endless cycle of giving up. Desperate for change, she makes a bold decision: to sell her home, part with everything she owns, and set off on a journey of a lifetime by attempting to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, spanning from Georgia to Maine. Julia knows that the journey will demand everything—her comfort, her courage, her raw determination. What she doesn’t yet know is that the ancient mountains of Appalachia will reshape her in ways she can’t begin to fathom, unraveling parts of her she never knew existed and awakening a strength and clarity that will forever transform her forever.

Genres: Memoir

285 pages, Hardcover

Published May 16, 2025

Reviews

[Corey L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very relatable and realistic retelling of what a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail actually entails. Julia did a great job of not only keeping the story entertaining throughout but conveys the mental trials, tribulations, self doubt ect that someone would fight through in a way that even someone that doesn't hike can relate to.

[ande · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely more of a trail journal so if you are looking for a memoir, just realize they are different. I haven't read a book about a thru-hiker with a trail family yet so that was a nice change of pace.

I think at the end of the day it is hard to share an experience like this with an audience who wasn't there. but it was still a quick, nice read of the author's experience.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope if I write a memior someday that I can make it this good. I followed Julia on YouTube during her AT journey and this was still a fascinating read.

[Christopher Aiken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

I’m an AT thru-hiker junkie, and this one ranks right up there with my favorites. I appreciated how the author shared the trials and tribulations and what went on inside her head and heart during the expedition. Instead of writing about gear and technical stuff—she focused on the people she got to know during the journey, which is what matters. At age 66, I’ll probably never thru-hike the AT myself, but it’s fun to experience it vicariously!

[Douglas Thiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. Captures and expresses into words the feelings of triumph, defeats, joy and pain it takes to do a thru-hike. It’s more than just walking step after step for hundreds of miles. It’s a mental game and Julia does a great job expressing all the ups and downs. Highly recommend you read this one.

[Christy Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few AT books, and Julia’s was one of my favorites! I loved how she shared not only the ups and downs physically, but also emotionally. This made it extremely relatable and a really fun read. As someone who saw bits and pieces of Julia’s AT journey via social media, I was really excited to read the full story; and it did not disappoint!

[Terry Karnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic journey

Excellent story. The reader is literally walking with the author along her journey. Meeting her trail family and becoming connected with them. Feeling all of her thoughts and emotions throughout. Great read and enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks for writing this and congratulations!

[Annie Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanted and beautiful read- as a former thru-hiker I loved following along with Julia’s journey and reminiscing about my own- happy tears and yearning to be outside is what this tale has in store for you. Read it! You won’t be disappointed 💖 5 ⭐️ stars!

[Maureen Moynihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

A great read! If you want to know what it’s like to be a thru hiker on the Appalachian Trail this is the book. I especially loved that it’s a woman’s perspective. I hope to read more from this author!

[Felicia Moses]

I had followed Rockets AT journey on Youtube. It was interesting to hearing about her journey on a deeper level. Highly recommend to anyone that is interested in the AT.

*unrated as I don't rate people's personal stories.

[Jennifer L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

I really enjoyed reading about your trail experience. I've thought many times about hiking the Appalachian Trail. Maybe one day I'll get to experience at least part of it.

[Michael C Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved her self reflections and honest. I hiked a 60 mile part of the trail in Pennsylvania and especially enjoyed reading her reflections on that part of the journey.

[Nancy M. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Felt like I was hiking alongside!

What a letdown to be finished with the trail and the book! I enjoyed the book , suffering with the author utalso enjoying the nature. Recommend this book!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked reading about her growing physical and mental strength. The description made me feel some of the emotions. I also enjoyed knowing there are good people helping along the trail supporting the hikers.

Quote- a lesson to be learned early on- not all climbs have rewards.

[Gwynn Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring!

Probably impossible, but I would have loved pictures. Anyone who enjoys to read of perseverance would enjoy this book! Thanks for the adventure!

[Candace Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read endless stories from people hiking Georgia to Maine

[Eric Mowls · Rating 5 out of 5]

takes me back to my section hikes and gave me an escape from where I was at the time. loved it!

[Louis Eckert]

Julia did an outstanding job describing her adventure and the effect it had on her life. I have read dozens of AT books and this one tops my list. Well done!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about a woman's life journey while hiking the A.T. I was lucky to meet the carecters in this adventure in Pennsylvania.

[Geoff Barstow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rockets reaches for the sky.

Excellent storytelling of your thru hike. Not just Day by Day passing of trail markers. Candor of the real person working thru. Hidden behind trail names, all can pretend and distract, but you reached in and showed thru.
Too bad there were typed in expletives that could have other verbs, adjectives and such. I would that my innocent grand-daughters would read this someday and set goals beyond their current vision that will carry thru their lives.
Now to secure the real life for the future. Forward go!

[Steven Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a class of ‘22 thru hiker, reliving my experience through Julia’s journey was the most special part of this read. While pieces of the story differed from my own, it’s incredible how similar everyone’s journey is through the Appalachian mountains. Recalling memories of specific places, feelings, and emotions was impactful.

Julia’s writing perfectly encapsulates the tone of meeting strange characters, egotistical hikers, the kindest trail angels, and above all, a tramily. She takes you through her emotions, which is all too familiar. A raw and unfiltered story of self doubt, loathing, and regret that each and every thru hiker experiences in their most vulnerable moments. As well as translating the overwhelming joy and privilege that it is to make the pilgrimage from Georgia to Maine.

Her story is also beginner friendly, while sometimes feeling forced, she does define every term and lingo commonly used on the trail. Sharing the lingo and culture is welcoming to those interested in the thru hiking community, and a fun reminder for seasoned hikers.

Her epilogue is what impacted me the most. Going from a doubter myself, who felt little acceptance in the ‘normal world’, I felt alive and proud of the hiker I was. I felt strong, confident, and like a had a purpose. Post trail depression is a very real and very painful feeling. While people home were proud, I often felt no one truly cared or understood. The routine of trail was gone, and the endorphin crash is so sudden and shocking. Post trail recovery is immensely difficult to both understand and get through. While I’ve come to live with it and use my experience to better my normal life, the feeling still lingers to this day. The epilogue encapsulates this feeling beautifully and hopefully. Offering a deep sense of understanding and appreciation for others feelings and Julia’s own feelings towards this incredibly unique sensation.

All in all, a great read for those looking to relive their own adventures, or be welcomed into the exciting and adventurous world of thru hiking.

Much love,
‘Muppet’

[Julia Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my debut memoir about my 6-month journey along the Appalachian Trail in 2019- an experience that transformed my life on so many levels. Over the last FIVE years I have drafted, scraped, redrafted, edited, doubted and worked my tail off to provide a raw, real and honest portrayal of my time on the AT.

Thank you for your review on goodreads. I never thought I would have my book on this site, its a surreal moment.

[Steph Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with raw emotion and authenticity, Hiking is the Easy Part is a must-read for anyone about to embark on their own trail journey. Sheehan’s ability to bring mile markers to life kept me turning page after page to see her and her companions all the way to Maine. Not only does she do a great job describing the details that go into planning a long distance hike, she unpacks the feelings and pitfalls that can make and break a hiker.

[Trinityvsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and realistic telling of a journey on the AT. Was a quick read that kept me engaged and interested the entire time.

[Traci Styner · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most boring hiking book I’ve tried to read. I had to stop after a few chapters.

It takes a special talent to make thru hiking so dull.

[Andy Hatchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book, best thru hike memoirs I’ve read. Sooo good.