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Semester-A-Trail Experience Video Launched

Posted by Leah Prater

Emory & Henry College celebrates national Take a Hike Day on November 17 by unveiling new Semester-A-Trail video celebrating the only college program to offer credit for thru-hiking in the U.S.

From high atop Roan and WhiteTop Mountains along the Appalachian Trail, two Emory & Henry College students earned college credit while studying in the great outdoors. They participated in the Emory & Henry College Semester-A-Trail Program – the only program in the United States that offers college credit for thru-hiking or other prepared hikes on the A.T. with an academic component and training.

Filmed by North Carolina videographer and renowned hiking enthusiast Chris Gallaway, E&H sophomore Sadie Burton and junior Tilghman Moyer, a transfer student from Temple University, shared their experiences along the trail during spring semester 2019. It was the first time both students hiked a portion of the trail to earn hands-on credit. Burton from Spartanburg, S.C., focused her journey on creative writing and photography with the goal of producing a documentary and Moyer from Philadelphia, Pa., developed a project in phenology, studying plant and animal life cycle events along the A.T. 

“This is the definition of exceptional hands-on learning in a gorgeous outdoor lab,” said Jim Harrison, director of outdoor programs at the College who has also thru-hiked the A.T. with his wife in the 1990s. “Both students trained and learned how to hike the trail to be prepared. Prior to the trip, they learned wilderness first aid techniques and received instruction on packing, eating, safety and mental wellness. Being on the trail for long periods of time can be physically and mentally challenging, yet so rewarding and breathtaking.”

The students talk about their experience in the video with Galloway and share how they both succeeded in their journeys. Burton logged 400 miles and ended her section in Damascus, Va. and Moyer completed his thru-hike of 2,190 miles and ended at Mt. Katahdin at Baxter Peak, the northern terminus of the A.T. Statistics show only one in every four hikers accomplish a thru-hike and it usually takes five to six months. Moyer finished in five months. 

The program is open to all college students around the globe as well as any Emory & Henry College students. Students are welcome to transfer to Emory & Henry for a semester to engage in a once-in-a-lifetime experience while earning credits in a field of interest. Faculty from both colleges work together to set the curriculum and outcomes.

“This is truly unique to Emory & Henry and its place on our planet,” said Harrison. “We’re 14 miles from the A.T. and our students are blessed not solely to hike, but to kayak in all sorts of rivers and lakes; to go bouldering and rock climbing, and to take in all of the natural beauty in Southwest Virginia.” Students from across the country enjoy the Outdoor Program and the Adventure Team to explore and learn about lifetime outdoor activities. 

About NATIONAL TAKE A HIKE DAY

National Take a Hike Day is observed annually on November 17. With over 60,000 miles of trails in the National Trail System across the 50 states, there is no lack of opportunity to take a hike. Events around the country are scheduled today to celebrate Take a Hike Day. Hiking can burn between 400-550 calories per hour. What better way to get a head start on all those ‘other’ holiday temptations and observe Take a Hike Day?  Be sure to wear good shoes, take a snack and bring a buddy, but get out there and enjoy the fresh air, scenery and get a little exercise to boot!

How to Observe

Take a nice hike. When you go, use #NationalTakeAHikeDay #EHSemesterATrail #hikeforcreditatEH #hikeforcredit #takeahike #hikingadventures to post on social media. 
Source: NationalDayCalendar.com

  • Tilghman Moyer at a lookout on the Appalachian Trail.
    Tilghman Moyer at a lookout on the Appalachian Trail.
  • All gear provided by Semester-A-Trail.
    All gear provided by Semester-A-Trail.
  • Tilghman Moyer with Outdoor Program Director Jim Harrison and Sadie Burton.
    Tilghman Moyer with Outdoor Program Director Jim Harrison and Sadie Burton.
  • Sadie Burton in the Roan Highlands.
    Sadie Burton in the Roan Highlands.
  • Buzzard Rock on the Appalachian Trail.
    Buzzard Rock on the Appalachian Trail.
  • Appalachian Trail white blaze marker.
    Appalachian Trail white blaze marker.
  • Tilghman Moyer on Mt. Washington.
    Tilghman Moyer on Mt. Washington.

Open gallery

Tilghman Moyer, Prof. Jim Harrison and Sadie Burton
Tilghman Moyer, Prof. Jim Harrison and Sadie Burton

This is the definition of exceptional hands-on learning in a gorgeous outdoor lab. 

—Prof. Jim Harrison, Director of Outdoor Programs

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