# Dale Sanders Appalachian Trail hiking record > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dale-sanders-appalachian-trail-hiking-record > Updated: 2026-09-05T19:44:20.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 3. Dale Sanders, a 91-year-old hiker known as ‘Grey Beard’, has reclaimed the record as the oldest person to complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Sanders reached the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine on August 31, 2026, after traveling approximately 2,193 miles (3,530 kilometers). Sanders, a resident of Tennessee, began his journey in West Virginia in September 2025. To qualify for a thru-hike under the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s definition, he completed all sections within a 365-day period, which allowed him to take breaks to avoid winter weather. His expedition involved significant physical hardship, including 71 reported falls. Of these, six were described as serious falls that required medical attention. These incidents included a hospitalization in July and a fall near the finish line that caused intense pain in his thigh and knee. Sanders previously held the record in 2017 at age 82, but lost the title to M. J. Eberhart in 2021. By completing this trek, he has successfully reclaimed his status as the oldest person to finish the trail. Reflecting on the grueling journey, Sanders expressed gratitude to his support team and stated, ‘If it hurts, keep going.’ ## Claims - Dale Sanders completed the Appalachian Trail at age 91. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sanders reached the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine on August 31, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sanders is the oldest person to ever complete the Appalachian Trail. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sanders fell 71 times during his hike, including six serious falls. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Appalachian Trail is approximately 3,530 kilometers long. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sanders began his thru-hike in West Virginia in September 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Dale Sanders sets age record by completing Appalachian Trail at 91 91-year-old Dale Sanders has become the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail, overcoming 71 falls to reach the summit of Mount Katahdin. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dale-sanders-becomes-oldest-person-to-complete-appalachian-trail ### 2026-09-02: Dale Sanders, 91, reclaims record as oldest Appalachian Trail hiker 91-year-old Dale Sanders has reclaimed the record as the oldest person to complete the 3,530km Appalachian Trail, overcoming numerous falls and physical challenges to reach the summit in Maine. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dale-sanders-91-reclaims-record-as-oldest-appalachian-trail-hiker-1 ### 2026-08-31: Dale Sanders, 91, reclaims record as oldest Appalachian Trail hiker 91-year-old Dale ‘Grey Beard’ Sanders has reclaimed the record as the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail, finishing the 2,193-mile trek despite falling 71 times during the journey. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dale-sanders-reclaims-record-as-oldest-appalachian-trail-hiker-at-91 --- Cite as: Dale Sanders Appalachian Trail hiking record. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dale-sanders-appalachian-trail-hiking-record