Andew Skurka is the most accomplished “hiker” of all time.
Andrew’s 6,875-mile Great Western Loop ranks as the #1 thru hike of all time, in my books.
He’s currently doing Alaska / Yukon, 4,700 miles in 7 months via skis, foot, and a packraft.
… Now unknown Samuel H Gardner is setting out in January on a 12,500mi proposed route he calls the “All-In Trek”.
… end-to-end and back-to-back the four longest trails in the U.S. This involves starting the trek on snowshoes on January 1st on the North Country Trail Westbound, then the Pacific Crest Trail Northbound, then the Continental Divide Trail Southbound and finally hiking the Appalachian Trail Southbound. It is my intention to hike the 12,500+ miles continuously in one trip. It is my goal is to finish in one calendar year. However, the four trails have never been hiked back-to-back before so the “journey” is more important to me then the speed record. Simply, I intend on walking quickly to avoid most of the deep snow in the mountains. …
Ambitious, or what?
I’m not sure even Skurka would attempt it.
That comes from an excellent interview on CheapTents.com.
Gardner’s official website is called – the INITIATIVE
(via The Adventure Blog)
besthike.com 
Best of luck to him. A quick check of his Bio indicates that will be required.
I am not sure about what seems to be a flurry of grandiose projects undertaken by relatively inexperienced people. Would it not be worthy for this person to simply hike the AT once, like thousands of other people have found it worthwhile to do? And if that went well, the CDT? After thus honing his abilities, to then undertake this huge project?
Talk to Skurka. He has paid his dues, gradually and methodically developing his experience and skillset. Alaska was the end of a long road of growing and understanding; he would have done it without telling anyone; it was the natural culmination of a lifetime of learning.
It seems publicity, fueled by grandiosity, is now becoming an essential part of the would-be adventurer’s toolkit. I personally do not find that admirable.
Day #8 of this hike and he’s gone less than 100 miles, taken two zeros in motels, and disabled his mileage posting on google latitude. Another BS record setting fantasy hike that isn’t going to happen.
Well, now that you are a complete failure at hiking you are hereby qualified to take your position at Whiteblaze.com and snort about hiking from the comfort of your couch.
You said it bubba, at least whiteblazers have realistic goals.