Dale Sanders, known as “Grey Beard,” has once again made history after completing one of the world’s most demanding long-distance hiking trails at the age of 91. Dale Sanders has reclaimed the record as the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail, finishing the challenging 3,530-kilometre journey at the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine. Sanders, who previously held the record at age 82, completed the latest trek nine years later despite facing significant physical challenges. During the journey, he fell 71 times , was briefly hospitalised with a pinched nerve and came within just 2

Dale Sanders, known as “Grey Beard,” has once again made history after completing one of the world’s most demanding long-distance hiking trails at the age of 91.

Dale Sanders has reclaimed the record as the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail, finishing the challenging 3,530-kilometre journey at the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine. Sanders, who previously held the record at age 82, completed the latest trek nine years later despite facing significant physical challenges. During the journey, he fell

71 times

, was briefly hospitalised with a pinched nerve and came within just 230 kilometres of giving up. But the 91-year-old refused to quit. “I was persistent and I stayed in there and I didn’t quit,” Sanders said after reaching the summit. The Appalachian Trail stretches across 14 US states, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Sanders began his latest journey on September 6, 2025, completing different sections of the trail over the following year. He credited his support team and his wife for helping him overcome the obstacles that nearly ended his attempt. Sanders’ achievement adds to an extraordinary collection of endurance records. In 2020, he became the oldest person to complete the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim journey on foot. Two years later, at 87, he became the oldest person to paddle the entire length of the Mississippi River. However, Sanders says his motivation goes beyond breaking records. He hopes his achievements encourage others to remain active and pursue their goals regardless of age. His advice for healthy ageing is simple: live a happy life, maintain a strong spiritual life, stay active outdoors, eat well and listen to medical professionals. At 91, “Grey Beard” is showing that age does not have to be the limit on adventure.

“Grey Beard” Dale Sanders reaches the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine after completing his remarkable Appalachian Trail journey.

At 91, Dale Sanders continues to defy age, completing one of America’s toughest hiking challenges despite falling 71 times along the way.

History made again! Dale Sanders has reclaimed the record as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail.

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