You can get $20,000 — and free beer — to hike the entire Appalachian Trail
14 states, 2,190 miles and 5-7 months. Those are some of the numbers you should know before hiking the Appalachian Trail — as they give a pretty good idea of just how long the East Coast-spanning trek really is.
Another important number? $20,000. That’s because, thanks to one Virginia-based brewery, that’s how much one lucky hiker will be getting paid to complete the world-famous journey.
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Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company, which is located just off the trail, is hiring a “chief hiking officer (CHO),” according to Travel + Leisure. The job, which begins in spring 2021, comes with all kinds of perks — in addition to the $20,000 salary.
For example, the hiker will get free transportation to the trail’s starting point, plus plenty of free gear to wear during the trek. Also, they’ll be getting plenty of free beer and a number of parties thrown in their honor along the way, including one at the company’s mountainside brewery.
“We’re located just off the Appalachian Trail at mile marker 842 and since opening, we’ve hosted thru-hikers who want to rest and recharge on their zero-day,” Hayes Humphreys, the brewery’s chief operating officer, told Travel + Leisure. “These folks really understand how life-altering it is to slow down and take in what’s going on around you. They’re the ones who inspired our Chief Hiking Officer position.”
All the hiker has to do for their paycheck is camp out, complete the journey and post photos to social media along the way. Still, the company warns that you should probably only enter if you really like hiking.
“This is a great opportunity for a hiker who loves beer and is looking to shake up the pace of life by spending next summer on the Appalachian Trail,” Humphreys said. “Given the state of things today, we could all use some restorative time in the great outdoors.”
To apply, you just have to be 21 years or older and live in one of the 14 states (plus Washington D.C.) where Devil’s Backbone sells its beer: Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Entry is open until July 31, and you can apply through the brewery’s website with a quick, one-minute video about why you think you’d be good for the job.
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