Coach and I (Marion Outdoors pt 2)

Episode Description:

The Appalachian Trail isn’t just a path—it’s a living, breathing community, and hostels are one of the pillars that keep it strong. In part two of my conversation with Coach from Marion Outdoors, we dive into the role hostels play in sustaining trail culture, keeping hikers motivated, and creating a sense of belonging that goes far beyond a place to sleep.

Coach shares what it’s like to see burned-out hikers walk in exhausted and leave refueled, ready to take on the next stretch of trail—and the little things that make that transformation possible. We talk about the values and traditions of trail life, the lessons hikers have taught him over the years, and, yes, he delivers a hilarious hostel story you won’t forget.

Then, we get to know Coach the hik ...