Daniel Gittelman- Walking on the Appalachian Trail v.s. The Camino (Student’s Choice)

 To the ordinary person, the only difference between these two locations is that the Appalachian Trail is in the Eastern United States, while The Camino de Santiago is in Spain. However, the difference between them goes much further as one recognizes the distinct characteristics of the journeys that each location provides. It is natural to expect these differences to result in an argument for why one location is better than another, but the real interest in this comparison is discovering what unique benefits these two separate locations provide.

    The Appalachian Trail is a hiking path that ranges from Georgia to Maine. It is a scenic natural route that is perfect for any hiking distance. What makes this trail unique is how the wilderness is optimal for spiritual rambling. In his article “Spiritual Rambling: Long Distance Wilderness Sojourning as Meaning-Making”, Dr. Redick demonstrates how the Appalachian Trail is ideal for Spiritual Rambling as he “was aware of the entire surround; of a woodpecker calling from the canopy above, and tree branches thrust into the hovering sky” (Redick 3). This nature was key because it helped to tune him into his surroundings, all while not consciously reflecting upon it. Providing roughly 2,200 miles of mostly woodlands, the Appalachian Trail is unique because of how it works perfectly for the practice of spiritual rambling.

    The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage trail in Spain that leads to Santiago de Compostela. While both this pilgrimage and the Appalachian Trail can provide religious journeys for some, the Camino de Santiago is different because its foundations are rooted in religion. Although it is far more relaxed than the other major pilgrimages on the continent because of how they are more inclusive and are relaxed on rules such as dress codes, its unique factor that differentiates it from the Appalachian Trail is those religious routes. From a spiritual perspective, this is ideal for pilgrims who are intrigued by European legend, history, and Christianity. Just as the wilderness provides opportunities for spiritual rambling on the Appalachian Trail, the Camino de Santiago is ideal because pilgrims have the opportunity to experience flow in their holy surroundings, allowing them to remember amazing detail without making conscious reflection.

    While one is rooted in nature and the other in religion, both the Appalachian Trail and Camino de Santiago provide sacred journeys for hikers.