Kate Riley

I'm Kate "Big Catt", a backpacker, runner, and writer. If the trail keeps going, I want to see what's next. That's what led me to hike southbound on the Appalachian Trail in 2022. I currently enjoy working for a local running store in Western New York and writing about outdoor recreation. Other adventures include the Foothills Trail, Niagara Falls to Pennsylvania along the Fingerlakes Trail, and the Northville-Placid Trail.

Posts

AT Hikers: 9 Thru-Hiker Approved Ways To Tackle the White Mountains

AT Hikers: 9 Thru-Hiker Approved Ways To Tackle the White Mountains

The 104 miles of white-blazed trail in the White Mountains National Forest of New Hampshire is hyped for a good reason. This area is managed differently than the rest of the AT to focus on forest protection. While we’re all thru-hiking for some Type-2 fun, being prepared to navigate the Whites during your Appalachian Trail thru-hike can make the journey certainly less stressful. Whether you are a thru-hiker or section hiker, approaching from the north or south, the advice provided is to flip any logistical stress into excitement about this stunning section of national forest.

Mar 8, 2023 : Kate Riley
12 Favorite Gear Picks for the Appalachian Trail

12 Favorite Gear Picks for the Appalachian Trail

Finding quality backpacking gear doesn't have to be stressful. Here are 12 favorite items I used while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Jan 23, 2023 : Kate Riley
Southbound: The Days Before and After Springer Mountain

Southbound: The Days Before and After Springer Mountain

On November 17, 2022, I completed my southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. A walk from Mt. Katahdin, Maine, to Springer Mountain, Georgia.

Dec 11, 2022 : Kate Riley
Springer Mountain is All Too Close

Springer Mountain is All Too Close

The day I crossed the Appalachian Trail northbound 100-mile marker at Albert Mountain fire tower in North Carolina (100 miles left to hike,

Nov 15, 2022 : Kate Riley
Monson to New Hampshire

Monson to New Hampshire

After finishing the 100 Mile Wilderness going southbound, our small group (ranging from 3 to 12 people) reached Monson, Maine on June 18, 2022.

Jul 13, 2022 : Kate Riley
Mount Katahdin and the 100 Mile Wilderness

Mount Katahdin and the 100 Mile Wilderness

Leading up to my thru-hike start date, 80% of my mind was focused on the hike up Mt. Katahdin to reach the northern terminus of the Appalachian

Jun 22, 2022 : Kate Riley
3 Most Asked Questions as I Prepared to Thru-Hike

3 Most Asked Questions as I Prepared to Thru-Hike

When it came to discussing my plans to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, three questions were always asked unrelated to gear or miles.

Jun 1, 2022 : Kate Riley
30 days to go; mindset and recovery

30 days to go; mindset and recovery

If everything goes as planned, I’ll be on the Appalachian Trail (AT) Southbound (SOBO) within the next month. Here is what’s on my mind these days.

May 18, 2022 : Kate Riley
SOBO or NOBO on the AT? The Choice That Shapes It All

SOBO or NOBO on the AT? The Choice That Shapes It All

NOBO or SOBO on the Appalachian Trail? Here are my considerations for what that will shape the experience of an upcoming AT thru-hike.

Mar 12, 2022 : Kate Riley
2022 Plans for the AT

2022 Plans for the AT

This summer I'll be turning 30 and I've starting to question everything. Where better to soul search than hitting a 2,190 mile trail?

Feb 13, 2022 : Kate Riley