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Natalie Nicols

Hey there! I’m Natalie. My dad Mark and I (Hunger Pain and Glam Girl) are setting out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail February 28. Born and raised in the Western Maine Mountains, the AT has always felt close to home. I grew up exploring New England via hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and running with my dad, family, and friends. We are beyond grateful and excited to have the opportunity to thru-hike the AT this year. My blog will explore daily reflections from the trail (including the highs and lows), nutrition, and what fuels us to keep trekking. Follow our journey along!

Posts

Days 93-95, wet conditions before entering the Gateway to the Whites

Days 93-95, wet conditions before entering the Gateway to the Whites

Day 93: Today was a grueling day. It was tempting to zero but we have a nice weather window coming up for the Whites and want to make sure we hit

Jul 8, 2025 : Natalie Nicols
Days 89-92, Completing VT and entering NH

Days 89-92, Completing VT and entering NH

Day 89: We woke up too late to see the sunrise, but that’s okay because last night’s sunset was unbelievable. We had our breakfast on the balcony

Jul 6, 2025 : Natalie Nicols
Days 85-88, Entered Vermud and a spectacular family weekend

Days 85-88, Entered Vermud and a spectacular family weekend

Day 85: We had a lovely breakfast at a local diner in North Adams this morning. The rain continued on today. It was a a soggy and muddy day. It was

Jul 1, 2025 : Natalie Nicols
Days 82-84, feeling sluggish one day to a 30 miler in a nor’easter the next day

Days 82-84, feeling sluggish one day to a 30 miler in a nor’easter the next day

Day 82: Nice day in Mass. We hiked 25.7 miles. Hiked the last 10 miles with Bridges. It was fun to hear all of his stories and it made the time

Jun 29, 2025 : Natalie Nicols
Day 81, 1500 miles, Connecticut complete and entering Mass

Day 81, 1500 miles, Connecticut complete and entering Mass

Day 81: About two miles into today’s hike my dad noticed a tick embedded in his left upper thigh region. The tick wasn’t engorged, but was certainly

Jun 26, 2025 : Natalie Nicols
Days 75-80, completing NY and a zero day in NYC

Days 75-80, completing NY and a zero day in NYC

Day 75: Easier terrain today. We had a shorter day of about 17.5 miles. We stopped at Bear Mountain Inn and spent the night there. We had a great

Jun 9, 2025 : Natalie Nicols
Day 73&74, entering NY

Day 73&74, entering NY

Day 73: Today was a great day. Epic weather, some nice views, and an easy start. We had a beautiful boardwalk. Right after the boardwalk once we got

Jun 3, 2025 : Natalie Nicols
Day 71&72, soaking rain, my dad overcoming hardship, and pushing North!

Day 71&72, soaking rain, my dad overcoming hardship, and pushing North!

Day 71: Woke up to heavy rain. We had a short walk to the common area at the AMC. We ate a protein filled and delicious breakfast. My dad owns an

Jun 2, 2025 : Natalie Nicols
Days 68-70, bye PA, hello NJ!

Days 68-70, bye PA, hello NJ!

Day 68: We slept great in the bunk room at Lookout Hostel. We had breakfast before heading out. A group of section hikers made a breakfast pizza and

May 29, 2025 : Natalie Nicols
Days 66 & 67, hit 1200 miles, and a low point

Days 66 & 67, hit 1200 miles, and a low point

Day 66: Aside from the morning, today was a washout. A true soaking rain. We were happy to do 22 miles today given the weather. Just before arriving

May 25, 2025 : Natalie Nicols