On December 10th, 2007, a hiker pulled into the quiet Preacher’s Rock trailhead in northern Georgia, expecting a peaceful winter hike. What they found instead was an eerie encounter with an odd old man in a green sweater, a golden retriever, and a barrage of questions that felt just a little too personal. The whole interaction was off—but nothing could prepare them for what they'd see on the news a few weeks later.

This is the true story of a gut feeling, a near miss, and a reminder that not every trail angel is who they seem.

So tighten your laces, keep your eyes open, and remember: trust your instincts.

🚨 We’ll be back on June 25th, so enjoy this solo episode while we’re out recharging (and hopefully avoiding any suspicious switchbacks).

👟 Stick around after the story for final thoughts, trail safety tips, and your usual dose of chaos from the False Summit crew.

First up: The Backpack. A kitchen knife on the trail, a mystery pack full of granola and… way too many decorated blades. Then a note. And then—well, let’s just say this is one story that proves sometimes the scariest thing on trail isn’t a bear. It’s another person.

Then it’s time for Gone, the tale of Brent—CrossFit hero, ego lifter, and man of mystery. He showed up ready to crush Shenandoah with two tents, no hip belt, and a military-grade delusion. By nightfall, he was 20 miles away, riding shotgun with a stranger and calling his wife from a 7-Eleven in D.C.

Plus:

 🎶 Em’s trail mix features Buffalo Springfield, Alabama Shakes, and Foster the People.

 🌿 A rundown on plant safety—what not to touch, sniff, or accidentally snack on.

 🌈 Pride Month is coming and we’re talking bakery windows, sparkle, and survival.

So lace up, lean in, and prepare to be uncomfortable—in the best way.

Hit that subscribe button, drop us a rating, and send your best trail fails to falsesummit.pod@gmail.com.

Find us on Instagram and YouTube @FalseSummit.

And remember:

 If it feels like you’ve reached the top… you probably haven’t.

 See you out there.

First up: Hope You Enjoyed the View — a lost 20 reais on a quiet Brazilian trail turns into a heartwarming encounter with strangers who prove the world isn’t always trash. It’s a story about trust, timing, and those rare moments where the universe just… delivers.

Then: Manic on the Mountain — Em recounts a solo backpacking trip that spiraled from peaceful alpine bliss into full-on psychological thriller. Picture: Tom Cruise energy, creepy trail talk, mysteriously unzipped gear, and a knife that might’ve been touched. You’ll definitely think twice before cowboy camping again.

Stick around for Trail Mix, where Em drops three tracks perfect for winding down (or spiraling deeper), followed by a surprisingly useful guide to surviving insects in the backcountry — because nothing says “epic fail” like a bee sting to the eye or a tick in your underwear.

Rate, review, and don’t forget to email us your trail fails, weird encounters, or hiking hot takes at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com. You just might end up on the show.

Because remember: if it feels like you've reached the top... you probably haven’t.

First up: The Mist — a foggy honeymoon hike in Shenandoah that goes from romantic to are-we-about-to-die? when a strange man with a multitool mutters something about finding teeth. Yeah. Teeth.

Then we head north for Bonsoir, Mt. Washington, where two overconfident hikers become accidental mountain saviors after stumbling upon a French couple in sneakers, slowly freezing to death on one of the most dangerous peaks in the Northeast. Let’s just say they were one baguette away from a Search & Rescue headline.

Plus:

🎧 Trail Mix — songs that hit harder when you're a few miles deep and questioning your life choices.

🎒 Trail Etiquette & Other Shit — why trails aren’t just good for your soul, but also your wallet (and your town’s economy).

And as always, we’ll wrap it up with some chit chat, a few closing thoughts, and a reminder that if it feels like you’ve reached the top… you probably haven’t.

📬 Got a story, fail, or weird trail tale? Email us at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and YouTube @FalseSummit.

🔗 Show notes, Patreon, and merch in bio.

False Summit — where every mountain is just one more almost there.

Then, in Monkey Business, a peaceful hike through Japan’s forests spirals into a face-off with an alpha macaque — followed by an adrenaline-fueled dance with murder hornets. It’s a lesson in how nature’s cutest mascots can pack the biggest bite.

Plus:

🎵 Em’s “Trail Mix” delivers three songs for the soul-slogging miles, including Bob Dylan’s bleak masterpiece and a haunting track from Dekker that hits like a cold October wind.

🧼 “Trail Etiquette & Other Shit” breaks down how to stay clean(ish) in the backcountry — without making your backpack smell like a science experiment.

Stick around to the end for final thoughts, off-the-rails chit-chat, and your weekly reminder that the summit is always just a little farther than you think.

In “Goodbye, Happy Hiking,” a serene forest hike turns surreal after a chance encounter with a charming drifter and his silent companion. It’s all good vibes and spiritual chats—until a mysterious booklet leads to a gut-punch of culty red flags and an urgent reminder: not every trail angel is what they seem.

Then in “Echoes on the Stairwell,” a solo hiker in the UK learns that fear isn’t always about danger—it’s about the stories we tell ourselves. A mysterious set of footsteps becomes a full-blown thriller… until the truth takes an unexpected and very human turn.

Stick around for Trail Mix, where Em drops a dreamy, emotional playlist with tracks by ROYA, Yumi Zouma, and Jonah Kagen. Plus, we break down the art of finding the perfect hiking boot in trail etiquette and other shit.

It’s a wild ride this week—featuring interdimensional cults, mistaken identity, and the kind of existential spiral you didn’t ask for but somehow needed.

🎒 Rate, review, subscribe, and send us your best trail fails or spiritual encounters gone wrong: falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or @falsesummit on IG and YouTube.

False Summit: where every mountain is just one more almost there.

Until next time, happy trails—and remember, if it feels like you’ve reached the top… you probably haven’t.

Was it just the wind? Or did something follow them back through the trees?

Tune in, keep your headlamp handy, and remember—some trails are better left untraveled.

🔗 Check the show notes for links, merch, and our Patreon!

👻 Got your own creepy campfire tale or trail fail? Email us at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @FalseSummit.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—unless you want to be the epic fail this week.

Let me know if you want it to lean more funny, more spooky, or more casual!

First up, Blizzard in the Desert: what was supposed to be a dreamy February escape to Havasupai—turquoise waterfalls, red rock magic, desert peace—turns into a full-blown whiteout survival scenario. Spoiler: snowstorms weren’t supposed to hit the Grand Canyon. Forecasts were wrong. Very wrong.

Then in Honeymoon Detour, a newlywed couple’s mountain stroll in Patagonia takes a hard left turn when a misread trail sign leads to a surprise overnight… on a remote lakeshore… with no gear. It’s the stuff honeymoons are made of—if your idea of romance includes frostbite and fire-building.

Plus:

🎶 Em’s Trail Mix delivers three songs for those hikes that feel more spiritual than scenic.

🏕️ And in Trail Etiquette & Other Shit, we unpack tents, tarps, bivies and the great shelter debate—so you don’t end up spooning a rock when it rains sideways.

So grab your puffy, double-check your map, and join Octavia and Em for a double-dose of detour drama and post-hike wisdom.

——

Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Got a wild trail tale or a burning question? Email us at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and YouTube @falsesummit.

And remember—if it feels like you’ve reached the top… you probably haven’t.

🏔 High-Altitude Desert – A solo trek through a remote, high-altitude desert turns into a battle against dehydration, altitude, and one very humbling lesson in preparation.

🌿 Swampy Saga – What starts as a scenic coastal hike quickly devolves into a mud-sucking, thorn-covered, swamp-stomping disaster, complete with an abandoned picnic and a questionable life choice or two.

🎶 Trail Mix – This week’s trail tunes will get you in the zone, from hypnotic beats to dreamy indie vibes to straight-up swagger.

💦 Trail Etiquette & Other Shit – We’re talking water purification—because unless you want to bond with Giardia, you might want to take notes.

Stick around for laughs, lessons, and the kind of outdoor wisdom that only comes from screwing up spectacularly.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, review, and send us your own trail fails!

📩 Email: falsesummit.pod@gmail.com

📱 Instagram & YouTube: False Summit

Happy trails, and remember—if it feels like you've reached the top, you probably haven't.

In this episode of False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails, we bring you two stories of misadventure in the wild. First up, Lost Misadventure—Ethan set out for a relaxing day hike in Tennessee but found himself in an eleven-hour battle with dehydration, bad decisions, and a near-drowning in a deceptively peaceful stream. Then, in Ridge Line Reckoning, a solo hammock camper (and his fearless dog) take on the Appalachian wilderness—only to face an all-night windstorm, a surprise free-fall, and an eerie set of glowing eyes in the dark.

We wrap it all up with Trail Mix, where Em shares three songs to keep your feet moving and your mind wandering, plus some essential (and slightly chaotic) trail etiquette tips.

If you’ve ever found yourself deep in the woods thinking, Well, this escalated quickly—this one's for you.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, review, and send us your own trail fails!

📩 Got a story? Email us at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram & YouTube (@FalseSummitPod).

Happy trails—and remember, if it feels like you’ve reached the top… you probably haven’t. 😏

First, we hit the water for Night Kayak, where a peaceful solo fishing trip turns into a chilling fight for survival. Spoiler: Wear your damn life vest.

Then, it’s off to the mountains for Frozen Staircase, where a winter hike on an icy trail goes from sketchy to downright dangerous in seconds. A lesson in mountaineering gear, quick reflexes, and the thin line between adventure and disaster.

Finally, in Trail Mix, Em serves up a playlist inspired by love on the trail—because nothing says romance like questionable decision-making and adrenaline-fueled moments. And for Trail Etiquette & Other Shit, we break down kayaking safety tips so you don’t end up as the next 911 call.

Strap in, hit play, and let’s see where the trail takes us.

🎧 Rate, review, and subscribe! Have a story of your own? Hit us up at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or on Instagram & YouTube @FalseSummit.

Happy trails! And remember—if it feels like you’ve reached the top, you probably haven’t.

First up, Black Bear Don’t Care—a harrowing firsthand account of what happens when you meet a not-so-friendly black bear deep in the Great Smoky Mountains. No bear spray, no weapons, just pure adrenaline and some questionable survival instincts.

Then, in Lost in the Desert, one hiker’s solo, acid-fueled walk in the Utah wilderness turns into an existential maze of cryptobiotic soil, questionable decision-making, and the ultimate realization that getting lost isn’t always about distance—it’s about perception.

Stick around for Trail Mix, where we dive into the roots of bluegrass, featuring some must-listen tracks from On the Trail. Then, we break down essential desert survival tips—because let’s face it, getting lost happens to the best of us.

And as always, we wrap things up with Trail Etiquette and Other Sht*, final thoughts, and a reminder that if it feels like you’ve reached the top... you probably haven’t.

Hit that follow button, and don’t forget to share your trail fails with us at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or on Instagram @FalseSummit. See you out there!

As always, we’ll wrap things up with Trail Mix—three songs to fuel your next adventure—followed by some essential whitewater rafting tips (so you don’t end up like our first storyteller).

Rate, review, subscribe, and if you've got your own epic fails to share, hit us up at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or on Instagram and YouTube @FalseSummit.

Until next time, happy trails—and remember, if it feels like you've reached the top, you probably haven’t.

🔥 Wildfire Escape – What starts as a peaceful hike quickly turns into a race against time as smoke fills the air, the sky turns an eerie shade of orange, and the reality of a nearby wildfire sets in. When nature decides to flip the script, will instinct be enough to make it out?

📱 Phone vs. Beacon – A solo off-track hike, a missing phone, and a brutal lesson in overconfidence. What happens when a simple day of geocaching turns into a fight against winter, isolation, and the creeping realization that "I know where I am" was a lie? Spoiler: Sometimes, the most important gear is the one you never thought you'd need.

🎵 Trail Mix – Em’s bringing three tracks to soundtrack your next adventure (or existential crisis in the wilderness). Featuring Chateau by Angus & Julia Stone, When the Night is Over by Lord Huron, and Cold Little Heart by Michael Kiwanuka.

🩹 Trail Etiquette & Other Shit – A crash course in first-aid kits: What to pack, why it matters, and the tiny items that might just save your ass.

Join us as we break down these stories, roast our own questionable decisions, and dive into the unpredictable world of outdoor misadventures. If you’ve got your own tale of survival, stupidity, or sheer luck, hit us up—we want to hear it!

📩 Email us at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram & YouTube @FalseSummit.pod

Until next time, happy trails—and remember, if it feels like you’ve reached the top... you probably haven’t.

https://americanhiking.org/hiking-resources/#hiking-101

First up, The Hike to Nowhere: What happens when you trust Google Maps a little too much and your hiking plan consists of pure optimism and zero research? One man's attempt to reach the highest point in Guam turns into a bloody battle against sword grass, questionable decision-making, and an unexpected dead end.

Then, in Summit Shenanigans, three friends set out to conquer Whispering Peak—known for its epic views and unpredictable weather. What starts as a routine trek quickly spirals into a comedy of errors featuring sheer drop-offs, a surprise storm, and a last-minute scramble to the top.

Stick around for Trail Mix, where Em serves up three adventure-ready songs, and Trail Etiquette & Other Shit, where we break down the basics of using a compass—because sometimes, knowing where you're going actually helps.

Rate, review, and subscribe if you love a good misadventure. And if you don’t? Well… maybe that’s your epic fail for the week. 😏

Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Bluesky, or send us your own trail fails at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com.

Happy trails—and remember, if it feels like you’ve reached the top… you probably haven’t!

In this special episode, we shake things up with one incredible adventure story—Brandon Meagher’s journey from childhood Everest obsession to trekking in the Himalayas. From the raw beauty of the mountains to the radical generosity of the Nepalese people, this tale is packed with epic highs, humbling moments, and the unexpected realities of life at altitude.

Octavia and Em break down the story, share their thoughts, and cap it off with Trail Mix—featuring three handpicked songs inspired by the journey—and a deep dive into high-altitude hiking etiquette. Whether you're dreaming of Nepal or just here for the fails, this one’s a trip.

🎧 Tune in for the adventure. Stay for the altitude tips.

https://wildlandtrekking.com/blog/hiking-at-altitude-tips-for-acclimatization/

Story 1: The Skunk, The Beast, and the Bloody Nose – A camper battles a food-stealing skunk, only to face off with an unexpected—and surprisingly aggressive—wild opponent.

Story 2: Overpacked and Underprepared – Two hikers take on Mount Whitney with more gear than experience. Spoiler: Search and Rescue gets involved.

Trail Mix Segment – Three songs that capture the restless, reckless spirit of adventure.

Trail Etiquette & Other Shit – Think deer are harmless? Think again.

Got a trail fail of your own? Email us at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram & YouTube.

Until next time—happy trails, and don’t fall off a cliff.

First, in Civics in the Wild, a backpacking guide leads a group of first-time hikers into the backcountry, only to witness the unimaginable: a Honda Civic barreling down the trail like it’s on a road trip through the wilderness. What happens when city logic meets the great outdoors? Let’s just say it involves a ranger, some very confused college students, and a new addition to the list of unexpected trail hazards.

Then, in The Silent Stalker, we step into the mind of a hiker with an unshakable fear of mountain lions. From eerie signs on the trail to a breathtaking face-to-face encounter, this story takes us deep into the primal side of fear, awe, and survival. And just when you think the wild has accepted you… it reminds you who’s really in charge.

To wrap things up, Em serves up Trail Mix—three perfectly curated songs for your next adventure—and a deep dive into Mountain Lion Safety 101. Think you know what to do if you're being stalked? Let’s find out.

Hit play for another round of tales, trails, and epic fails!

🎙️ Rate, review, and subscribe—because if you don’t, well, maybe that’s your epic fail for the week. 😏

First, join the nail-biting journey of three friends caught in a relentless storm, stranded by a raging river, and rescued in a daring helicopter operation in "Rivers, Rain, and Rescue." Then, laugh (and cringe) along as a seemingly idyllic camping trip takes a wild turn when a clever bear crashes the party in "Bear Necessities."

With heartfelt discussions on resilience, survival tips, and the sheer unpredictability of nature, this episode is a rollercoaster of emotions. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Trail Mix, featuring three perfect tracks to accompany your next outdoor adventure, and crucial bear safety tips that might just save your snacks—and your life.

Tune in for stories that’ll have you questioning your own outdoor preparedness while finding humor in even the wildest fails. 🌲🐻

https://ucla.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=09e784c05cb30bb10d7337d24&id=7c6407f53e&e=61c3777509

https://ucla.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=09e784c05cb30bb10d7337d24&id=c2699cc77c&e=61c3777509

https://ucla.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=09e784c05cb30bb10d7337d24&id=2b8f7df432&e=61c3777509

https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/backcountry-basics/food/bear-canister-protecting-your-food/

In this episode of False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails, Octavia and Em take you deep into the wilderness with two unforgettable stories:

First up, The Trailside Prophet—a chance encounter with a weight-lifting, guilt-busting, microbe-denying hiker. Is he an enlightened sage or just another trail oddity? Either way, he’ll make you think twice about the strangers you meet on the trail.

Then, from our listener Matt Busse (@matturalresource), comes A Trail Reborn. Follow the transformation of a forgotten path in Kent, Connecticut, and discover how a small-town community turned neglect into triumph—one step and one flag-planting moment at a time.

🎵 Stick around for Trailmix, where Em brings you the perfect hiking soundtrack, including tracks from Deepend, Miguel, and a dreamy Bob Marley remix.

💡 Plus, some quick-and-easy tips to up your wilderness photography game and capture those epic trail moments like a pro.

🔗 Got your own tales of adventure or misadventure? Share them with us! Hit up falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram @FalseSummit.

Happy trails—and try not to fall off a cliff! 🌄

First, in Snow, Wind, and Regret, Michael Keene (@gingerbeard_keene) recounts a White Mountains misadventure that tested the limits of both gear and grit. From frozen boots to hurricane-force winds, it’s a story of survival, setbacks, and the strange allure of the wild that keeps us coming back for more.

Then, we dive into The Stranger, a tale that will have you glancing over your shoulder on your next solo hike. Mia’s instincts are her best defense when an unsettling encounter turns her trek into a high-stakes escape through New Zealand’s untamed backcountry.

We’ll break down the stories, ask the tough (and funny) questions, and wrap things up with Trail Mix, where Em curates the perfect songs for your next adventure. Plus, stick around for trail etiquette tips that could save your winter hike from turning into its own epic fail.

If you’ve ever wondered what the mountains have in store—or how you’d fare in the face of nature’s (and humanity’s) curveballs—this episode is for you.

Then, it’s time to dive into two unforgettable moose encounters. First up is Moosecapades, where Avery faces off with a thousand-pound forest overlord on the Middle Saint Vrain trail. Spoiler: yelling "MOOOOOOSE" might not be the best survival tactic, but it makes for a legendary tale.

Next, in Trail Stomp, Ricky’s blurry vision leads to a heart-pounding standoff with what he thought was a horse (plot twist: it wasn’t). From scaling boulders like a terrified mountain goat to rethinking life choices, this story is one wild hoofed adventure.

We round things out with Trail Mix, featuring three songs perfectly paired with trail vibes, and some life-saving moose encounter tips in Trail Etiquette and Other Shit.

Join us for laughs, lessons, and the kind of epic fails that make the trail worth it. Rate, review, subscribe, and share your own misadventures—because every mountain is just one more “almost there.” See you out there!

Happy trails (and watch out for moose)

Whether you're sipping cocoa or untangling those cursed lights, we’re here to bring you some laughs and remind you—holiday fails are the ultimate tradition.

🎁 Got your own tales of seasonal mishaps or misadventures? Send them our way at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @FalseSummit.

Happy trails, happy holidays, and stay off the naughty list… and the edge!

First up, we share Borrowed Miles, the inspiring story of Astro, a young hiker facing stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma who found hope—and a pair of socks—from a trail legend. It’s a tale of grit, connection, and the unshakable belief that the trail provides exactly what you need, just when you need it.

Then, in Eyes in the Dark, we head to prime grizzly country in Wyoming for a heart-pounding encounter with one of nature’s apex predators. It’s a reminder that no matter how experienced you are, the wilderness always has the final word.

Stick around for Trailmix, where Em curates three perfect trail tracks. Then Octavia dives into Trail Etiquette and Other S**t and shares tips for hiking with kids.

And don’t miss the teaser for our upcoming New Year’s special: False Summit: After Dark. We’ll be back to kick off the new year with more wild stories and questionable decisions.

So grab your pack, lace up those boots, and join us on this week’s journey through trails, tales, and epic fails.

1st story source: FB as Chris Hillier and IG as Hillier.c and trail name is Wolverine

https://americanhiking.org/hiking-resources/#hiking-101

From heartwarming connections to spine-tingling encounters, these tales remind us of the raw power and unpredictability of the outdoors. Stick around for Trail Mix, where Em shares three handpicked songs to add to your hiking playlist and some trail etiquette tips (and other... s**t).

Tune in for adventure, laughter, and a few life lessons, all wrapped up in the wildest stories the trail has to offer.

Dana Meise ( @the.great.hike )

First, in Helicopter Hijinks, a group climbing trip in Washington’s Dutch Miller Gap spirals into chaos thanks to an overconfident novice. From botched self-arrest drills to a rogue crawl through the wilderness, this story is equal parts hilarious and nerve-wracking, with rescue operations that snowball wildly out of proportion.

Next, in Dialing from the Depths, a listener recounts their daring (and disgusting) mission to rescue a phone that took a nosedive into a vault toilet on Isle Royale. Ingenious teamwork, makeshift tools, and a ShamWow-turned-shamPOO save the day—but not without leaving some lingering questions about what’s truly worth saving.

Plus, Em curates a mellow, reflective Trail Mix with songs from Devendra Banhart, The Tallest Man on Earth, and Still Woozy. Then stick around for trail etiquette tips and some light-hearted banter about movie outings, arcade nostalgia, and more.

Prepare for laughs, lessons, and a bit of secondhand wilderness stress in this episode of False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails.

Then, in “On the Edge,” a nerve-wracking scramble through a narrow gorge forces a hiker to lean on strangers and confront their fears. It’s a story of grit, gratitude, and finding your footing when everything feels unsteady.

Whether you're listening while hiking off that pumpkin pie or dodging awkward family dinner conversations, join us for this special holiday episode. And as always, share your tales of trails and fails—we’re thankful for every wild story you send our way!

Marti Shawn @Hippietoanextent / https://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php/114727-Ghost-Stories-Folklore-welcomed

First, in Havoc, Horses, and Hiccups, join two travelers navigating Albania’s Peaks of the Balkans. From luggage-hauling horses to steep mountain passes and a surprise cow cameo, it’s a journey of epic views, unexpected obstacles, and a guide who knows how to keep spirits high (with a little help from raki).

Then, in Parched and Found, Spencer and Carey take us on a grueling Yosemite hike with one massive oversight: they forgot their Camelbaks. Facing dehydration and exhaustion, they encounter mysterious Scout “guides” who may or may not be what they seem. Ghosts, hallucinations, or just another epic trail story? You decide.

Stick around for Trail-mix, where Em shares three must-listen tracks and essential trail etiquette tips to stay safe during hunting season.

So, lace up your boots, grab some blaze orange, and prepare for tales of adventure, mishaps, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

Got a story or trail fail to share? Hit us up at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram at @falsesummit.

Happy trails—don’t fall off a cliff!

@tripstowalkabout, https://ptavocados.com/valbona-theth/

https://americanhiking.org/resources

First, in Moon Angel, Angela’s moonlit hike with her loyal pup takes an eerie turn when an unexpected flash of her camera draws a desperate runner out of the dark. What follows is a surreal encounter under the stars that blurs the line between fate and coincidence.

Then, gear up for Frozen Fiasco, a tale that combines the 80s winter camping vibe with one man’s epic standoff against a blizzard—and his own misjudged freeze-dried meal. A blustery blunder turns messy, but the storm has a frosty fix in store, proving that survival in the cold sometimes means laughing at yourself.

After these tales, Em’s “Trail Mix” segment serves up three must-hear songs to fuel your next adventure. Stick around for trail etiquette tips and essentials to pack for your next hike—because even the best-prepared adventurers know there’s always room for an unexpected twist.

Hit play, and let’s get lost in stories of near-misses and unplanned rescues.

https://americanhiking.org/hiking-resources/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz7C2BhDkARIsAA_SZKbC9I--LYDQUU14p4jt6RT4_C8uURUSluOeXFCtWO-XiQcuHTyizzsaAvUqEALw_wcB#hiking-101

Then, we dive into two unforgettable trail tales. First, Em recounts a spine-chilling encounter with two bears in the mountains – a heart-pounding reminder that wilderness life isn’t all serene sunsets and quiet forests. Next, a journey to overcome addiction led to scaling mountains and summiting personal goals, with some unbelievable challenges along the way.

Finally, to wrap it up with “Trail Mix”, a music playlist, and a few essentials to make any hike a bit smoother (or at least more entertaining). Don’t miss the episode’s grand finale, where Octavia and Em share some laugh-worthy trail wisdom and remind us why we keep coming back for more.

If you’ve got your own epic fails or wild stories, reach out to us at falsesummit.pod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram. And as always, remember – out on the trail, anything can happen. See you out there!

https://www.wta.org/news/magazine/features/hiking-and-healing-personal-stories-on-the-power-of-trail

https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/comments/q2jyhu/your_most_frightening_experience_while/

https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/features/murder-woods-shenandoah-national-park/, https://queeradventurers.com/lesbian-hikers-murder-video/

Check out these wild stories from Reddit and Quora that inspired this episode:

• Reddit - Most Frightening Experience While Camping
• Quora - Hilarious Hiking Experiences

https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/comments/q2jyhu/your_most_frightening_experience_while/ https://americanhiking.org/hiking-resources/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz7C2BhDkARIsAA_SZKbC9I--LYDQUU14p4jt6RT4_C8uURUSluOeXFCtWO-XiQcuHTyizzsaAvUqEALw_wcB#hiking-101

Spoiler; its mostly bugs and questionable trail snacks!

We’re here to share stories that will take you on a trek through the eyes of real hikers and their wacky adventures.

We will also motivate you with some handy tips and a trail “Mix” of music to keep you grooving. Because who doesn't need a dance break while avoiding bear attacks. 

So come join us on a trip to the wild side. 

“SEE YOU OUT THERE”