Exploring Appalachian Trail History and Endurance Records with Warren Doyle

Singletrack

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This conversation with Warren Doyle might need a bit of context if you’re not well-versed in the long-distance thru-hiking scene in North America. Warren is a prominent figure in the Appalachian Trail community. While there's some debate about the exact beginning of the modern fastest known time (FKT) scene on the AT, Warren's impressive 1973 record of 66 days and change is widely considered a significant milestone.

Warren’s contributions to the trail are extensive. Over a 45-year period, he led eight large-group “circle” expeditions with near 100% completion rates. He founded the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association and established the Appalachian Trail Institute, which has helped thousands of hikers achieve their thru-hiking goals. He has also played a key role in preparing notable figures like Jenn Pharr Davis and Liz Derstine for record-setting endurance attempts, and has advised many other prominent endurance athletes, including Karel Sabbe.

I’m excited to have Warren on the show for several reasons. First and foremost, my deep love for the AT and my ongoing quest to understand its history. Warren has been a central figure in shaping the trail’s scene over the past 40 to 50 years. In our conversation, we’ll explore topics like the nature of endurance records on long trails, the purpose of the AT, social change, the impact of the outdoor industry on thru-hiking culture, the relationship between government and nature, and much more.

Regardless of your familiarity with the scene, I think you’ll find this episode engaging. Warren is a vibrant and generous conversationalist, and I’m sure you’ll gain a lot from our discussion.

Timestamps:

• 02:00 Introduction and Backlash on the AT
• 10:34 The Commercialization of the Outdoor Industry
• 17:48 The Relationship Between the Trail and the Government
• 25:22 The Importance of Substantive Conversations on the Trail
• 40:10 Regulations and Policing of Mount Katahdin
• 44:39 The Amateur Aspect of Endurance Hiking
• 47:26 The Role of Support Crews in Endurance Record Attempts
• 01:03:36 Challenges of Reintegrating into Society after the AT
• 01:11:54 Embracing a Wilderness State of Mind
• 01:17:04 Supporting Dreams and Moving Forward
• 01:24:05 The Role of a Social Change Educator
• 01:31:55 Concerns about the Future of the Appalachian Trail

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Additional Links:

• Warren's Website, Outside Feature

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