Long Distance Hiker Record Holder Coming to North Park to Share Stories, Motivation

Article submitted by The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy 

Just in time to inspire hikers for the summer, The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy welcomes Jennifer Pharr Davis, author and Appalachian Trail record holder, to the Rose Barn in North Park at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12.

Davis has hiked more than 12,000 miles on long distance trails. She has trekked on six continents and currently holds endurance records on three separate trails.

In 2011, Jennifer became the first female to claim the overall record on the Appalachian Trail by finishing the 2,181-mile journey in 46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes—an astounding average of 46.9 miles per day.

But the story she will share with attendees Wednesday is not about records or numbers, instead it will focus on message that the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life and that the value of the wilderness is not found in how fast you go or how far you travel, but rather what you take from the experience. 

Davis has authored three books, including three North Carolina guidebooks and two Appalachian Trail hiking memoirs. 

Her husband, Brew, has a book entitled 46 Days that chronicles their record breaking journey down the Appalachian Trail. 

Davis has also written for, or appeared in, the following magazines: Blue Ridge Outdoors, Backpacker, Trail Runner, Men’s Journal, Shape and Fitness.

Davis and her husband are planning a long-distance hiking/speaking tour this summer to promote her new book, Called Again. 

The book details Davis’ story, in her own words, about her record setting experience on the Appalachian Trail, including how she and her husband overcame rugged mountains and raging rivers, sleet storms and 100 degree heat, shin splints and illnesses.

They made new friends and tested old friendships. Together, they shared laughter and tears—a lot of tears. 

Through it all, they fell more in love with one another, and the wilderness. 

Davis is the owner and founder of Blue Ridge Hiking Co. She and her staff of guides help make the trails in Western North Carolina accessible to novice hikers and experienced backpackers. 

In 2008, Davis was named Blue Ridge Outdoors Person of the Year. In 2011, she appeared in the Sunday edition of the New York Times and on national television and radio shows, including CNN Headline News, the CBS Early Show, and NPR’s Talk of the Nation.

She was also named a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and voted Ultrarunning Magazine’s top female performance of 2011.

Are you planning to hear Davis speak at North Park? Tell us in the comment section below.