The Trail Angel With a 7-Course Welcome | Ben "Paladin" | AT & PCT Thru-Hiker
The Trail Angel With a 7-Course Welcome | Ben "Paladin" | AT & PCT Thru-Hiker  
Podcast: Hikes and Mics Podcast
Published On: Mon Dec 08 2025
Description: Send us Fan Mail🎙️ The Trail Angel With a 7-Course WelcomeBen — known on trail as Paladin — joins us this episode. His trail name traces back to a Western theme song he was singing solo on the PCT and a code of honor he's carried since his days as a history minor and biker: chivalry, looking out for others, doing the right thing. His path into long-distance hiking runs deep, from childhood summers tracking animals on his grandfather's Maryland farm to section-hiking the Smokies while at Western Carolina University.Ben talks through completing both the AT and PCT, a memorable close encounter with a bison herd on the Trans-Catalina Trail, and the origin of his "Cheer Trail Angel Experience" — multi-course meals, campfires, full resupplies, and genuine hospitality for weary thru-hikers passing through Pine Grove Furnace, born from wanting to pay forward the kindness he'd received on trail. We also get into stealth camping in Norway, an unforgettable pre-smartphone road trip through 11 states with his cousin, passing a love of the outdoors on to his son, and a full round of season "this or that" questions — summits or waterfalls, sunrise or sunset, stream crossing or snowfield.A heartfelt conversation about legacy, connection, and the belief that moments shared outside can change us forever.Episode Links:Ben on InstagramTHRU-r on InstagramHartford County WoodshopThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.