A 20-year dream took four years of planning. The execution of that dream took 153 days to hike 2,184 miles through 14  states. That is how Ron McAdams, Harrison, became the 346th hiker in 2012 to complete the Appalachian Trail.

“It was an amazing journey,” said McAdams.

McAdams targeted his daily hikes around three-sided shelters located about every 10 miles with a privy and a campsite.

Every four to five days, he would typically reach a town where he could get food and clean up.

“I could reload and head back out again,” he said.

McAdams had envisioned hiking the trail in his retirement.

After all, completing the trail was the top task on his bucket list. But then some close friends suddenly passed away and he got to thinking.

“I thought I can’t wait that long. I may not do it,” he said.