Easter on the Appalachian Trail: A Journey of Weather, Wilderness, and Worship

It was April 2019—Easter weekend—when my friend Lisa and I set out on a long-weekend backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail, hiking from Deep Gap to the Nantahala River. We kicked off the adventure with a short afternoon trek to the Standing Indian Shelter, where a group of young thru-hikers had already claimed the shelter for the night. After setting up camp nearby, we shared dinner and conversation around a glowing campfire, our laughter rising with the smoke into the night sky. Storms were forecasted, but we zipped up our tents and hoped for the best.

Gloomy “Good Friday” - the trail was flowing with water

Good Friday: The Storm

We awoke Friday morning to a deafening crack of thunder and bolts of lightning striking far too close for comfort. The sky unleashed a relentless downpour. Undeterred, we packed up our drenched gear, ate a quick breakfast, and embraced the misery ahead. If it was going to rain all day, we figured we might as well hike through it. And hike we did—17 soggy, grueling miles to Long Branch Shelter. By some miracle, only one other hiker was there, drying out her tent. We found space, relief, and gratitude in that humble shelter.

As night fell, the temperature dropped sharply. Snuggled into our sleeping bags, we braced for the cold. By morning, everything had changed.

White Purity Saturday “we are cleansed!” I see a Cross! 

Saturday: Snowfall and Suffering

We awoke to a blanket of snow—pure white, pristine, and quiet. The forest was transformed into a winter wonderland. After warming our hands with hot coffee and breakfast, we set off toward Siler Bald Shelter, aiming for an 11-mile day. But we had a new goal in mind: my car, parked at the top of Wayah Bald, stocked with dry clothes and food. We pushed on, hiking another brutal 17 miles, this time through freezing wind and sleet that slapped against our faces like icy needles.

At the top of Wayah Bald I was parked next to the vault toilet facility which provided us with four walls to change into dry clothes and a place to break the wind and freezing rain while toileting.  If you know you know…..it’s the little things on the trail that can mean so much!

We made up a cozy sleeping nest in the back of my Expedition and let the warmth lull us to sleep.

Dreary Wayah Bald Early Sunday morning (Easter Day)

Easter Sunday: Revelation

On Sunday morning, Easter Sunday we woke to the sounds of cars filled with people who had come up to Wayah Bald to participate in a sunrise Easter service.  Hallelujah, HE HAS RISEN!!!! 

The clouds disappeared on Easter Sunday and led to a gorgeous day.

Lisa and I packed our gear, pulled on dry socks and shoes, ate breakfast, and hit the trail. As we descended from the bald, the clouds began to clear, revealing a brilliant blue sky and golden sunlight. Snow melted, warmth kissed our skin, and we hiked 11.5 peaceful miles to our final campsite.

That night, we were serenaded by two owls calling to one another across the gap. We watched in awe as they came together—a perfect moment of unity. It felt like a gift, a quiet blessing at the end of a transformative journey.

A Spiritual Awakening

As we began our journey to our exit point, I was brought to tears by what was revealed to me.  It wasn’t just a backpacking trip; it was a deeply spiritual journey for me.  Good Friday, I was woken to thunder and a bolt of lightning hitting very close to our campsite. It rained all day during ascends and descends up and over the mountains.  We encountered “the storm.”  My savior endured the unthinkable for me. Saturday morning, pure white snow.  A reminder that Jesus had died on that cross for my sins, so that I could be pure again.  On Sunday Easter Day the clouds rolled away and the sky was blue.  God made it very clear to me that He was in control and that my Lord and Savior had RISEN!  It was a time of celebration on the trail in the mountains.  It was a reminder that I don’t have to get dressed up and go to Church on Easter Sunday to praise Him…..I got the full-on experience of His greatness on the mountain, in the wilderness, in wet, sweaty, dirty clothes!  It is not about where you are, but the experience you receive on the journey!

~ Lane ~