Meet the 2026 Appalachian Trail Chaplain
The Rev. Jeff Wadley, longtime camp director at Camp Bays Mountain in the Holston Conference, has been selected as the 2026 Appalachian Trail Chaplain.
Wadley, who plans to start his hike in the spring, is set to retire from the United Methodist camp’s top leadership position on March 31.
“Hiking the AT has been a dream for over 30 years,” Wadley says.
In 1994, Bill Irwin and his guide dog, Orient, were at Wadley’s church to share about Irwin’s experience as the first blind hiker to complete the AT.
“I knew right then I would certainly hike the AT,” Wadley shared.
A native of Gatlinburg, Tenn., Wadley credits his father and scouting for his love of hiking. A hiking expedition to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 1980 solidified the passion, he said.
Wadley, who hasn’t yet selected his trail name, says he’s most excited to experience the AT culture. “The adventure will be invigorating,” he says. “And sunrises! I love sunrises!”
Though he knows he will miss his wife, daughter and young grandson, he also plans to enjoy every minute, “despite the rain, ticks and humidity.”
“When I ran my first marathon last year, I kept saying out loud for 26 miles, ‘I am running a marathon.’ I bet people will hear me shouting, ‘I am hiking the AT!’”
Wadley was a founding member of the Appalachian Trail Chaplain ministry board, which sent its first chaplain, Josh Lindamood, to the AT in 2013. He understands the mission well.
“When we first began the AT Chaplaincy, we desired to have an intentional Christian witness sponsored by The United Methodist Church to just be in incarnation ministry with those who are on their journey,” Wadley recalls. “The chaplain is one who is on their own journey along with other thru hikers, weekend backpackers and even day hikers. So this ministry incorporates all these types of hikers.
“I look forward to the community, culture, daily adventures and being immersed in creation.”
Following his retirement, Wadley plans a flip flop hike starting in the Holston Conference near Pearlsburg, Va., hiking to Katahdin, then returning to Pearlsburg to head south to Springer Mountain.
“I was to actually finish at Kuwohi which is also in Holston,” Wadley says. “I’ll be all over the place!”