100-Mile Trail Challenge Profile: Joseph Iole

Joseph is up to the Challenge. Are you?

Full name: Joe Iole

Nickname: Joecho

Age: 33

Hometown: Harrisburg, PA

How long you've been hiking: As long as I can remember. 

Earliest memory of hiking or most memorable hiking experience: I grew up in Erie. My parents would often take my brother and I for hikes on Presque Isle (yes, even in the snow). 

Why you decided to take the 100-Mile Trail Challenge: I moved to the mid-state about two years ago from Philly and need to make up for some lost time on PA's trails. 

Some trails you plan to hike to meet this goal: Right now I'm focused on the AT (Appalachian Trail), but I'm also trying to visit all of the state parks. 

Your #1 favorite hiking trail in Pennsylvania, and why it's your favorite: The Susquehannock Trail System -- that was my first excursion longer than 2-3 days and it passed through some of the most beautiful wilderness in PA. 

Your favorite thing about hiking: The sounds and smells of the woods. 

Who's sponsoring you so far (friends, family, co-workers, hiking club, etc.): My family and friends.

How you heard about KTA or first got involved with KTA: My aunt and uncle talked me into signing up for the KTA Trail Challenge (then the Susquehanna Super Hike) around 2010.

Advice to new hikers: For day-hikes at more popular trail heads, make sure you're there early enough to get a parking spot!

The one thing you’ll never hit the trail without: More water than I plan on needing.

Favorite nature/hiking quote (your own or someone else’s): Less of a quote and more of a maxim, but -- "carry in, carry out." (As a former park ranger, I can't stress that enough.)

Anything else you’d like to share: My pup Beatrice is a better hiker than I am :)