Rachel Shoemaker

Hey y'all, Rachel aka "Dobby" here! I use she/her pronouns and hail from Western NC. I called NH home for a bit as well, which is where my adventures in backpacking began. In 2018, I hiked all the 4,000-footers in the Northeast (NE67) and in 2020, I started hiking the PCT but ended up having to pause that journey for the time being. I joined a friend over on the Colorado Trail instead, which was an excellent decision (would recommend). I returned to the PCT in 2022, and was finally able to fulfill my dream (but probably won't ever stop dreaming about it). I'm in Vermont now, studying at VLGS to become an environmental attorney. When I'm not buried in books or glued to my computer screen, you can find me out on the trails with my furry best friend, Lily. Happy adventuring and thanks for following along! :)

Posts

18 of The Trek’s Top Posts of 2022

18 of The Trek’s Top Posts of 2022

This year wasn't perfect by any means, but it was admittedly an improvement over the previous two years. Plus, our Trek Bloggers and Editors put out

Dec 28, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
How Long Does It Take To Hike a Mile?

How Long Does It Take To Hike a Mile?

Is the tune to "I Would Walk 500 Miles" currently ringing in your ears? Hopefully so, because it's a bop, and walking 500 miles sounds like a

Dec 12, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
Tommy Corey of Hiker Trash Vogue on His Ambitious New Photo Project “All Humans Outside”

Tommy Corey of Hiker Trash Vogue on His Ambitious New Photo Project “All Humans Outside”

Thru-hiker and photographer Tommy "Twerk" Corey wants everyone to know that they have a place in the outdoors. This theme will be front and center in

Nov 30, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
The Best Cyber Week Deals for Backpackers and Hikers

The Best Cyber Week Deals for Backpackers and Hikers

Black Friday’s extended encore, Cyber Week, is in full force. If you’re looking to upgrade your backpacking kit for the 2023 season, now's the time

Nov 28, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
24 of the Best Black Friday Deals for Hikers and Backpackers

24 of the Best Black Friday Deals for Hikers and Backpackers

It's Black Friday, which means it's time to add that piece of gear you've been eyeing to your shopping cart. We searched the web to help you find

Nov 25, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
19-Year-Old Hiker Found Deceased on Mt. Lafayette

19-Year-Old Hiker Found Deceased on Mt. Lafayette

Emily Sotelo, 19, of Westford, MA, was found deceased on the northwest side of Mount Lafayette in Franconia, NH at approximately 11 a.m. on

Nov 24, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
Melanie Vogel Completes Historic 12,000-Mile Trans-Canada Hike

Melanie Vogel Completes Historic 12,000-Mile Trans-Canada Hike

On Saturday, November 12, Melanie Vogel became the first woman to complete a continuous coast-to-coast-to-coast hike of the Trans Canada Trail,

Nov 17, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
Human Skeletal Remains Found Near Appalachian Trail

Human Skeletal Remains Found Near Appalachian Trail

Hunters discovered human skeletal remains near the AT in Moore Township, PA on Monday evening, according to Lehigh Valley Live. The site where the

Nov 16, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
How To Treat Your Hiking Clothes With Permethrin

How To Treat Your Hiking Clothes With Permethrin

True story: I once forgot to pack bug spray for a backpacking trip in the White Mountains of NH. It was my first-ever multi-day backpack, but that

Nov 3, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
Trek Readers Share Their Best Spooky Hiking Stories

Trek Readers Share Their Best Spooky Hiking Stories

A hiker awakens suddenly to the sight of a shadowy figure crawling toward them, and they try to scream, but there is only silence—and the thick

Oct 31, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker