From the Smokies to History: Mike Rayder’s 1973 Appalachian Trail Journey
The mist-covered peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains mark one of the most iconic sections of the Appalachian Trail. As someone who’s spent years exploring and writing about these ancient mountains, I’ve crossed paths with countless hikers tackling sections of the AT. But few stories capture the pioneering spirit of the trail like Mike Rayder’s 1973 thru-hike – a journey that places him among the first 100 people to ever complete the entire 2,190-mile footpath.
A Trailblazer in Every Sense
Thousands of hopeful hikers set out each year to conquer the Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine. Yet only about 25% ever complete this grueling journey. Back in 1973, those numbers were even more stark. When Mike Rayder shouldered his pack, the concept of “thru-hiking” was still in its infancy.
Now 74 and retired from his career at Dunkin Donuts, Rayder belongs to an elite club of early AT pioneers. When he completed his hike, fewer than 100 people had ever achieved this remarkable feat. Today, that number has grown to over 20,000 – but Rayder will always be among the trailblazers who helped establish thru-hiking as the ultimate outdoor challenge.
The 1970s Hiking Experience
Hiking the AT in 1973 was a dramatically different experience than today’s journey. Forget ultralight gear, GPS navigation, or trail apps. Rayder likely relied on basic maps, heavy equipment, and the occasional shelter logbook to guide his way.
The trail itself was also different – less developed, with fewer shelters and support systems. The Smoky Mountains section, which I’ve hiked countless times, would have been particularly challenging with its steep terrain and unpredictable weather patterns.
Then vs. Now: Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiking
| Aspect | 1973 (Rayder’s Era) | Today |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Thru-Hikers | Dozens | Thousands |
| Navigation Tools | Paper maps, guidebooks | GPS, smartphone apps, detailed guides |
| Trail Support | Limited shelters, minimal “trail towns” | Regular shelters, established trail towns, robust trail angel network |
| Equipment | Heavy canvas, external frame packs | Ultralight materials, internal frame packs |
| Communication | Occasional payphones, mail drops | Cell service, social media updates |
The Smokies Section: Then and Now
Having written about the Smokies for years, I can only imagine the pristine wilderness Rayder encountered in 1973. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park section of the AT remains one of the most challenging and beautiful stretches of the entire trail.
This section climbs to the highest point on the entire AT at Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet) and typically takes hikers 5-7 days to complete. In the early 70s, with heavier gear and less infrastructure, this section would have tested even the most determined hiker’s resolve.
I’ve stood in those same spots Rayder likely passed through – Charlies Bunion with its dramatic rocky outcropping, the historic stone shelter at Mt. Collins, the breathtaking panoramas from Mt. Cammerer. But I experienced them with modern gear and well-maintained trails. Rayder’s journey through these same landscapes represents a more raw, pioneering adventure.
Why Rayder’s Achievement Matters
What makes Rayder’s completion significant isn’t just that he finished – impressive as that is – but that he did it during the early years when the trail was still being established as a continuous footpath. The Appalachian Trail was only officially completed in 1937, and the concept of hiking the entire thing was still novel in the early 1970s.
Those early thru-hikers like Rayder helped establish traditions and systems that benefit today’s hikers. They were the ones who figured out viable resupply points, ideal camping locations, and how to manage the physical and mental challenges of spending months on the trail.
The Legacy of Early Thru-Hikers
As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring the Smokies and writing about this magnificent wilderness, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for those who pioneered long-distance hiking. Rayder’s journey in 1973 helped pave the way for the modern hiking culture that now sees the AT as the ultimate hiking achievement.
Every time I meet a fresh-faced hiker at Newfound Gap or Fontana Dam, setting out on their AT adventure with modern ultralight gear and smartphone navigation, I think about those early pioneers like Rayder who made it all possible – who ventured into the wilderness with canvas packs, heavy boots, and paper maps, relying on skill and determination rather than technology.
The AT Community Today
The trail Rayder hiked has evolved into a living, breathing community with its own culture, traditions, and support systems. Trail angels leave “trail magic” for weary hikers, trail names are bestowed upon adventurers, and trail towns welcome the annual influx of dirty, hungry hikers with open arms.
This community spirit was just beginning to form in 1973, and pioneers like Rayder helped create the foundation for what has become one of the most celebrated outdoor communities in America.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Every year, I watch as new hikers set out from Springer Mountain in Georgia, many of them passing through my beloved Smokies. Only about a quarter will make it to Mount Katahdin in Maine. But each one carries forward the spirit of adventure that Mike Rayder embodied in 1973.
At 74, Rayder represents a living connection to the early days of the AT. His journey reminds us that behind every well-worn trail lies the footsteps of pioneers who ventured forth when the path was less certain.
As we follow the white blazes through the misty ridges of the Smokies or along any section of this iconic trail, we’re walking in the footsteps of trailblazers like Mike Rayder – ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary feats and helped create the hiking culture we enjoy today.