Michelle Hand

Hi! My name is Michelle and I'm a 2015 NOBO Appalachian Thru-Hiker. I first set foot on the Appalachian Trail two years ago and spent my first week in the wilderness. It was one of the most liberating weeks of my life - I knew I had to go back. Two years later I'm finally about to live my dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Not a day has gone by since I haven't thought of being back out there. Here we go! www.michelletheresehand.com

Posts

H20 to Go: 10 Tips to Backcountry Hydration

H20 to Go: 10 Tips to Backcountry Hydration

Backcountry Hydration Filtering water takes the F out of Fun, but it needs to be done. It's incredibly important to not only have clean water, but

Sep 19, 2015 : Michelle Hand
The End and A New Beginning

The End and A New Beginning

It's been two weeks since I took my last steps on the trail. I miss it everyday. I'll admit, my biggest fear has yet to happen. I thought I would

Sep 13, 2015 : Michelle Hand
Home Stretch, Wild Climbs

Home Stretch, Wild Climbs

(Author's note: I typed this all up on my phone so please pardon any typos for now! I just wanted to get it all published when I could :)

Aug 13, 2015 : Michelle Hand
White Mountain Majesty

White Mountain Majesty

I am in love. Well, I've been in love this whole time. I've been in love with the pine trees, the sunsets, the rocky peaks and every inch along the

Aug 7, 2015 : Michelle Hand
It’s About the Smiles and the 500 Miles – Marion, VA to Harpers Ferry, WV: Part 1

It’s About the Smiles and the 500 Miles – Marion, VA to Harpers Ferry, WV: Part 1

Firebone Campsite Our plan was to shuttle into Marion to resupply and then get back out to continue hiking. But first, we needed a refuel at

Jun 3, 2015 : Michelle Hand
Blood, Sweat & Tears: Hot Springs, NC to Damascus, VA

Blood, Sweat & Tears: Hot Springs, NC to Damascus, VA

Hot Springs, NC Hot Springs is one of the few towns along the Appalachian Trail where the AT runs through the main strip of the town. The

May 5, 2015 : Michelle Hand
Gettin’ Stinky

Gettin’ Stinky

Day 8 It was finally time to take a zero day. We finished our hike on a beautiful day up to Dick's Creek, 11 miles outside of Haiwassee. At first,

Mar 27, 2015 : Michelle Hand
Pre-Trail Fails and Other Tales

Pre-Trail Fails and Other Tales

Day -1 Megabus sucks. I caught my bus at 11:45 Sunday night from Chicago to start the 13 hour ride to Atlanta. Uh, yeah. That didn't

Mar 18, 2015 : Michelle Hand
52 Pick Up… Gear Edition

52 Pick Up… Gear Edition

My Appalachian Trail Gear List With less than 12 days (is this real life) until I climb a bus and ride to Atlanta, I decided now would be a good

Feb 24, 2015 : Michelle Hand
The Pre-Trail Blues

The Pre-Trail Blues

What about the feels before the trail? We've all heard about post-trail blues. Before we even start the trail, we come to expect and accept that we

Feb 20, 2015 : Michelle Hand