#201 | American Perimeter Trail with Rue McKenrick

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Rue McKenrick. Rue is an accomplished long-distance hiker and the Executive Director of the American Perimeter Trail Conference, an ambitious project to create a 14,000 mile loop that circumnavigates the continental U.S. We learn all about Rue's scouting of this trail- as he's hiked 12,000 miles of the route in search of the best course already, his inspiration for this project, the challenges he anticipates in completing this, the role partnering with other trail organizations will play, and more.

We wrap the show with Chaunce's very stupid thing of the week, additional details of our attendance at Trail Days, and the hikers we would most like to eliminate from the trail.

RTIC Outdoors: Shop at rticoutdoors.com.

Organifi: Use code "BACKPACKER" for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for 15% off at gossamergear.com.

Enlightened Equipment: Use code "EETREK10" for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock

OnX Backcountry: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO20" for 20% off a Premium or Elite Membership at onxmaps.com.

[divider]

Interview with Rue McKenrick

• Rue McKenrick Instagram
• American Perimeter Trail website

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:15 - QOTD: If you could eliminate hikers from the trail, who would they be?

00:12:36 - Reminders: We're going to Trail Days! Come visit us on Saturday (you might see Elise there too)! Guest Recommendation form, bonus points if you're local.

00:15:35 - Introducing Rue McKenrick

00:16:15 - Tell us about growing up near the AT

00:17:28 - When did you realize you wanted to make backpacking a focus in your life?

00:19:16 - How have hikers changed over the years?

00:29:35 - What hikes have you completed?

00:34:36 - What attributed to the lack of enthusiasm? And what brought you back?

00:37:50 - What were your roles with the non-profit organizations and how did it lead to creating your own trail?

00:40:52 - Any insider stories you have from working with AMC or ATC?

00:48:51 - Give us the fast facts on the American Perimeter Trail

01:01:00 - Could you go through the flow of the American Perimeter Trail map?

01:14:30 - What is the undertaking of this project?

01:24:14 - How do you legally secure corridors for the American Perimeter Trail?

01:30:00 - Have you encountered anyone that has interest in thru-hiking the trail?

01:33:03 - Wrap up

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

• Outdoor Exercise Might Be Better for Your Brain Than Hitting the Gym by Rachel Shoemaker

Stupid Thing of the Week

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Cameron Brown, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy "Trigger" Fawns.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jake Landgraf, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Kelly Heikkila, Liz Seger, and Peter.