Testimonials
Bruce - October 2024
Bruce - October 2024
Bruce - October 2024
"We were lucky enough to join the FTE team on a recent 4 day, 3 night hike into the Grand Canyon. The experienced and knowledgeable guides made sure that we got to see ALL of the beautiful sights at a pace matched to our abilities. We never felt rushed and always felt completely safe as we experienced everything the Grand Canyon had to offer. We will never forget the sunrises, sunsets, waterfalls, a night sky like you've never seen before, local wildlife and most of all the camaraderie we built with everyone there. FTE truly delivers the trip of a lifetime."
Jeremy - April 2025
Bruce - October 2024
Bruce - October 2024
"I recently completed a 4-day, 3-night hike along the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee with Freedom Trek Expeditions. We covered over 30 miles and climbing more than 8,700 feet and I didn’t realize how much I needed this experience until I was in the middle of it. From the beginning, the communication and planning were spot-on. Every detail was handled with care, which helped ease the anxiety I often carry into the unknown. As someone living with PTSD, doubt, and anxiety, I came into this trip unsure of what I’d be capable of. But being in the mountains surrounded by raw beauty, tough climbs, and quiet moments helped shift my perspective. My struggles didn’t vanish, but they felt lighter. I felt stronger, more grounded, and more present than I’ve felt in a long time.
What really made this trip special was the people. The volunteers leading the hike weren’t just there to guide - they showed up with compassion, humor, and a genuine desire to connect. The camaraderie was real, and that sense of belonging made a lasting impact.
This wasn’t just a backpacking trip... it was a reminder of what I’m still capable of. Thank you, Freedom Trek Expeditions, for helping me find that again."
Hedgie - April 2025
Bruce - October 2024
Hedgie - April 2025
"Over the last couple of years I've been working on my mental health. During that journey I learned that, at least for me personally, my mental and physical health are linked. Once I got to a point in my mental health journey where I understood that, I made the decision to start working on my physical health. Let me tell ya, it ain't easy.
A couple months back I got a call from a close friend inviting me to join him and some other friends on a multi day hike in the Great Smoky Mountains along the Appalachian trail. The group was Freedom Trek Expeditions. After explaining the mission and purpose of FTE, I was on board. I had been looking for a goal to work towards, so I eagerly accepted! Mind you, I've never really done anything like this before. Sure, I've been camping and I've been hiking, but never anything like this. I immediately started looking up things I would need and ways to train. I started going to the gym more frequently and working out longer and harder.
When the time came to start I was a little nervous but mostly confident that I had prepared appropriately.
I wasn't wrong, but I definitely wasn't right. In hindsight, I don't think anything can truly prepare you for your first multi day hike.
The first day was a test! My anxiety was flaring up, and as a result my heart rate was all over the place and it made for a bit of a rough start. Day 2 started off similar, but I quickly calmed down and hit a groove that I was in the rest of the trip.
Now you might be thinking that this was something that I overcame on my own, and that couldn't be further from the truth. I couldn't have done any of this without the FTE crew. This group of people instilled in me levels of confidence and pride that i haven't felt in years, if ever. The unwavering leadership of Michael Reese was key! At no point did I ever feel fear. Instantly, I knew he would keep us safe and get us to our destination. Never doubted that for a second! I'll forever be grateful for him!
The stoic confidence that Betz McKenna brings to a group like this is amazing. She is very knowledgeable of everything we were doing and knew just what to say and when. I'm so glad I got to get to know her more!!
I can't mention things like leadership and confidence without immediately thinking of Dena Goble. I've known her quite a while, and she's always been someone I've looked up to (metaphorically of course). When she tells you that "you got this" or "you can do it", you truly believe it!
On adventures like these you're always going to have moments where you get in your own head. Moments like those are where having someone like Bruce Fuscaldo around is a privilege! He knows just when and how to insert moments of lightheartedness into a long day! He does all this while still leading from the back and making sure we all had what we need, whether that be supplies we forgot or a joke we didn't know we needed to hear at that moment!
The only other newcomer on this trip was Jeremy Scharlow. He, like me had never done something quite like this. I'm glad I got to share this with him. We got to share a lot of personal stories while hiking 30+miles and I'm truly grateful to have made a new friend! He also helped me through some of my rough moments just by being there to share the experience together! His compassion for others and passion for adventure makes him someone to look to for guidance and to look up to! A great guy i will happily climb a mountain with!!
All in all, my time on the trail with FTE was truly an amazing and transformational experience! A great group of people with an amazing mission who know how to get it done right!"