Dale Sanders, 91, reclaims record as oldest Appalachian Trail hiker

Dale Sanders, a 91-year-old hiker known as ‘Grey Beard’, has reclaimed his record as the oldest person to complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. He reached the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine on Monday, completing the approximately 2,193-mile (3,530-kilometer) journey.

Sanders’ trek was marked by significant physical challenges. He reported falling 71 times during the journey, including six severe falls. One incident in July required a brief hospitalization, and another occurred just 200 yards from the finish line. Despite these setbacks and a period of recuperation for a pinched nerve, he continued the hike.

Sanders previously set the age record in 2017 at age 82, but lost the title in 2021 to his friend M. J. Eberhart. This recent attempt was a planned comeback to regain the title. He utilized a support system involving a truck camper to manage logistics and meals during the expedition.