9 episodes

To thru-hike just one of America’s long trails is to accomplish a lifelong dream for many hikers. To tackle all three—the AT, PCT, and CDT—is to enter an exclusive club of Triple Crowners and gain hiking superstar status. And to hike all three in a year? That’s nothing short of legendary. In 2021, college students Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell are hitting the trail—er, trails—in an attempt at becoming the newest and the youngest members of that elite group. Join Sammy and Jackson as they cover nearly 8,000 miles against a ticking clock. Will they make hiking history before the year is up? Tune in to find out.

Impossible Odds Sammy Potter

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 111 Ratings

To thru-hike just one of America’s long trails is to accomplish a lifelong dream for many hikers. To tackle all three—the AT, PCT, and CDT—is to enter an exclusive club of Triple Crowners and gain hiking superstar status. And to hike all three in a year? That’s nothing short of legendary. In 2021, college students Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell are hitting the trail—er, trails—in an attempt at becoming the newest and the youngest members of that elite group. Join Sammy and Jackson as they cover nearly 8,000 miles against a ticking clock. Will they make hiking history before the year is up? Tune in to find out.

    One Last Hurrah

    One Last Hurrah

    With only a few hundred miles left, Sammy and Jackson continue to face unexpected challenges: a surprise roadwalk, and existential questions about what's next.

    • 21 min
    On the Edge

    On the Edge

    Sammy grapples with his decision to take an alternate route on the CDT, and learns some difficult family news that makes finishing more important than ever

    • 32 min
    Physical Breakdown

    Physical Breakdown

    Heading into the heart of summer, Sammy and Jackson aim to polish off the CDT. An unexplained sickness almost throws a wrench in their plans.

    • 32 min
    Going it Alone

    Going it Alone

    Sammy and Jackson decide to split up and embark on 200 miles of solo hiking. Then, Sammy finds himself in the most dangerous situation of the Triple Crown yet.

    • 28 min
    Chill Hiking Never Lasts Long

    Chill Hiking Never Lasts Long

    Springtime sees Sammy and Jackson back on the east coast as they aim to tick off the rest of the Appalachian Trail. But New Hampshire and Maine dish up plenty of hurdles on their path to Mt. Katahdin.

    • 26 min
    Desert Tribulations

    Desert Tribulations

    Sammy & Jackson transfer trails to stay on pace, but desert hiking doesn't mean smooth sailing for the pair. Then, on the first leg of the Pacific Crest Trail, they must learn to balance their safety with their speed.

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
111 Ratings

111 Ratings

55lql ,

Excellent storytelling

I’m halfway through the series and my attention is really captured by Sammy Potter,. honest and eloquent narrative. Thanks for giving us a look at what it’s taken to pull off this impressive feat!

jbieniek ,

Truly fascinating

I’m wicked inspired to try a thru hike every time I listen to this. Thank you for a raw, imperfect, thrilling ride!

DRConstance ,

Fantastic!

I’m listening to this with my kids and we are so very much enjoying it. We listen to it during car rides and I love how it makesUs talk about all sorts of outdoor related themes. Would love to hear more of Sam,s and Ryan’s inner thoughts during They’re unimaginable challenging adventure.

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Inconceivable Truth
Wavland
This American Life
This American Life
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
Soul Boom
Rainn Wilson
Fallen Angels: A Story of California Corruption
iHeartPodcasts
We Can Do Hard Things
Glennon Doyle and Audacy