Carthage Walk - Take Three! The Nauvoo Discovery Program Participants walk from Nauvoo to Carthage within 8 hours!

Rachel Clayton
Apr 24
3 min read

Updated: Apr 28

The Third Semiannual Carthage Walk

Every semester, the Nauvoo Discovery Program walks from Nauvoo to Carthage. I was there the first time we did it, and it was a powerful, long experience that taught me to have patience. (A lesson I am still learning). Then, a few weeks ago, I led the third Carthage Walk.

We set out bright and early, taking (for the first time) a wagon stuffed to the top with water and snacks. Our pace was aggressive, and we finished in the fastest time (for the NDP) yet. Both times I’ve done the experience, I’ve enjoyed the challenge immensely, even as I try to make the connection to Joseph Smith. We walked 22 miles on foot, never stopping. Joseph Smith rode on a horse, taking two days to complete the journey. As we walk, we are meant to contemplate his life and sacrifice. However, with our wagon, the cold, and the absurd amount of mud, I felt much more connected with my pioneer ancestors.

During the exodus to Utah, pioneers walked 10-20 miles in a single day. And they followed that pattern for months. It was meaningful to me to leave the temple behind our little group and make a little trek of our own. We sang hymns, pushed our wagon through ankle-deep mud, and supported each other on the journey.

I still have much to learn about patience. Not everyone moved at the same pace. We had to wait for some to catch up. I imagine many pioneers were like that. Some of them probably didn’t have too much trouble walking from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley. However, others had obstacles, whether it was poverty, illness, or other debilitations. It would hardly be saint-like if those less able were left behind. Yes, I have much to learn. But on the whole, we had a wonderful day through brisk weather, snow-covered fields, and gravel-lined paths.

Male and Female YSA (Young Single Adults) walk the trail from Nauvoo to Carhage in the winter. The trek is around 22 miles long. They pulled a wagon with food and drink.

My friend was having a really hard time with her feet. She said the only time she could forget about it was when we were singing hymns. So, we started our way with Hymn 1- The Morning Breaks, then to 2, The Spirit of God, and so on until Hymn 7, when I forgot what comes next. So we sang whatever came into our heads. It made our steps lighter and the wagon easier to push.

NDP Program: Three Young Single Adult women rest on the road during a 22 mile trek from Nauvoo to Carthage, Illinois.

Then, at one of our lowest points, we rendezvoused with our volunteers, who took the wagon in their car for the last few miles of the journey. Thus unburdened, we continued on and made it to Carthage well before dark (a first for the NDP!).

NDP Program: Female and Male Volunteers for the NDP program Arlene and Kent Blatter pose in front of a red
brick home with warm jackets on. — Arlene & Kent Blatter Volunteered at NDP in Fall 2024 and Winter 2025

It reminded me of the rescuers who came to the aid of the pioneers. Obviously, our need was not so great, but nevertheless, there we stood with aching feet, saved by smiling faces prepared to lighten our load.