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

BRANWYN Essential Busty Bra and Essential Bikini Review

BRANWYN Essential Busty Bra and Essential Bikini Review

When I am out on the trail, the last thing I’m thinking about are my boobs. As someone who was not blessed with the gift of curves, I don’t have to

Dec 20, 2023 : Anna McKinney
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