Ater a full day of hiking the Appalachian Trail, the four friends arrived cabin

The central theme for the excerpt "from Antaeus" is the importance of nature.

Explanation:

"Antaeus" is a short story written by Borden Deal. The short story is named after the mythological character named Antaeus.

The story is about a young boy named T. J. He lived in Marion County, Alabama, and moved to the North. The central theme of the short story is the importance of nature. T. J., who comes from a rural background, influences and teaches his new friend's importance of nature.

Therefore, the central theme is the importance of nature.