Dale Sanders Reclaims Record as Oldest Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker

MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) – Each year, over 14 million older adults experience falls in the U.S., yet few match the determination of 91-year-old Dale Sanders. Sanders fell 71 times while earning back his record as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. Of those falls, six were considered severe, including one that resulted in a short hospital stay and another just 200 yards from the finish line. Despite these challenges, Sanders completed the 2,193-mile trail stretching from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy defines a thru-hike as finishing all sections of the trail within a year, in any order. Starting his journey in West Virginia on September 6, Sanders navigated the trail with occasional breaks and completed his hike on Monday atop Maine’s highest peak, offering a prayer at the summit sign.

“I had to thank God, and I had to thank my support team and everybody that got me here,” he said.

A Long-Planned Comeback

Dale Sanders, known on the trail as Grey Beard, set the Appalachian Trail record in 2017 at age 82. However, four years later, his friend M.J. Eberhart, also known as Nimblewill Nomad, claimed the title at age 83. Sanders soon announced his intentions for a comeback. While his initial hike was easier than anticipated, the latest attempt proved more difficult, despite six months of training. Sanders admitted last month he could be in better shape but recognized the significance of hiking such distances at his age.

“But I am 91, so I’m blazing new ground hiking long distances like this.”

In June, Sanders faced a fall on Killington Mountain in Vermont where he scraped his limbs. Thankfully, he avoided any fractures. A subsequent hospital visit in Maine revealed a pinched nerve rather than a stroke, and with his family’s encouragement, he continued despite contemplating quitting. Returning home to Tennessee in August for family matters, he was motivated by his wife to persist.

His Mission Evolves

Sanders experienced some of his most rewarding moments in Pennsylvania, enjoying well-maintained trails and the kindness of ‘trail angels’ bringing treats. The fanfare surrounding him grew as fellow hikers and social media followers embraced his journey. His mission shifted from reclaiming his title to inspiring others.

“I wanna get it back, but right now, that’s secondary,” he said. “Right now, what’s the most important thing… is that people are motivated and given encouragement by my efforts.”

Meredith Ewenson, who led a hike in New Hampshire where she met Sanders, emphasized the significance of the journey itself. Her group realized Sanders’ presence that evening at an Appalachian Mountain Club hut and cheered him as he prepared to resume his trek in the morning, showcasing his impressive mobility even at his age.

“My first thought was ‘Wow, his mobility is insane,’” Ewenson reflected.

Off-Trail Adventures

Born in Kentucky in 1935, Sanders discovered confidence in solo sports as a child and later enjoyed a career in parks and recreation following his Navy service. He holds several age-related records, such as becoming the oldest person to paddle the Mississippi River’s full length, undertaken at age 87. During his Appalachian adventure, he overcame obstacles with vigor and found brief rest as needed, exemplifying his resolute spirit.

Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.

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