The Appalachian Trail is 2185.4 miles officially as of this writing (it changes from time to time as portions are re-routed). The goal of a Through-Hiker is, of course, to finish. To hike all 2185 miles from one end to the other. Most through-hikers attempt to accomplish the entire trail in one year. The average hiker needs between five and six months to walk it entirely. Some through-hikers don’t have the time necessary to hike the entire trail at one time – so they hike it in sections – thus completing their through-hike over a number of years. Either way – the end result is the same – the goal is just to complete the entire trail.
Most through hikers begin in the south at Springer Mountain in Georgia and head northward to Mount Katahdin in Maine. This direction works best with the weather. Therefore, for most hikers, the goal is the summit on MT. Katahdin
God does not give us points for artistic style in our spiritual walk. There is no medal for speed, no trophy for performance, no competition and no competitors. Like the trail – the goal is just to finish. Paul declared “I have finished my course; I have kept the faith”. Our goal is just to stand before God and here Him say “Well done thou good and faithful Servant”. Just finish!
