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Jessica Porter

I'm a 2014 thru hiker trying to figure out how to navigate the real world from a fresh pair of eyes. I only planned on hiking from Springer Mountain to Harpers Ferry, but was still having a blast and decided to keep hiking. I learned what it meant to be a thru hiker on the fly and it was the best choice I ever made. I live very close to Harpers Ferry and am lucky to have the trail right in my backyard.

Posts

Gear Review: MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent

Gear Review: MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent

MSR's Hubba Hubba NX is easy to set up, spacious and lightweight--making my decision to switch from a single to a two-person tent easy.

May 21, 2015 : Jessica Porter
The Best Games to Play on the Appalachian Trail

The Best Games to Play on the Appalachian Trail

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail was the best experience of my life. However, that doesn’t mean the entire experience was great. When doing nothing but hiking for six months straight, you get intensely bored and there are times when your mind borders on insane. Check out a few of the games I highly recommend, as well as some terrible mind games to stay away from.

Apr 17, 2015 : Jessica Porter
The AT Guide vs. The Thru-Hiker’s Companion

The AT Guide vs. The Thru-Hiker’s Companion

When it comes to Appalachian Trail guidebooks, there are really only two options: The Thru-Hiker’s Companion by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and

Jan 19, 2015 : Jessica Porter
Giving Back: Volunteer for the ATC’s Corridor Stewardship Program

Giving Back: Volunteer for the ATC’s Corridor Stewardship Program

Maintaining the Appalachian Trail requires a ton of work, like painting blazes, creating steps, controlling erosion and building bog boards. But there is work that goes on just out of eyesight along the boundary between Appalachian Trail lands and the private property it sometimes runs next to.

Dec 24, 2014 : Jessica Porter
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Hiking the Appalachian Trail

The Emotional Roller Coaster of Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Aspiring thru-hikers should prepare themselves for an emotional roller coaster, and talk to other hikers when things get tough. Don’t deal with such a big decision on your own. Knowing that other people have similar struggles can keep you going.

Dec 10, 2014 : Jessica Porter
A Guide to Mail Drops on the Appalachian Trail

A Guide to Mail Drops on the Appalachian Trail

To send yourself a mail drop when hiking the Appalachian Trail, you can mail packages to a post office or certain hiker-friendly businesses.

Dec 3, 2014 : Jessica Porter
6 Important Backpacking Lessons Learned on the Appalachian Trail

6 Important Backpacking Lessons Learned on the Appalachian Trail

All backpackers make mistakes; I certainly did. Here's your chance to learn from mine. Make your own.

Nov 25, 2014 : Jessica Porter
10 Surprisingly Difficult Adjustments to Life After the Trail

10 Surprisingly Difficult Adjustments to Life After the Trail

Weird ways adjusting to life after the trail is difficult.

Nov 18, 2014 : Jessica Porter
From Thru-Hiker to Volunteer: How to Give Back

From Thru-Hiker to Volunteer: How to Give Back

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail makes you very thankful for the volunteers who maintain it. All it takes is a stretch of trail with very full

Nov 12, 2014 : Jessica Porter
Why Relationships Thrive on the Appalachian Trail

Why Relationships Thrive on the Appalachian Trail

One of the aspects of thru hiking the Appalachian Trail I was most excited about was all the people I would meet along the way. I heard stories about

Nov 5, 2014 : Jessica Porter