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Matt Noonan is on the Appalachian Trail. P H O T O : P R O V I D E D BY M AT T N O O N A N
Milford Man Hikes Appalachian Trail for Mental Health Awareness Matt Noonan plans to launch an outdoors-based nonprofit to share what he’s learned about coping with dark times BY K AT I E G R I F F IT H
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very year, more than 3 million people walk a portion of the Appalachian Trail, the world’s longest hiking-only path. A fraction of them are “thru-hikers” who set out to complete the trail, end to end, in one trip. Making the 2,194-mile journey is a feat in its own right. A Milford man set out March 15 with a mission to not only complete the trail but also to lay a foundation for creating a non-profit that raises awareness for mental health issues and suicide prevention. Matt Noonan began the northbound, 8-mile approach trail in Georgia with two things on his mind: Maine — where the trail ends — and Eyes Opened Outdoors, the non-profit he’s developing. “Right now I’m trying to just create a foundation,” Noonan says. “When I finish the trail and get to Maine, that will give me credibility. I did do this. It wasn’t just a thought; it was a thought that turned into a dream, a dream that turned into an action and that action got completed. So once I’m done with that, I’ll take the steps to do the actual paperwork side of making it an official
non-profit.” When CityBeat speaks to Noonan on April 21, he’s about 130 miles into his journey and is settling into a hostel for a night at Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Basecamp in Bryson City, North Carolina. As a Class A CDL driver, Noonan covers a lot of ground daily, but he hadn’t done so quite like this. He lacks significant hiking experience but uses that as a source of motivation rather than a deterrent. Noonan’s personal struggle with depression and mission to aid others experiencing it is what fuels him, and he says facing the various challenges of the trail can be used as a metaphor for fighting depression. “Never give up on a bad day,” Noonan says. “Persistence beats resistance.” He frequently repeats this to himself and to the social media following he’s gained since setting out on the Appalachian Trail, emphasizing that even the smallest accomplishments — like getting out of bed (or your tent) or taking a shower — can be life-changing for someone who is experiencing depression. In order to get people excited for
the eventual launch of Eyes Opened Outdoors, Noonan produces live videos on Facebook from the trail almost daily. He keeps his followers updated on his location, mood, snacks and beard upkeep while answering questions and inspiring viewers on and off the trail. Noonan says he averages 8-10 hiked miles daily, going 13.2 miles on his most productive day as of press time. He anticipates finishing the trail in the fall, but will be dictated by his daily pace. “You realize out here that nobody is going to help you but you,” Noonan says. “You are the controller of your own destiny. The other day I was gassed, could barely move, I didn’t have enough calories in me. But here’s the thing: there’s no one to call. You can’t call an Uber. It’s you. You are the one that’s in control, and so you have to persevere. You have to learn to be self-reliant, and you have to just know that you’re the only one that’s got your back.” Noonan exudes raw emotion in his video segments, sparing no details about what he’s feeling. The range is real and is affected by the treacherous nature of the Appalachian Trail, which is almost never flat. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s website, the total elevation gain and loss is 464,500 feet, equivalent to hiking Mt. Everest from sea level and back 16 times. It takes the average hiker 5-7 months to complete, weaving through 14 states. A person could expect to spend
$5,000-$7,000 to hike the trail comfortably, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Noonan is averaging $100 a week and relies mostly on donations to refuel financially. No matter if Noonan is discouraged, having a bad day or feeling positive and (literally) on top of the world, viewers know about it. He has connected with viewers before even getting out of his sleeping bag, while felling dead and dangerous trees with his bare hands and while nearing hypothermia when on a mountain during heavy snow. On April 4, Noonan posted an hour-long video showing what’s inside his backpack and answering viewer questions to educate to-be hikers about what to bring on the trail. He says a few random hikers have even recognized him in passing from his Eyes Opened Outdoors social media accounts, though it also could also be due to his signature look: a long, red beard in a ponytail, born out of necessity to keep it from turning into a dread, he says. Noonan’s jovial spirit and ambition shine during monologues in which he shares 360-degree views from mountaintops. The hiker says how you overcome the bad days, even a little at a time, can reframe perspective. It’s always, “just one foot in front of the other,” he says. His words are seemingly one of the most important tools he brought with him to the Appalachian Trail, even among the necessities in his pack, which weighs about 45 pounds. Unlike many hikers, Noonan didn’t decide to complete the Appalachian
MAY 4, 2022 - MAY 17, 2022 |
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