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Our 2025 Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker is Cam "Peebz" Bourne! Cam is from North Carolina and was looking to connect back to her routes through the Appalachian Trail. We sat down with Cam to discuss all things AT and how they're preparing for the upcoming Thru Hike.
We are so excited to follow Cam on the AT and see where their thru hike takes them. Read the full interview below!
Q: What trail will you be hiking and why did you choose this trail?
A: I chose the Appalachian Trail for my first long distance thru-hike because this billion year old-mountain range has been always been the place I feel most at home. I've changed a lot since I adventured around the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina as a wee one– and the Mountains have too. We've grown together, and after the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene, I'm hoping we can continue our healing journeys together, too.
Q: What inspired you to set this goal for yourself?
A: I'm proudly Queer and Trans, but also a proud Southerner. I want to be the representation others who may not always feel welcome in the outdoors need to get outside for themselves: when we get out in nature, we care about nature! But I also want to show that the American South is a rich, diverse, and beautiful place full of hardworking folks who care more about a person's character than anything else. Trails unite us, and I can't wait for the bonds I'll share with folks from all walks of life out there.
Q: Will you be hiking solo or with a group?
A: Both! For me, a thru-hike is a chance to deepen connections to others, but you should also holding time for solo reflection on the ways your life is going to change out there.
Q: What luxury item will you bring on trail with you?
A: Nail Polish
Q: What is one thing you are hoping to take away from your thru hike?
A: I'd love to learn more Indigenously-bestowed names of plants, animals, and landscapes I'll meet along the way.
Q: If you could invite a celebrity (alive or dead) who would you invite on your hike and why?
A: On a recent episode of his podcast Las Culturistas, Bowen Yang said he wants to “hike more intentionally and intensely.” To that I say, the AT is just a hop skip and a jump from New York City! He and co-host Matt Rogers can join me anytime. Loud speakers on the trail? Not following Leave No Trace? I don’t think so, honey!
Q: What's your favorite trail snack/candy?
A: I am known to carry a full size jar of peanut butter with me at all times
Q: What is your favorite piece of Big Agnes gear and why?
A: I love my Copper Spur! The two-person actually fits two real human people, and it can be set up anywhere quickly and easily.
Q: Where can we people follow along on your journey?
A: Instagram- @queerjoyinthewoods
We will be posting updates from the trail of our Thru-Hikers on @bigagnes_
Follow us on Instagram to follow along on their Thru Hikes!
