Episode 171: Creating the American Perimeter Trail with Rue McKenrick

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.