Craig Mains is an avid thru hiker with a love of the Appalachian Trail. He has thru hiked the AT a total of 8 times! Hawk had never been backpacking before setting out on his first thru hike of the AT in 2012. His first time camping outdoors was his first night camping on the AT in 2012. That year, he got his trail name "Hawk" because of his speed and trademark Mohawk haircut.
Starting with his second AT thru hike in 2018, Hawk has been making and publishing videos for his YouTube channel. When hiking, he tries to post one video each day. Hawk does not advertise his YouTube channel (he does not even tell people he meets on trail that he is making YouTube videos). Over time, Hawk has built up a very loyal following by word of mouth. Some of his fans offer assistance in many forms including rides, meals, gear, lodging, and donations.
Folks who assist Hawk are called the "Hawk Support Team". Those who help more than once are "Repeat Offenders" and even "Habitual Offenders". These are some of the many "Hawkisms" that his fans have grown to know and love! But all that is required to be a Hawk Support Team member is to watch his videos!
Hawk does not endorse gear or equipment. His fans love him because, as Hawk says, "I am an open book". He tells it like it is.
(hikes Hawk has completed - "Check it off the list, baby!")
✅ 2012 Appalachian Trail thru hike - NOBO
✅ 2018 Appalachian Trail thru hike - NOBO
✅ 2019 Appalachian Trail thru hike - NOBO & SOBO = yo yo
✅ 2020 Appalachian Trail thru hike - flip flop
✅ 2021 Appalachian Trail thru hike - NOBO
You do not have to donate to be a Hawk Support Team Member! But if you would like to donate to Hawk, here are some ways:
Contact Hawk:
To get an HST Sticker, send a Self-Addressed,
Stamped Envelope to:
Craig Mains
P.O. Box 549
Elberton, GA 30635
