The Weight I Carried: Hiking Through Grief and Healing on the Appalachian Trail

by Steven C Wright

“A lifelong outdoorsman, coppersmith, builder, and father, Steven has spent his life shaping metal, wood, and stone. But nothing shaped him more than love and loss. After the death of his beloved wife, Sandy, he turned to the Appalachian Trail—a dream they once shared—as a way to reconcile his loss with his faith.

The 2,200-mile journey became more than a hike; it was a desperate reckoning. An abundance of hazards, from animals to broken bones and illness, delayed him. With grief and depression on his back, he dragged his past up and down each mountain, until in those last miles he felt whole again.

The Appalachian Trail is a journey that strips bare the soul and forces those that travel upon it to confront their losses, their weaknesses, their strengths, and, most importantly, themselves.

In this gripping and raw memoir, we follow Steven into the wilderness, as witnesses to his intimate reflections on a life lived hard and lived well. We see in Steven’s narrative our own struggles with love and loss. We recognize our own wrestling with the seemingly cruel and inscrutable nature of God. Through Steven’s unsparing soul searching, we can find self-forgiveness, and peace.”

310 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Evelyn Icasiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of adventure books and rock climber for over 30 years I cannot recommend this book enough. But it is so much more than that. It is multi-faceted and describes the author's life and struggles in vivid detail - the struggles that are part and parcel of an adventure book as well as familial and metaphysical struggles and of course the facing or mortality. Great read for hikers, adventurers and those grieving. The author is a christian and this is certainly part of the story but you need not be a christian in order to enjoy this book. The book introduces a singular individual, a talented, caring, generous person - it is a gift to be able to witness the world through his eyes.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!
This book is life changing and life affirming and humbling. The honesty with which Steven expressed his pain and grief over losing his beautiful wife Sandy was deeply affecting. I laughed, cried, and rooted for this wonderful Christian and his beautiful, loyal, and supportive children. His story made me examine my own walk with the Lord. Everyone should read this book; it is life changing!
Suzanne Kerr

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've known Steve personally for as long as I can remember. He's one of my dad's best friends and I've known his struggle from afar, not fully aware of its depth. Getting to read his story, his journey of healing, and about his faith in God was eye opening and inspiring. This is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and ask hard questions. And if you think any part of it is fabricated or exagerrated, I can assure you, Steve's life really is this exciting and crazy!

[Shari Bardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve spoke at our church prior to his book being released. The tales he shared, bringing the listener to his time on the trail were engaging.
The book did not disappoint. You are right there. Shaking your head, asking how determined is Steve to continue this trek?
We all are on our own trek through life. We can be encouraged by others, like Steve, to be determined. Finish your trial. Yes, your trial is your trail.
Thank you Steve for sharing your journey.

[Pamela McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, truly, could not put this book down.

I felt like I was there during that hike. Emotionally I have not been able to let go of my experiences with my late father. I feel hope that it’s still possible to accomplish. The only thing missing was some of the photos he took along the way. Again great book!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven is hiking the Appalachian Trail since it was his long-held dream. His wife was supposed to accompany him but she succumbed to breast cancer. He struggles with grief, physical injuries, past experiences and illness in his effort to complete the AT. This is the transparent count of the triumphs and hardships he encountered.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most moving books I've ever read of a true story from someone I'm proud to know. What an amazing testimony.