Ashley Hill

I have suffered with depression on and off for years but recently came out of this severe low point with a brand new attitude to tackle hardships and live life to the fullest. This led me to attempting a flip flop thru-hike of the AT in 2017, making it approximately 700 miles before having to leave due to knee issues. I am hoping to continue LASHing the trail until completion. I grew up deep in the middle of nowhere in Virginia and have loved exploring more of my beloved Appalachian Mountains. I currently live in West Virginia and am often found wandering the Dolly Sods and other areas of the beautiful Monongahela National Forest.

Posts

Post-LASH: One Year Later

Post-LASH: One Year Later

I was heartbroken stumbling southbound through the wilderness of Maine knowing I had no choice but to re-enter "civilization."

Aug 27, 2018 : Ashley Hill
We Heard the Call, We Answered… Now What?

We Heard the Call, We Answered… Now What?

There is a particular day in every aspiring thru-hiker's life where we suddenly heard the call of the wild, or for me in particular, Katahdin's

Mar 5, 2018 : Ashley Hill
Farewell, For Now

Farewell, For Now

I am writing this during a four hour long Greyhound layover in New York City...too far from the trail for my taste. The sky has a sickly yellow glow,

Aug 7, 2017 : Ashley Hill
Smiles Over Miles

Smiles Over Miles

Approximately two hundred and fifty miles in to a flip-flop attempt and I am in a love/hate relationship with the Appalachian Trail. So much has

Jun 16, 2017 : Ashley Hill
Rollercoastin’

Rollercoastin’

It started sunny and bright...

Apr 30, 2017 : Ashley Hill
Completely Normal Last Minute Preparations Prior To A Thru-Hike…Right?

Completely Normal Last Minute Preparations Prior To A Thru-Hike…Right?

I am writing this late at night on my laptop from my parents' Appalachian farm. My black lab snoozes at my feet and I can hear owls hooting in the

Apr 20, 2017 : Ashley Hill
A Trek With A Purpose: To Spread the Magic Beyond the AT

A Trek With A Purpose: To Spread the Magic Beyond the AT

On Trail Magic, Hiking for Mental Health, and an Interview with Leo Walker

Mar 13, 2017 : Ashley Hill
On Letting Go

On Letting Go

I believe I've always hated it, the act of going to town. The incessant noise. The smoky smell of exhaust. And why is everyone in such a

Feb 27, 2017 : Ashley Hill
The Class of 2017: All Geared Up, Ready to Trek, and Here’s Why

The Class of 2017: All Geared Up, Ready to Trek, and Here’s Why

Katahdin and all of her sisters called out to us, screaming into our souls... and we can do nothing but helplessly answer, yes, we're coming

Jan 28, 2017 : Ashley Hill
Pre-Trail Life, Gear Thoughts, and Other Various Ramblings…

Pre-Trail Life, Gear Thoughts, and Other Various Ramblings…

Let's talk about pre-trail life for a minute. I mean really get down to the honest, gritty, details. As in all of those late nights spent in front a

Nov 29, 2016 : Ashley Hill