2,000 Miles Together

The Story of the Largest Family to Hike the Appalachian Trail

By: Ben Crawford

Narrated by: Ben Crawford, Kami Crawford, Dove Crawford, Eden Crawford, Seven Crawford, Memory Crawford, Filia Crawford, Rainier Crawford

Length: 14 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

A behind-the-scenes edition of 2,000 Miles Together, offering over four hours of bonus content featuring interviews and insights by the Crawford family. Not available in other formats.

As his six children slept on the dirty floor of a women’s restroom while a blizzard howled outside, Ben Crawford had one thought: Have I gone too far? The next morning, Child Protective Services, along with an armed sheriff, arrived to ask the same question.

2,000 Miles Together is the story of the largest family ever to complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, defying skeptics and finding friends in the unlikeliest of places. On the trail, Ben Crawford battled not only the many dangers and obstacles presented by the wilderness - snowstorms, record-breaking heat, Lyme disease, overflowing rivers, toothaches, rattlesnakes, forest fires, and spending the night with a cult - but also his own self-doubt. In an effort to bring his family closer together, was he jeopardizing his future relationship with his kids? When the hike was done, would any of them speak to him again?

The Crawford family’s self-discovery over five months, thousands of miles, and countless gummy bears proves that there’s more than one way to experience life to the fullest. You don’t have to accept the story you’ve been shown. By leaving home, you’ll find more than just adventure - you’ll find a new perspective on the relationships we often take for granted, and open yourself up to a level of connection you never thought possible.

©2020 Ben Crawford (P)2021 Ben Crawford

Good outdoor enthusiasts!

I enjoyed the story and their love for family. There were times that the story was overextended with duplication of information. Other times, it seems justify their decisions.

 a hard listen at times

Very fascinated with the Appalachian Trail and the culture surrounding it. I had seen some of their videos and was excited to listen to the book. From my personal taste it was about four hours longer than it needed to be. At times very easy, listening, emotional And riveting. There were plenty of sections that I fast forwarded through because of the monotonous repetition.
Fascinating, family and story. Been willingness to be open about things that he could’ve hidden is remarkable. The unity of their family shows the possibility. And the generosity of the trail magic from the people they met, proves what I have said most of my adult life, there is far more good in the world than bad. However, the good does not bring viewers to the news, readers to the papers, very much a fan of the Crawfords! 

Hike your own hike!

A truly inspiring story, brilliantly written and narrated in a personal, sincere and emotional way that makes it impossible not to feel a special connection to the characters. I laughed, cried, suffered and rejoiced along with the Crawfords as they hiked the entire 2,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Additional “behind the scenes” commentary you get with an audiobook makes it even more poignant and true. The Crawford Family journey of self-discovery is a lesson in how to nurture the thing we all need and want the most - true intimacy.

It transported me to the trail

The book was able to go significantly deeper than the YouTube documentary that Ben and the family created. I appreciated the kids reading their journal entries. I also wish the kids were able to read the chapters. The documentary and the book inspired me to want to embark on my own journey on the trail.

If you like trail stories, this is the one to read!

Trail narratives aren’t for everyone, but for those who enjoy vicariously following a thru-hike, this is the one to read!
The day-to-day story, the meat of the book) is intriguing and easy to follow. I couldn’t stop listening. They encountered a number of online haters as they vlogged during their hike. The internal commentary that Ben provides, noting the struggles and frustration associated with the public aspect of their experience, is relatable to anyone who struggles with what to say on the web, and even to anyone who is a parent.
The reader does not need to think just like the Crawfords in order to appreciate the humanity of their experience. They accomplished something truly remarkable and this book is a wonderful tribute to their accomplishment.

Not just another hiking book

So unique and refreshing. I loved how the kids took ownership of he hike and lessons learned along the trail. It’s true, Rainier may not remember much of the trail, but he will probably be the one most influenced, because his personality was not yet developed when they started heir journey.
This wasn’t a story to get everyone hiking with their family as much as it was to show how families develop over time and how kids are capable of much more than we give them credit for. Quite the inspiration.
These kids will probably not become world class hikers, but they will be successful in all they do because they truly know how much effort it takes to accomplish goals worth living!

Kinda mad I listened to this book

Now I want to quit my “good job” and go hike full time. Really good stuff, worth a credit 100%

Safety Second…

Great adventure story told boldly with humor and candor.

The author has a fun wit about him that makes the adventure a capivating listen. I ‘m really glad he chose to read his own book. More than entertainment, this book gives insight into parenting, family life, and long distance backpacking strategies. Very enjoyable & informative listen!

amazing!!!

Wow! Just wow!! This family is such an inspiration! Read this book!! I think if every American family put safety second our world would be a different (better) place!!

A True Adventure

A book of true brilliance, raw unfiltered and behind the scenes, unlike the average "saving face" type person or family. I have to respectfully disagree with Ben, he mentioned it wasn't really a adventure book. I feel this is a perfect adventure of mind, body and soul! I imagine this was the first of many times I will listen to this book. thank you so much for writing down your journey for the rest of us.