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Anna McKinney Smith

Anna is from western North Carolina and grew up romping through hollers and hills. Her love of the Appalachian mountains drew her onto the Appalachian Trail in 2021 where she became "Magic". The AT was her first thru hike and the place where she would meet her future husband, Truffles. After completing the AT, the pair moved to east Tennessee to work as backpacking guides in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Between guiding gigs, Magic hiked the Arizona Trail in 2023 and the West Highland Way in 2024. In 2025, Magic will travel west to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail. When she isn't in the woods, Magic enjoys writing, playing disc golf, and teaching yoga. You can follow along with all of Magic's adventures on her Instagram (@annamckinney22) or by checking out her blog, magicinthemountains.blog.

Posts

Magic on the PCT Days 19-21

Magic on the PCT Days 19-21

*these posts are coming straight from trail, I apologize in advance for typos!* Day 19: April 26, 2025 Location: The Desert Start: Water Faucet -

May 17, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
Magic on the PCT Day 16-18

Magic on the PCT Day 16-18

*these posts are coming straight from trail, I apologize in advance for typos!* Day 16: April 23, 2025 Location: The Desert Start: Idyllwild -

May 10, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
Magic on the PCT Day 13-15

Magic on the PCT Day 13-15

*these posts are coming straight from trail, I apologize in advance for typos!* Day 13: April 20, 2025 Location: The Desert Start: Little Bear

May 6, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
Magic on the PCT Day 10-12

Magic on the PCT Day 10-12

*these posts are coming straight from trail, I apologize in advance for typos!* Day 10: April 17, 2025 Location: The Desert Start: San Ysidro

Apr 30, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
Magic on the PCT Day 7-9

Magic on the PCT Day 7-9

*these posts are coming straight from trail, I apologize in advance for typos!* Day 7: April 14, 2025  Location: The Desert Start: Tentsite -

Apr 23, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
REI Half Dome 2 Tent Review

REI Half Dome 2 Tent Review

For many hikers, their first big gear purchase is a tent. Countless hours go into researching materials, weighing the pros and cons of freestanding

Apr 21, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
Magic on the PCT Day 4-6

Magic on the PCT Day 4-6

*these posts are coming straight from trail, I apologize in advance for typos!* DAY 4: April 11, 2025 Location: The Desert Start: Tent Site -

Apr 15, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
Magic on the PCT Day 1-3

Magic on the PCT Day 1-3

DAY 1: April 8, 2025 *these posts are coming straight from trail, I apologize in advance for typos!* Location: The Desert Start: CLEF/Mexico -

Apr 14, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister Review

REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister Review

It seems like common sense, but the Leave No Trace principle I see violated most frequently is Number 6: Respect Wildlife. Why? Because part of

Apr 10, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
Magic’s 2025 PCT Gear List

Magic’s 2025 PCT Gear List

The PCT marks my fourth long trail. I have previously hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Arizona Trail, and the West Highland Way. In between these

Apr 6, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith