For Derek, Springer Mountain will be the starting point for the long walk “home”; it also serves as the southern starting point of the Appalachian Trail, the point where most thru-hikers start the 2,190-mile, walking-only footpath that concludes at Mount Catherine in Maine.

For Derek, this is the culmination of an idea that started a few years back.

“I first heard about the Appalachian Trail back when I was 13 or 14 years old, but didn’t start seriously thinking about doing it until I was a junior in high school,” he said. “My mom actually brought up the idea about hiking it and my dad thought it might be a good experience for me.”

A 2024 graduate of Eisenhower High School, the physical side of the lengthy hike, which Derek figures to complete by the end of August, won’t be the most difficult part for him, but rather being separate from friends and family.

Submitted photo 2024 Eisenhower graduate Derek Childs, pictured with his parents, Larry and Christina, will begin hiking the Appalachian Trail on Friday.

“Honestly my biggest fear is getting injured and not being able to finish,” he said. “Being homesick might make me not enjoy the trail as much as I want.”

Derek was an accomplished athlete over the course of his high school career, participating in wrestling, baseball and football. He played in last year’s Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic football game.

Eisenhower head football coach Jim Penley is an experienced hiker himself having done some of the most difficult endurance hikes in Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania portion of the North Country Trail. That hike equals 240 miles over 10 days unsupported. Penley has also participated in the Allegheny 100-mile hike 12 times and completed it twice in under 50 hours. Penley knows Derek’s competitive side well and he feels Derek has the right attitude and mindset to get it done.

“Derek is an extremely hard worker, who, in relation to being able to go out and complete long hikes, his ability to make the most of a difficult situation and to laugh at himself or make himself smile will carry him through the tough parts of the Appalachian Trail,” Penley said.

For Derek’s parents, they will be able to stay in touch but not probably as much as they’d prefer.

“In the beginning, he will post updates and we’ll probably talk several times a week,” Christina said. “I would imagine as he grows comfortable being on the trail it won’t be as often as sometimes cell service is sketchy at best.”

As far as what he’ll carry on a daily basis?

“Just a tent, sleeping pad and bag, cooking set, food, water, a small amount of clothes, a cook stove and food,” Derek said.

As far as being able to restock his basic necessities, there are towns which cater to the hikers, while hostels and motels provide opportunities for a hot shower or a night under a roof. His parents plan to send packages along his northward route.

“We will be mailing boxes to the hostels, which hold packages for several weeks, so between those and the towns, he should be fine in getting what he needs to keep going,”Christina said.

How do his parents really feel about Derek hiking the trail?

“If I was in better shape, I’d do it with him,” Larry said. “I think it’s great that he is doing this before he hikes out into the real world.”

“I think I’m living a little vicariously through him. It’s a dream of mine to hike it someday and I haven’t given up on it just yet,” Christina said. “I want him to take his time, enjoy the views, meet lots of people and to just stay in touch with us.”

As far as when they will see Derek in person next?

“We plan to visit him over Easter weekend and other friends and family have scheduled spots along the way to see him and help re-supply him,” Derek’s parents said.

Penley believes that with a little luck on Derek’s side he has what it takes to complete the hike by September.

“He certainly has the will to do it,” Penley said. “All long-distance hikes are their own monster, anything from a twisted ankle to some stomach instability can end a hike pretty quickly, but he has a great attitude heading into it and he’s a tough-minded kid who gets along easily with people. All of those are in his favor.”

For Derek, this will be his last adventure before he attends the Southeast Lineman Training Center, ironically in Trenton, Georgia.

Penley summed up Derek’s upcoming adventure.

“I have had a couple of former players who have finished the Appalachian Trail and I love hearing their stories,” he said. “I can’t wait to hear Derek’s as well.”