229 episodes

"Jester" Section Hiker is the Premier Podcast With The Spotlight On Section Hikers!

The stories you will hear are about everyday people who, in addition to their everyday lives, make the commitment to hike long-distance trails where every section is a new beginning.

From National Scenic Trails to National Parks and all Trails in between, listen with your host, Julie Gayheart (Jester), to hear what it means to be a section hiker and the adventure that awaits them section by section.

"Jester" Section Hiker Julie Gayheart

    • Sports
    • 4.8 • 114 Ratings

"Jester" Section Hiker is the Premier Podcast With The Spotlight On Section Hikers!

The stories you will hear are about everyday people who, in addition to their everyday lives, make the commitment to hike long-distance trails where every section is a new beginning.

From National Scenic Trails to National Parks and all Trails in between, listen with your host, Julie Gayheart (Jester), to hear what it means to be a section hiker and the adventure that awaits them section by section.

    Exploring & Hiking In The Adirondacks!

    Exploring & Hiking In The Adirondacks!

    Join host Julie "Jester" Gayheart as she shares her adventure in the Adirondacks. This episode covers a mix of hiking, being a tourist, and soaking in spectacular views and experiences from Lake Placid, New York - the heart of the High Peaks region. Learn about Jester's encounters with her Seek to Do More family, tourist attractions like the Olympic bobsled run and ski jumps, and top hiking trails from the Lake Placid 9'er. Jester also reveals local eateries and personal insights on the hiking challenges encountered. Don't miss the detailed exploration of the people, places, and peaks that made this trip unforgettable.
    46 of 46 Podcast Episode With Jester: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/169-summit-sessions-60-when-the-appalachian-trails-meets-the-adirondack-park-with-julie-jester-gayheart--60712120?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3yy7DtFoFhvh2oel3hibfbiJVaYpitgjVeedgOFvLGb--W2JDzwuM0l0g_aem_5GXjhOgxnJwqVPczt5Ra5Q 
    The Lake Placid 9'ers: https://lakeplacid9er.com/ 
    Drapers Acres Campground: https://www.drapersacres.com/home 
    Mt. Van Hoevenberg: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/ 
    Olympic Jumping Complex: https://olympicjumpingcomplex.com/  
    Scenic Flight Around Lake Placid: https://www.lakeplacid.com/explore/getting-here 
    Connect With Jester:
    Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com
    Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/
    Watch Safe and Found: https://safe-and-found.com  
    Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

    • 41 min
    What's In Jester's Daypack?

    What's In Jester's Daypack?

    Jester shares a detailed breakdown of the items in her ULA Photon pack, including clothing, footwear, hydration, and essential day hike equipment. Perfect for anyone gearing up for their own adventure, this comprehensive gear review reveals the practical choices that have supported her so far through 19 day hikes on the Appalachian Trail.
    Connect With Jester:
    Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com
    Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/
    Watch Safe and Found: https://safe-and-found.com  
    Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

    • 17 min
    Section Hiking New York (Days 5-9)

    Section Hiking New York (Days 5-9)

    Jester continues section hiking in New York and starts this episode off by heading out Northbound from the Appalachian Market and ends by sharing with us her "Side Trail Adventure" for the next two weeks! 
    New York Day 5 (Far Out):
    Appalachian Market (1415.1)
    Dennytown Rd (1423.8)
    8.7 Miles
    New York Day 6 (Far Out):
    Dennytown Rd (1423.8)
    NY Route 301 (1427.5)
    3.7 Miles
    New York Day 7 (Far Out):
    NY Route 301 (1427.5)
    Long Hill Rd. (1432.1)
    4.6 Miles
    New York Day 8 (Far Out):
    Long Hill Rd. (1432.1)
    NY Route 52 (1439.6)
    7.5 Miles
    New York Day 9 (Far Out):
    NY Route 52 (1439.6)
    Rt. 55 (1446.9)
    7.5 Miles
    New York Day 10 (Far Out): 
    Rt. 55 (1446.9)
    NY Route 22 (1454.4)
    7.5 Miles
    Western States 100: https://www.wser.org/ 
    Hardrock 100: https://hardrock100.com/ 
    Connect With Jester:
    Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com
    Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/
    Watch Safe and Found: https://safe-and-found.com  
    Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

    • 1 hr 26 min
    Section Hiking New York (Days 1-4)

    Section Hiking New York (Days 1-4)

    Jester is out this summer working on completing the Appalachian Trail again for a 2nd time as a section hiker. Jester starts clicking off miles in New York that includes the Lemon Squeezer, Bear Mountain, and finishing the episode off by crossing the Hudson River on that famous bridge! 
    New York Day 1 (Far Out): 
    Arden Valley Rd. (1388.4)
    Tiorati Circle Picnic Area (1393.7)
    5.6 Miles 
    New York Day 2 (Far Out):
    Tiorati Circle Picnic Area (1393.7)
    Andrew Wayne Drive (1402.6)
    8.9 Miles
    New York Day 3 (Far Out):
    Andrew Wayne Drive (1402.6)
    Bear Mountain Perkins Tower (1408.3)
    5.7 Miles
    New York Day 4 (Far Out): 
    Bear Mountain Perkins Tower (1408.3)
    Appalachian Market (1415.1)
    6.8 Miles
    Connect With Jester:
    Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com
    Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/
    Watch Safe and Found: https://safe-and-found.com  
    Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Shenandoah National Park (Days 6-10)

    Shenandoah National Park (Days 6-10)

    Join Julie "Jester" Gayheart as she recaps the second half of her trek on the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park. This episode covers days 6 through 10, including detailed mileage, key highlights like Big Meadows Campground, Skyland Resort, and logistical tips. She also shares insights on hydration, nutrition, and overcoming challenges such as dry trail conditions and increasing heat. 
    Shenandoah National Park - AT Northbound Itinerary
    Day 1:  
    Rockfish Gap (864.6) 
    Sawmill Run overlook (875.1)
    10.5mi
    Day 2: 
    Sawmill Run Overlook (875.1)
    Blackrock Trailhead (886.4)
    11.3mi
    Day 3: 
    Blackrock Trailhead (886.4) 
    Ivy Creek Overlook (896.9)
    10.5 mi
    Day 4:  
    Ivy Creek Overlook (896.9)
    Hightop Parking (908.9) 
    12 mi
    Day 5: 
    Hightop Parking (908.9)
    Parking By Bearfence (919.1)
    10.2mi
    Day 6: 
    Parking By Bearfence (919.1)
    Rock Spring Cabin Parking (930) 
    10.9mi
    Day 7: 
    Rock Spring Cabin Parking (930) 
    Meadow Spring Trailhead (942.2) 
    12.2mi
    Day 8: 
    Meadow Spring Trailhead (942.2) 
    Elkwallow Wayside (953.3)
    11.1mi
    Day 9: 
    Elkwallow Wayside (953.3)
    Compton Gap (966.8)
    13.5
    Day 10: 
    Compton Gap (966.8)
    Park Boundary (968.8) 
    4 miles Round Trip
    Jester's Pack Shakedown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 
    Connect With Jester:
    Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/
    Watch Safe and Found: https://safe-and-found.com  
    Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

    • 23 min
    Shenandoah National Park (Days 1-5)

    Shenandoah National Park (Days 1-5)

    In this episode of the "Jester" Section Hiker Podcast, host Julie "Jester" Gayheart recaps the first five days of her northbound trek through Shenandoah National Park on the Appalachian Trail. From daily mileage to campsite details, Julie provides an in-depth look at her journey. Highlights include the pleasant weather, abundant wildlife, and the excellent facilities at Loft Mountain and Big Meadows campgrounds. Julie also shares a personal realization about her hiking motivations and future goals on the AT.
    Jester's Pack Shakedown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 
    Connect With Jester:
    Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/
    Watch Safe and Found: https://safe-and-found.com  
    Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

    • 21 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
114 Ratings

114 Ratings

Hiker Kevin ,

Best podcast for section hikers and hiking enthusiasts

I’m glad I found this podcast. I listened to every episode in under three months. Jester offers a calming and relaxing tone with routine laughter as she provides great detail and explanation of her hiking experiences. This show is very informative with respect to a vast range of hiking guests and great gear reviews. (Including Dan Durston!) I only recently got into hiking and have aspersions to one day through hike the AT. Those dreams will have to wait since I have a family and a mortgage and that’s ok, because I get the privilege to complete trails one section at a time. Jester models how to successfully plan for and complete section hikes. I truly enjoy how she is relatable to those in the hiking community as she tells it how it is including the challenges and hardships as well as the successes. Please give this podcast a listen and I know you will appreciate it as much as I do.

Rolfdenver ,

Great info and warm style

Jester’s section-hiking podcasts are chock-full of useful information, especially on section hikes in the eastern US including the Appalachian Trail. Jester has a warm, pleasing style both when interviewing guests and when sharing her own vast knowledge and experience. Her passion for hiking and educating others is infectious.

old man, airborne runner ,

An amazing hiking podcast!

It is great to have a podcast focus on section hiking. All though I have been a scoutmaster and led backpacking trips, I learn something on every episode! Julie and her guests make me laugh, challenge me to think and impart wisdom! Keep up the great show!!!

Top Podcasts In Sports

Pardon My Take
Barstool Sports
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Fantasy Football
The Dan Patrick Show
iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
The Sports Moment
The Washington Post

You Might Also Like

Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Steve Adams
Trail Tales - Thru-Hiking & Backpacking
Kyle Hates Hiking
Backpacker Radio
The Trek
The Trail Dames Podcast
Anna Huthmaker
The Backpacking Podcast presented by Outdoor Vitals
John Kelley, Jeremiah Stringer
The Green Tunnel
R2 Studios