What happens when a married couple hikes 2,194 miles from Georgia to Maine—together?
One Step at a Time is a heartfelt and often funny account of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail as a couple—full of physical struggle, natural beauty, and emotional growth.
Leaving behind jobs and routines, Kevin and Pam set out to hike the entire trail—navigating steep ascents, soaked gear, quirky towns, and a cast of memorable characters. But the hardest part isn’t the terrain—it’s managing expectations, doubts, and what happens when your dream doesn’t feel the way you thought it would.
Told with humor, honesty, and vivid detail, this memoir offers a rare look at the trail from a couple’s perspective. It’s not just about hiking—it’s about partnership, identity, and searching for meaning, even when the view is obscured by fog.
For anyone who’s dreamed of the Appalachian Trail—or wondered what it’s like to spend five months in the woods with your spouse—One Step at a Time offers a story you won’t forget.
One Step at a Time is a must read. Going on this journey with Kevin and Pam as they hiked the Appalachian Trail was inspiring! I felt like I was on the trail with them, while I was actually comfortably on my couch. When I put the book down, I felt like I was missing my hiking buddies! I needed to open up the book again so I could get back on the trail with them. This story was funny, sad, informative, and eye opening. The author did a fantastic job of describing every moment in a way that felt real and palpable. The tidbits of information about hiking the trail sprinkled throughout the book, was amazing. I enjoyed learning new things about their day to day, throughout the book.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your truths, the good, the bad, and the ugly, are an inspiration to many! Congratulations and may your experiences and memories of the AT guide you throughout all of life’s adventures.
Now, enjoy your next hike!
P.S. I am patiently awaiting the release of “One Step at a Time: A Picturesque Journey.” A collection of photos from the Appalachian Trail 😉
One Step at a Time is soothing and inspiring. It’s well written, humorous, and thoughtful, and a great recap of a young couple’s journey through the Appalachian Trail. I liked the balance between what life on the trail is actually like and how the simple struggles they faced reflect challenges of everyday life.
What really stood out was the realistic view of the often over romanticized idea that a hard challenge automatically leads to enlightenment. Other thru hike books can feel like they overpromise or gatekeep that experience, but Kevin doesn’t do that. He did two incredibly hard things: hiking the AT, and then breaking down that experience in a way that’s accessible to non thru hikers.
He writes humbly and honestly, walking the reader through the emotions in a way that feels relatable. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from him.
Wow! This was such a fun book. I couldn’t put it down. Kevin does an incredible job detailing their adventures on the Appalachian Trail. You really feel like you are part of the journey and getting to know everyone on the trail. This was unexpectedly inspiring and uplifting. I can’t wait to find out about their next adventure!!
Kevin takes us through the emotional ups and downs of a thru-hike while sprinkling in humor, a tale of characters and the charming dialogue between he and his wife, Wam. I very much enjoyed this read. All around, warm and nostalgic vibes. Thanks, McFly!