"Jester" Section Hiker
"Jester" Section Hiker

"Jester" Section Hiker

"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.
Heidi Nisbett Navigates Through Hurricane Helene
05 October 2024
Heidi Nisbett Navigates Through Hurricane Helene

Heidi Nisbett shares what is was like being in Hot Springs, NC when Hurricane Helene hit the area. We will also be sharing ways you can make a direct impact to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Feed The Hunger is an amazing organization that I will be giving more information on at the beginning of the show! Thank You For Joining Us!

Feed The Hunger: https://www.feedthehunger.org/donate/

Check Here For More Meal Packing Dates: https://www.feedthehunger.org/hurricane-relief-packathon/

Blue Ridge Hiking Company: https://blueridgehikingco.com/

Go Fund Me Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-blue-ridge-hiking-co-guides-after-hurricane-helene

Operation Air Drop: https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene  

Western North Carolina Relief: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAheLdcpDtS/?igsh=MTgwdHFwcWtldmptZg%3D%3D

Beloved Asheville: https://belovedasheville.com/

Friends of Hot Springs Library: https://www.friendsofhotspringslibrary.org/

Connect With Heidi Nisbett:

Website: https://www.sketchingsummits.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sketchingsummits/

Trail Talk Charlotte: https://www.instagram.com/trailtalkclt/ 

Connect With Jester:

Email: jester@jestersectionhiker.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Jester Wallis Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@JesterWallisProductions 

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Hiking To Flat Top Mountain Lookout Tower
07 September 2024
Hiking To Flat Top Mountain Lookout Tower

Join Jester on a beautiful morning at the Black Mountain Campground before she heads off toward Banner Elk, North Carolina to hike Flat Top Mountain at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. In this episode, Jester explores breathtaking trails, delves into history from Peter Barr's book, Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers, and shares encounters with fellow hikers along the way. Experience the journey of reaching the Flat Top Tower, marvel at the panoramic views, and follow Jester's steps toward completing a 16-year hiking challenge. Don't miss Jester's tips on trail landmarks, the burial sites of Moses and Bertha Cone, and upcoming hiking plans!

Resources For Hiking To Flat Top Mountain: 

Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers: https://blairpub.com/shop/p/exploring-north-carolinas-lookout-towers  

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/moses-h-cone-memorial-park-mp-294.htm 

Additional Resources Mentioned: 

NC High Peaks Association: https://nchighpeaks.org/ 

Appalachian High Route: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082060750253 

Carolina Mountain Club: https://carolinamountainclub.org/ 

Black Mountain Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273780 

Go Fund Me For Peter Barr: https://www.gofundme.com/f/peter-barrs-recovery-from-brain-surgery 

Podcast Episode With Peter Barr: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-70-peter-j-barr-whippersnap/ 

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/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Green Knob Lookout Tower: A Strenuous Climb with Stunning Views
31 August 2024
Green Knob Lookout Tower: A Strenuous Climb with Stunning Views

In this episode of the "Jester" Section Hiker Podcast, host Julie "Jester" Gayheart takes listeners along for a hike to the Green Knob Lookout Tower from Black Mountain Campground in Western North Carolina. Julie describes the scenic setting of her campsite before embarking on the strenuous 3.3-mile ascent, emphasizing the breathtaking views of the Black Mountains and Mt. Mitchell. She provides historical details from Peter Barr's book, Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers, and shares personal hiking tips. Julie concludes with future hiking plans including the Black Mountain Crest Trail and the Appalachian High Route.

Resources For Hiking To Green Knob Lookout Tower: 

Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers: https://blairpub.com/shop/p/exploring-north-carolinas-lookout-towers  

NC High Peaks Association: https://nchighpeaks.org/ 

Appalachian High Route: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082060750253 

Carolina Mountain Club: https://carolinamountainclub.org/ 

Black Mountain Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273780 

All Trails App: https://www.alltrails.com/ 

Go Fund Me For Peter Barr: https://www.gofundme.com/f/peter-barrs-recovery-from-brain-surgery 

Podcast Episode With Peter Barr: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-70-peter-j-barr-whippersnap/ 

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/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Climbing Mount Mitchell: The Highest Peak East of the Mississippi
24 August 2024
Climbing Mount Mitchell: The Highest Peak East of the Mississippi

On Saturday August 10, 2024, your host Julie "Jester" Gayheart embarked on an exhilarating hike to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Recording from the Black Mountain Campground in Western North Carolina. Julie shared fascinating historical insights from Peter Barr's book, Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers. She details the challenge and beauty of climbing 3,684 feet over 6 miles, making regular check-ins along the strenuous trail. Experience her journey through rhododendron tunnels, rocky switchbacks, and rich Appalachian landscapes, culminating at Dr. Elisha Mitchell's summit gravesite. This episode is dedicated to Peter Barr, a significant figure in North Carolina hiking, who recently underwent brain surgery. Strap in for a heartfelt and inspiring adventure on Mount Mitchell. 

Resources For Hiking Mt. Mitchell: 

Hiking North Carolina Lookout Towers: https://blairpub.com/shop/p/exploring-north-carolinas-lookout-towers  

NC High Peaks Association: https://nchighpeaks.org/ 

Carolina Mountain Club: https://carolinamountainclub.org/ 

Black Mountain Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273780 

Far Out App: https://faroutguides.com/ 

Go Fund Me For Peter Barr: https://www.gofundme.com/f/peter-barrs-recovery-from-brain-surgery 

Podcast Episode With Peter Barr: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-70-peter-j-barr-whippersnap/ 

Mt. Mitchell Podcast From 9/19/2020: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-41-jester-hikes-to-mt-mitchell/ 

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/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Stories From Shenandoah National Park
17 August 2024
Stories From Shenandoah National Park

In this episode of the "Jester" Section Hiker podcast, host Julie "Jester" Gayheart shares her latest adventures, including a hike in Pennsylvania with Mary and Mike, a relaxing family visit in Ohio, and a southbound trek on the Appalachian Trail through the Shenandoah National Park. While hiking, Julie delves into the history of the park with stories from the book 'Shenandoah Secrets,' revealing fascinating tales about landmarks like Mary's Rock, Big Meadows, and Rockfish Gap. The episode concludes with Julie crossing the southern boundary of the park and reflecting on the Great American Outdoors Act. 

Resources Used In This Episode: 

Shenandoah Secrets

The Story Of The Parks Hidden Past

Written by: Carolyn and Jack Reeder

Published by: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

PATC Website: https://www.patc.net/ 

Shenandoah NPS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shenandoahnps/ 

Far Out: https://faroutguides.com/ 

Stayed At The Following SNP Campgrounds:

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm 

Matthews Arm - 7/26/24 - 7/28/24

Big Meadows - 7/29/24 - 7/31/24

Loft Mountain - 8/1/24 - 8/4/24

Jester's AT Southbound Itinerary Thru Shenandoah: 

7/26/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out): 

US 522 (1225)

Compton Gap (1230.6)

5.6 Miles

7/27/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Compton Gap (1230.6)

Elkwallow Wayside (1244.1)

13.5 Miles

7/28/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Elkwallow Wayside (1244.1)

Meadow Spring Trailhead (1255.2)

11.7 Miles

7/29/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Meadow Spring Trailhead (1255.2)

Rock Spring Cabin Parking (1267.4)

12.8 Miles

7/30/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Rock Spring Cabin Parking (1267.4)

Bearfence Mountain Hut (1278.3)

11 Miles

7/31/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Bearfence Mountain Hut (1278.3)

Hightop Parking Area (1288.6)

10.3 Miles

8/1/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Hightop Parking Area (1288.6)

Ivy Creek Overlook (1300.5)

11.9 Miles

8/2/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Ivy Creek Overlook (1300.5)

Blackrock Trailhead (1311.1)

10.8 Miles

8/3/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Blackrock Trailhead (1311.1)

Sawmill Run Overlook (1322.2)

11.3

8/4/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Sawmill Run Overlook (1322.2)

Rockfish Gap (1332.9)

10.5 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/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Section Hiking Connecticut (Days 1-5)
03 August 2024
Section Hiking Connecticut (Days 1-5)

Join Julie "Jester" Gayheart in this episode as she hikes a section of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut. Follow her journey from New York Route 22 to Hoyt Road, and later from Connecticut’s Bulls Bridge to Shaghticoke Road, Caleb’s Peak, St. John’s Ledges, and the Housatonic River. Jester shares her passion for hiking, recounts encounters with trail maintenance teams and fellow hikers, and reflects on personal milestones. 

7/16/24 - Day 1 (Far Out): 

NY Route 22 (1454.4)

Hoyt Road (1461.3)

6.9 Miles

7/17/24 - Day 2 (Far Out): 

Hoyt Road (1461.3)

Schaghticoke Road (1465.8)

4.4 Miles

7/18/24 - Day 3 (Far Out):

Schaghticoke Road (1465.8)

CT Route 341 (1473.3)

7.5 Miles

7/19/24 - Day 4 (Far Out):

CT Route 341 (1473.3)

Dawn Hill Road (1482.9)

9.3 Miles

7/20/24 - Day 5 (Far Out): 

Dawn Hill Road (1482.9)

West Cornwall Rd (1489.5)

6.6 Miles

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 

Watch The Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

Watch SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Connect With Rolf Asphaug (Colorado Trail - Trail Angel): 

Email: rolfdenver@mac.com

Podcast With Rolf: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/152-section-hiker-q-a-with-rolf-asphaug/ 

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/

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"