Anna McKinney

My trail name is Magic, in 2021 I walked away from my ordinary life to thru-hiked the AT. Shortly after completing my first long-distance trail, I realized I would no longer be content working a traditional job, so I packed my bags and moved to east TN. I now work as a professional hiking/backpacking guide in the GSMNP. In 2023 I plan to thru hike the Arizona Trail. When I’m not on the trail, I enjoy writing and practicing yoga. Check out my personal blog, Magic in the Mountains, to read my AT trail journals along with other outdoor adventure musings.

Posts

6 Mistakes to Avoid on the Appalachian Trail from a Backpacking Guide

6 Mistakes to Avoid on the Appalachian Trail from a Backpacking Guide

No one starts as an expert backpacker and we all make mistakes. Here are behaviors to avoid from an Appalachian Trail backpacking guide.

Aug 17, 2023 : Anna McKinney
AZT Day 33-36 (mile 402.6-462.2)

AZT Day 33-36 (mile 402.6-462.2)

Our last stretch of the AZT… we made it 460 miles to Pine. Thankful to have walked this far, we’ll be back for more one day soon!

Apr 28, 2023 : Anna McKinney
AZT Day 28- 32 (mile 380-402.6

AZT Day 28- 32 (mile 380-402.6

Half the fun of a long trail is taking a zero… follow along as we take several zeros and get into shenanigans with the locals!

Apr 27, 2023 : Anna McKinney
AZT Day 22- 27 (mile 305.7-380)

AZT Day 22- 27 (mile 305.7-380)

The days are hot and the miles are being checked off slowly but surely as we make our way north.

Apr 14, 2023 : Anna McKinney
AZT Day 14-21 (177.2-305.7)

AZT Day 14-21 (177.2-305.7)

Heading into the third week of our journey from Mexico to Utah. These last few days have been filled with wildflowers and breathtaking scenery.

Apr 7, 2023 : Anna McKinney
AZT Day 8-13 (mile 96.6-177.2)

AZT Day 8-13 (mile 96.6-177.2)

Took some time off to rest my aching knees, but now we’re back on trail! Slowly but surely working our way towards Utah.

Mar 31, 2023 : Anna McKinney
AZT Day 4-7 (mile 38-96)

AZT Day 4-7 (mile 38-96)

Day 4: 12.2 miles (camp at TerraSol) Town day! We woke up and tired to get moving at a decent time. Our campsite turned out to be beautiful in the

Mar 24, 2023 : Anna McKinney
AZT Day 1-3 (mile 0-38)

AZT Day 1-3 (mile 0-38)

Day 1: 11.3 miles (camp at mile 9.3) What a big first day! We started the day by getting ready at Trail Angel Heather’s house in Tucson, AZ before

Mar 24, 2023 : Anna McKinney
The Journey Before the Journey

The Journey Before the Journey

We haven’t even started hiking yet but we’ve already been on quite the journey. Truffles and I left our home in east Tennessee on Wednesday, March

Mar 20, 2023 : Anna McKinney
Magic’s 2023 AZT Gear List – Part 3

Magic’s 2023 AZT Gear List – Part 3

Living out of a backpack for months on end is intimidating and seems impossible for most, but for a select few brave souls, it can be one of the most

Mar 12, 2023 : Anna McKinney