BW Professor Conquers Hiking Milestone

Dr. Terry Martin, professor in BW's English department, completed a longtime goal this summer as he hiked the final steps of the Appalachian Trail. Over a six year period, Martin hiked the trail in sections, ending his trek of the 2,160-mile footpath at the northern trailhead in Katahdin, Maine.

The trail, with its southern terminus in Springer Mountain, Georgia, passes through 14 states and accommodates up to 3 million visitors each year. The Maine portion of the trail--Martin's final section--is considered one of the most challenging.

The expedition was about much more than hiking for Martin. "Since I teach nature writing and we emphasize experiential learning for our undergraduates, one might say that this is evidence that BW faculty practice what we preach," he said.

Martin's goal is to turn his pictures and experiences from the trail into an on-campus presentation for student, faculty, and community members sometime later this year. "I hope to inspire some of our students, as well as perhaps members of the surrounding community, to get out on the trail."

Martin's stunning photo below might accomplish that goal all by itself!