Jeff Alt takes you along every step of his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventure. This entertaining journey includes bears, bugs, blisters, captivating characters, skunk bedmates, and hilarious food cravings. Alt walked more than five million steps in tribute to his brother, who has cerebral palsy and lives in a home called Sunshine. This trail adventure has inspired an annual event that has raised more than $200,000 for Sunshine. It includes hiking tips for the whole family. Walk alongside Alt and experience the joy of turning dreams into goals and then achieving them. His lessons from the trail celebrate family, stewardship of the earth, good health, and the American spirit.

“ENGAGING.” ―Newsday, NY

“LIVELY…HUMOROUS…UPBEAT.… It will make you feel good. Alt’s zest for life shines through on every page. Alt’s words amply convey the camaraderie among fellow hikers, the beauty of the eastern mountains, and the physical hardships that must be endured on a walk of over 5 million steps.…” ―Outdoor Times

“Alt wrote a book about his 147-day hiatus from civilization. Give him an afternoon and he could write a book on the art of hiking as well.…” ―ESPN

“ALT NAILS THE TRAIL EXPERIENCE.” ―Chicago Sun-Times

“A humorous and inspirational account of a man who thru-hiked as a fundraiser, emphasizing the importance of pursuing dreams.” ―Appalachian Trail Conservancy

“Alt reflects on how sleeping with a skunk, being chased by a bear, charged by a bull, blisters, insects, and weird food cravings changed him in profound and positive ways.” ―The News-Press, FL

“There are numerous books on hiking the Appalachian Trail, but Alt tells the story best.…” ―Maine Outdoor Journal

“ENLIGHTENING and INSPIRING.” ―Blue Ridge Outdoors

“Alt’s conversational writing style makes one feel like a participant rather than an observer.…” ―Library Journal

“THE AUTHOR’S SENSE OF HUMOR IS REFRESHING…An easy and enjoyable read strewn with laughter at nature’s antics and stark realities of life. As Jeff is faced with daily dilemmas in out-of-the-ordinary circumstances, he begins to reach deep within himself to discover what most of us may never take the time to find out―his true being. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.” ―Nature Society News

“Jeff Alt hike[d] the entire 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail to raise money for the Sunshine Home (Inc.)…Alt’s brother Aaron, who has cerebral palsy, lives at Sunshine…Jeff tells how he made friends along the trail, tried to court his future wife and what happens when a hungry hiker comes to town and meets up with Krispy Kreme doughnuts.…” ―Associated Press

“Inspiration for living your life the best you can.…” ―Roanoke City Magazine, VA

Amazon.com Review
When Jeff Alt (trail name: "Wrongfoot") first decided to hike the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, he intended to do it alone. As it turned out, several hundred others walked alongside him. Hiking the AT was a longtime personal goal of Alt's, but as he began to plan his trip he realized that he wanted his effort to somehow serve a greater purpose. So he decided to share the experience by turning his adventure into a fundraiser for the Sunshine Home, a facility in Maumee, Ohio that cares for 850 developmentally disabled residents, including his brother, Aaron, who has cerebral palsy. In the seven months leading up to his walk, Alt focused completely on fundraising and training, eventually raising $16,000 that allowed the home to buy much-needed communication devices, lifts, and walkers. He also inspired an annual fundraiser, "Walk with Sunshine," and is contributing part of the proceeds of his book to the cause.

In addition to finishing, Alt's goal once his feet hit the trail was "to share the spirit for which I was walking" with everyone he met, and this he certainly accomplished. In return, he learned a great deal about life from the colorful characters he encountered on the trail, while countless kind strangers offered "trail magic" in various forms, including food, lodging, and greatly appreciated laundry services. He also received overwhelming support from his family and the residents and staff of Sunshine Home, who helped him through quarter-sized blisters, fatigue, and even self-doubt during his 147-day trek. Charming, inspiring, and often funny, A Walk for Sunshine gives readers a good feel for both the logistics involved in undertaking such a journey and the culture of "thru-hiking" the AT. It's also a moving reminder that "living your dream is one thing, but sharing it lets everyone live it with you." --Shawn Carkonen