Hiker, 91, becomes oldest person to complete grueling Appalachian Trail

Ninety-one-year-old Dale Sanders has become the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail, a 2,193-mile journey. Sanders, from Tennessee, began his hike on September 6, 2025, in West Virginia and finished on Monday in Maine. He reported falling 71 times during the trek, including one incident requiring hospitalization and another just yards from the finish. Sanders previously held the record in 2017 at age 82, but was surpassed by a friend. He was motivated to reclaim the record and also inspired by the encouragement his efforts provided to thousands of social media followers. Sanders also holds the record for the oldest person to paddle the entire length of the Mississippi River.

At 91 years old, Dale Sanders, known as "Grey Beard," has reclaimed the record for the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. He finished the 2,193-mile trail on August 31, 2026, in Maine, despite falling 71 times during his journey. Sanders, who first set the record in 2017 at age 82, faced challenges including a hospitalization and a pinched nerve, but was encouraged by his wife to continue. His accomplishment has inspired many, with Sanders stating that motivating others has become a secondary mission to reclaiming his record. Sanders also holds the record for the oldest person to paddle the Mississippi River.