May 10, 2008. A 2,185-mile walk begins. Taking a summer (and fall) away from school, the author at age 20 embarked on a northbound journey from Springer Mountain, GA to Mt. Katahdin, ME. Taken from his trail journal, the book is partly a trail guide and partly the story of his spiritual journey. It is the story of a quest for independence and knowing oneself, as well as the story of a physically and psychologically demanding adventure. This Appalachian Trail story will allow you to retrace his steps, whether on your own actual hike or on a hike in your imagination.