Every summer, Norwich and Hanover streets fill with Appalachian Trail “through hikers”: NOBO’s (or northbounders) who began their hike in Georgia in early spring, and SOBO’s headed for Georgia from the trail’s northern terminus at Maine’s Mount Katahdin.

Who are these people? What motivates them to commit to such a demanding trek? Why, for example, would a 67-year-old grandmother set out to hike the entire trail—in 1955? What’s life like out there? Is it becoming overcrowded? What have Norwich and Hanover done to become official “AT Hiker-Friendly Towns”?

This course takes a distinctly local perspective on a national treasure that runs right down Main Street. Hear from current AT hikers passing through, from local volunteer “Trail Angels” supporting throughhikers on their quests, and from a Yale researcher (and AT hiker) studying the environmental impact of the trail’s growing popularity. The class will begin with lecture and moving to discussion and shared hiking experiences and a video presentation. Real time AT hikers will present in the second class.

The first two sessions will be held in the classroom, the third and final session will be an optional walk on the AT in Hanover.