Accounting firm ditches desks for summer hiking adventure

DAHLONEGA, Ga. - It's probably a safe assumption that accountants spend a lot of time at their desks, staring at paperwork and computer screens.  But this summer, one of the largest accounting firms in Atlanta is taking steps (lots of steps) to get team members away from the desk, and out on the trails.

Accounting firm Bennett Thrasher, along with outdoor adventure experts Vestigo, created a series of hikes this summer that will take employees over the entire Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail.  The hikes began on May 10th and will continue through August 17th, and cover a total of 79 miles, from Springer Mountain to the North Carolina state line.  Bennett Thrasher employees, ranging from top-level executives to brand-new hires, are taking part in the hikes, which generally start around 8:00 a.m. in the day and cover roughly five to 10 miles at a time.  Along with building teamwork and encouraging employees to be more active, the series of hikes is also a fundraiser for GiGi's Playhouse, a non-profit that provides program to empower men and women with Down syndrome.  Gigi's Playhouse was chosen as beneficiary because one of Bennett Thrasher's senior audit managers has a daughter with Down syndrome.

Good Day Atlanta's Paul Milliken wanted to get in on the action, so he joined along on a hike to chat with Bennett Thrasher team members about this unique summer adventure.