PHOTO GALLERY: Caleb McMurry prepares for 2,180-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail

Caleb McMurry takes a break while walking along the Shooting Star Trail portion of the Gans Creek Wild Area Trail System at Rock Bridge State Park. McMurry, 23, is training for a 5-month hike this coming spring along the Appalachian trial, which stretches from Georgia to Maine.   |  Sarah Bricker

Packets of dried rice and pinto beans fill Caleb McMurry's backpack during a training hike at Rock Bridge State Park. The packages of rice along with other hiking essentials put the pack at about 40 pounds, a good weight to train for his upcoming 5-month hike along the Appalachian Trail.   |  Sarah Bricker