Episode 171: Creating the American Perimeter Trail with Rue McKenrick
“I thought I knew America before this—I was wrong; this journey opened my eyes in wonderful and horrific ways.”
This week, we're honored to welcome Rue McKenrick, professional backpacker, conservationist, and the visionary behind the American Perimeter Trail—a 14,000-mile route that circumnavigates the continental United States. Growing up with a passion for both backpacking and conservation, Rue’s journey began with a simple idea: to be part of something bigger than himself and to create a lasting impact on the land he loves.
Rue takes us on an epic journey from the spark of inspiration—born on a ski lift in Oregon—to the reality of walking the perimeter of the country, scouting a route that would become one of the most ambitious hiking projects in America. He shares the challenges of forging a new trail, the years of hesitation and self-doubt, and the pivotal moment when he finally committed to the adventure, despite limited resources and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
In this episode, we explore the deeper purpose behind the American Perimeter Trail: not just as a test of endurance, but as a mission to establish a protected corridor for land and natural resources, connect communities, and make outdoor recreation accessible across the nation. Rue discusses the profound connection between recreation and conservation, the importance of creating new opportunities for people to experience nature—especially in regions lacking public trails—and the economic and intrinsic value that protected wild spaces bring to communities.
Join us for a moving conversation about overcoming fear, embracing solitude, and the transformative power of following a calling that refuses to be ignored. Rue’s story is one of resilience, vision, and the belief that ordinary people can create extraordinary change—one step, and one mile, at a time. Discover what it truly means to dream big, protect what matters, and find your purpose on the trail.
Rue also discusses:
00:25 Meet Rue McKenrick: Visionary Behind the American Perimeter Trail
02:06 The Concept and Mission of the American Perimeter Trail
06:06 Challenges and Realizations on the Trail
08:22 The Evolution and Current Status of the Trail
22:04 Navigating the Trail: Routes and Highlights
28:46 Urban and Rural Experiences on the Trail
30:17 Appalachian Trail Plans and Pandemic Impact
31:49 Coping with Loneliness and Isolation
37:34 Conservation vs. Environmentalism
47:08 Future Vision for the American Perimeter Trail
48:51 National Geographic Recognition and Book Release
54:19 Hollywood Dreams and Final Thoughts
You can learn more about Rue by following his Instagram, and American Perimeter Trail’s Instagram and Facebook Group or by visiting APT’s website AmericanPerimeterTrail.org.
See below for photos Rue shared from his adventures.
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
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