Lauren Heller

Hey there! My name is Lauren, and I'm a 25 year old Upstate NYer now living in the Rockies. By profession, I'm a civil engineer. By passion, I'm a hiker, biker, skier, tortoise mother and of course, backpacker. My previous thru-hikes include the Long Trail and the Northville-Placid Trail. The woods have been calling me home for an Appalachian Trail thru hike attempt, so follow along as I provide updates from the trail!

Posts

The Big, Bad, Whites

The Big, Bad, Whites

For the previous 1800 miles, I’ve heard nothing but scary, scary things about the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I was given advice to cut my

Sep 20, 2026 : Lauren Heller
My Top 5 Tips for Having Visitors on the AT

My Top 5 Tips for Having Visitors on the AT

I’ve had 4 different visitors join me during portions of my thru-hike. Having friends and family join can be both exciting and daunting. Exciting

Sep 13, 2026 : Lauren Heller
Trail Update: Connecticut Challenge

Trail Update: Connecticut Challenge

You’ve heard of the Half Gallon Challenge. You’ve heard of the 4 State Challenge. You’ve heard of the Moosilauke Dress Challenge. But have you ever

Sep 12, 2026 : Lauren Heller
What I Eat in a Day on the AT (+ My Favorite Backpacking Recipes)

What I Eat in a Day on the AT (+ My Favorite Backpacking Recipes)

Hiker food gets a bad rap. Yes, we eat way too much sugar and the same processed foods over and over again, but it’s a crucial component of a

Jul 26, 2026 : Lauren Heller
My Top 3 Highest Highs and Lowest Lows as I Reach Halfway

My Top 3 Highest Highs and Lowest Lows as I Reach Halfway

Reaching the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail feels strange. I’ve accomplished a lot by walking 1,100 miles, but I’m also sad to be halfway

Jul 4, 2026 : Lauren Heller
Trail Update: Shenandoah

Trail Update: Shenandoah

By the time I reached Shenandoah, I had heard plenty of opinions about the park. Some hikers loved it, others said it was one of the more forgettable

Jun 14, 2026 : Lauren Heller
Sleepmaxxing on the Appalachian Trail

Sleepmaxxing on the Appalachian Trail

Sleep is an incredibly important part of any thru-hike. Mental, emotional, and physical challenges can all be made easier by a good night’s sleep. As

Jun 9, 2026 : Lauren Heller
Was It Worth It? Trail Days as a Thru-Hiker

Was It Worth It? Trail Days as a Thru-Hiker

Before beginning my hike, I debated attending Trail Days, the annual Appalachian Trail festival held in Damascus, Virginia. I’d either have to time

May 21, 2026 : Lauren Heller
Trail Update: Roan Highlands

Trail Update: Roan Highlands

The Roan Highlands are one of the most anticipated sections of the Appalachian Trail. Spruce-fir forests, grassy balds, and incredible views are just

May 7, 2026 : Lauren Heller
Are the Smoky Mountain Shelters Really That Bad?

Are the Smoky Mountain Shelters Really That Bad?

As I leave Smokey Mountain National Park, I’ve been thinking about how the experience compared to everything I heard beforehand: “Be prepared to

Apr 28, 2026 : Lauren Heller