At 91, Dale "Grey Beard" Sanders is once again tackling the Appalachian Trail, the roughly 2,190-mile footpath stretching from Georgia to Maine. Sanders previously held the record as the oldest person to complete a thru-hike of the trail, finishing his first journey in 2017 at age 82. Now, nearly a decade later, he has returned to reclaim his title.

The Tennessee native earned his trail name from the distinctive white beard that has become his trademark among fellow hikers. His current attempt draws attention not only for his age but for the physical demands of the trail — steep ascents, unpredictable weather, and months of daily mileage that test even young athletes.

Sanders says he hikes to inspire others, proving that age need not limit adventure. "I want people to know they can do more than they think," he told reporters at the trailhead. Supporters follow his progress online, where he shares updates from shelters and summits.

If successful, Sanders will again enter the record books, extending a legacy that blends endurance, humor, and a refusal to slow down.