IN NORTH GEORGIA, NEAR BLOOD Mountain and the southern terminus of the more than 2,000 mile long Appalachian Trail, many unsuspecting travelers are struck by the strange sight of hundreds of hiking boots. The shoes can be seen hanging from the trees outside the Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center.

On foggy mornings, the sight of all these unexplained suspended shoes makes for an ominous scene and conveys a foreboding feeling of unease. To many people’s surprise, the elevated boots are actually a celebration for having completed one of the most epic journeys in hiking.