Publishing November 10th, 2026 | Paperback and Hardcover | 220 pages
“For both of us, the trail provided.”
When Troy Galyon’s father was diagnosed with cancer, he knew he had to do something to honor his dad and confront his grief. He decided to embark on a trek that few dare to attempt and even fewer complete: a 2200-mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail to raise money for cancer research and fight alongside his dad on this difficult journey. Even more challenging, he would try to complete the hike in only one hundred days to make it back home and care for his dad.
Over the course of one summer, Troy hiked from Amicalola Falls in Georgia all the way to Mount Katahdin, Maine, honoring his dad with every step. He met hikers with trail names like One Night Stand and Sea Dog, camped in the pouring rain, and went days without a shower. He even came across some trail magic. For him, each mile meant he was just a little closer to the final summit, when he would return to his dad and dedicate the completion of such a feat to him.
Although Troy knew he could not cure his father, he did discover all the ways that the trail could provide, giving him and his dad defining memories together. In this stunning memoir of grief, love, and acceptance, follow Troy as he hikes for hope, guided by his father’s love.
Troy Galyon is a realtor who works with his mom, Maelea, as part of the Appalachian Team at LeConte Realty in East Tennessee. He dedicates his time to serving members of his community through work with local nonprofits and loves helping others connect with nature. Passionate about the outdoors, Troy, his wife, and their three children spend much of their free time hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They reside in Maryville, Tennessee.