MANSFIELD — Fewer than 700 people have completed the U.S. Triple Crown of thru-hiking.
The American Long-Distance Hiking Association – West recognizes individuals who’ve hiked the complete lengths of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Pacific Crest Trail in their entirety.
Mansfield native Dave Humeston completed the Triple Crown after finishing his trek along the CDT in November 2023.
The 42-year-old hiked the AT in 2013 from April to September — followed by the PCT three years later, which took around five and a half months to complete.
Now a Columbus resident, he plans to return to his hometown for a “Thru-hike chat with Dave Humeston,” May 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Road.
The presentation is free and open to the public.
Presentation to be ‘educational & inspirational’
Following his thru-hike of the AT, Humeston moved to Columbus and began a career with a local healthcare software company.
He also works part-time for outdoor retailer REI at its Easton location.
“They’ve (REI) had me give a couple talks here in Columbus — but I hadn’t taken the show on the road up to Mansfield,” he said.
“I’ve done a couple talks like this in the past for some of the other hikes I did, so it (First Congregational Church) seemed like the right venue and I think it’ll work out good.”
The presentation will include pictures and videos from Humeston’s trail experiences, as well as an opportunity for those attending to ask questions.
Furthermore, Humeston plans to share educational information about all three trails.
“This (presentation) will try to encapsulate all three of the hikes,” he said. “It’ll be a little bit educational and a little bit inspirational, hopefully.”
Most of Humeston’s talks at REI are to listeners with previous awareness of and interest in thru-hiking.
He said the May 5 presentation is an opportunity to inform — but also inspire someone who may have interest in the sport.
A chance to ‘relive’ thru-hiking treks
Humeston has been home in Columbus for about five months since completing the Triple Crown.
Highs and lows experienced throughout his thru-hiking journeys have stuck with him upon returning to the routine of everyday life.
“I used to say, ‘the trail trains you,’ so there’s really no (physical) preparation to be hiking eight hours a day,” he told Richland Source in February.
“I do think it’s way more important for your mental and emotional well-being to be pretty solid and try to prepare. Being by yourself can be quite an adjustment for some people.”
Trail lessons have translated into Humeston’s work and social life — allowing him to feel “more comfortable” in his own skin.
“I feel like I get to relive it a little bit,” he said. “It’s (CDT hike) already kind of seeming surreal as a memory. I’m stoked to talk about it again, for sure.”
