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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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









