Local hiker completes 'Triple Crown of Hiking'

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WJAC) — This is the story of a man who decided to see America firsthand.

He's seen some of the country's most spectacular scenery -- hiking day and night, in dangerous conditions.

In fact, younger than 30-years-old, he's accomplished, in the world of hiking, what only several hundred others have accomplished.

Hiking, or mega-hiking, as he terms it, to Jacob Gilliland is much more than just a unique way to get exercise.

“Studies show that hiking is good for your brain,” Gilliland said.

His passion lead to an amazing feat -- completing what’s termed the Triple Crown of Hiking – the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.

And just to make it more difficult, Gilliland hiked all three trails backwards -- hiking southbound, each trail an individual adventure and challenge with separate dangers like wild animals.

"Day two on the Continental Divide, I was confronted by a large bear standing on its back legs. Fortunately, it left me alone, and I got some bear repellent for the rest of the hike,” Gilliland said.

His love of hiking stemmed from an early age, when Gilliland was in the Boy Scouts.

On the trial, he says there's spiritual fulfillment, even when pushing himself long distances.

“On an average day, I cover 25 to 30 miles, sometimes up to 40 miles in a day,” says Gilliland.

Gilliland now works at Appalachian Outdoors in State College hoping to inspire others.

“I don’t go out and tell everybody you need to try hiking. What I’m hoping is that my story will get others to think out of the box, because if I can do it, anybody can,” says Gilliland.

If you want to get started on hiking, Gilliland stresses there's plenty of great trails in our area.

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