Robert Redford and Nick Nolte attempt to conquer the Appalachian Trail in this comedy

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: After a condescending interview leaves travel writer Bill Bryson feeling aged and uninspired, he impulsively decides to hike the Appalachian Trail. Unable to find a willing companion, he recruits an out-of-shape, recovering alcoholic friend for a journey that proves far more grueling and dangerous than either man initially anticipated.

The 2015 film A Walk in the Woods, directed by Ken Kwapis, adapts Bill Bryson’s 1998 book of the same name. The narrative follows Bryson, played by Robert Redford, as he seeks to reconcile with his aging identity by trekking the Appalachian Trail. His wife, Catherine, only permits the trip if he finds a partner, leading him to Stephen Katz, portrayed by Nick Nolte. Katz, a former friend struggling with his past, joins the trek despite being physically unprepared for the rigors of the wilderness.

The production history of the film was long and complex, dating back to 2005 when Redford first announced his intentions. Redford originally envisioned Paul Newman as his co-star, and he briefly abandoned the project following Newman’s death, believing no other actor could fill the role. He eventually cast Nick Nolte after being impressed by his performance in The Company You Keep. Before Ken Kwapis took the helm, other directors including Chris Columbus, Barry Levinson, and Larry Charles were attached to the project.

Principal photography commenced on May 5, 2014, in Los Angeles, with exterior scenes filmed at Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia. Upon its wide release on September 2, 2015, the film received mixed reviews. Critics noted the chemistry between the leads but often found the execution pedestrian. Despite the lukewarm critical reception—holding a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 51 score on Metacritic—the film remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the road trip genre, ultimately serving as a personal victory for the characters who find meaning in the attempt itself.

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