VIRGINIA — Appalachian Trail hiker Doug Woods has ended his trek after suffering a hernia, bringing his journey to a close after 520.5 miles on the trail.

The injury occurred as Woods continued north through Virginia, days after he crossed out of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and passed the 450-mile mark of his journey.

Woods reported Sunday that the hernia developed on his left side several days earlier, ultimately forcing him to come off the trail.

In the days leading up to the injury, Woods said conditions had begun to stabilize. While elevation changes had become more manageable, winter weather remained a challenge.

Over the previous weekend, Woods and fellow hikers paused after a powerful storm brought snow and sub-zero wind chills, creating hazardous conditions along the trail.

Despite the interruption, Woods had reported that the group remained in good health and spirits, noting that earlier pain in his shin had improved and that they expected to reach Damascus, Virginia, within days.

Woods described the experience as “spectacular,” adding that the people he met along the way made the journey especially rewarding.