The Long Hike: The True Story of the First Appalachian Thru-Hike (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781665949941)

Award-winning nonfiction creator Meghan McCarthy tells the story of Earl Shaffer, the first person to thru-hike all 2,000-plus miles of the Appalachian Trail in one hiking season in this empowering picture book.

While serving in World War II, Earl Shaffer lost his best friend in combat. After the war ended, he returned home and set off on a hiking adventure to walk off his troubles and find solace in the beauty and "power of nature," as he put it in his diary.

Earl didn't use a tent, preferring to sleep under the stars. He survived the cold, harsh rain, mud, blisters, steep mountaintops, and a plethora of bugs. But among the challenges, Earl also discovered wildlife, beautiful plants, and breathtaking views.

Since that first historic hike, Earl's story has inspired generations of people to quite literally follow in his footsteps. And now, utilizing snippets from Earl's diary and poetry, this book allows young readers to join Earl on that record-breaking hike.

Author: Meghan McCarthy
ISBN-10: 1665949945
ISBN-13: 9781665949941
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Language: English
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 48
Format: Hardcover
Size: 11.50h x 8.50w x 0.13d