The Appalachian Trail, which spans roughly 2,190 miles from Georgia to the border between Maine and Canada, has served as a muse for literature, journalism, and visual art. However, it is much more than a refuge for spiritual wanderers or those seeking respite from a technology-saturated world. It is now integrated into the educational curriculum of Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia. According to WVTF-TV, students at the college can earn credit by hiking either the entire trail or a 470-mile stretch of its southern portion.
Participants in the Semester-A-Trail course offered by Emory & Henry College learn valuable self-sufficiency skills, such as cooking basic meals and administering first aid, in preparation for the immense physical challenge of hiking the trail while carrying camping gear. “It’s really an incredible physical tax on the body,” said Jim Harrison, director of outdoor programs for the college, as quoted by WVTF. In addition to physical conditioning, the course also focuses on nature-writing skills and cultivating an understanding of the rich culture and history of the Appalachian region.
The coursework is typically completed before or after the hike, and a FAQ section on the college’s website provides more logistical details. The college newspaper, The White Topper, reports that some students are even transferring to Emory & Henry specifically to participate in this unique program. “It’s also cool that the program helps whip you into shape,” said Lindu Hu, a transfer student. (Read more Appalachian Trail stories.)
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