Advice

Sassafras’s 5 Big Regrets From Her Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike

Sassafras’s 5 Big Regrets From Her Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike

​Discover the top 5 lessons from Sassafras's Appalachian Trail thru-hike, including budgeting pitfalls, solo river crossings, and the importance of foot and ankle preparation. Gain valuable insights to enhance your...

Apr 24, 2025 : Jess
These Are the Biggest Reasons Hikers Didn’t Finish the Appalachian Trail Last Year

These Are the Biggest Reasons Hikers Didn’t Finish the Appalachian Trail Last Year

Every year, thousands of hopefuls set out from Springer Mountain or Katahdin, dreaming of completing a full thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.  Yet the sad reality is that a significant...

Apr 23, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Thru-Hikers Consistently Say These Are the 7 Best Sections of the Appalachian Trail

Thru-Hikers Consistently Say These Are the 7 Best Sections of the Appalachian Trail

In the latest installment of the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, 389 respondents shared fresh insights into their overall trail experiences — including their favorite sections of the AT. Once

Apr 9, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Graupel, Park Rangers, and Pastries

Graupel, Park Rangers, and Pastries

Day 1 on trail started with a pit stop for an espresso on the way to the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center where I said goodbye to Diogenes in his...

Apr 7, 2025 : Starfish
Peaks of the Balkans: 114 Unforgettable Miles in the Albanian Alps

Peaks of the Balkans: 114 Unforgettable Miles in the Albanian Alps

I had the privilege of hiking the Peaks of the Balkans trail last September, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. This 114-mile loop includes stages...

Apr 7, 2025 : Kelly Floro
A Surprising Bucket List Item I Had No Idea About

A Surprising Bucket List Item I Had No Idea About

I was raised fairly conservatively. I suppose that's the reason I can count on one hand how many times I've actually been skinny dipping Ironically, all 4 times have been...

Mar 26, 2025 : Starfish
7 Apps You Should Download Before Your Next Hike

7 Apps You Should Download Before Your Next Hike

So, you’ve downloaded FarOut, Gaia, Goat Maps, AllTrails, or some other mapping app that’ll keep you from walking in circles for six months. Great! But what about the times when...

Mar 26, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Fall 7 Times, Stand up 8

Fall 7 Times, Stand up 8

If you happened to read thru my bio, you'll see that I completed my first thru-hike in 2012 - a Southbound hike of the Appalachian Trail. What you don't know...

Mar 25, 2025 : Starfish
You’re Probably Extinguishing Your Campfire Wrong — and There Could Be Legal Ramifications

You’re Probably Extinguishing Your Campfire Wrong — and There Could Be Legal Ramifications

When I think back to childhood camping trips, I remember the soft glow of fireflies, the crisp night air, and the comforting warmth of a crackling campfire. Never once did...

Mar 18, 2025 : Katie Jackson
33 Bucket-List Hikes You Can Do in a Long Weekend

33 Bucket-List Hikes You Can Do in a Long Weekend

Sometimes you just want to go for a good backpacking trip without having to quit your job or leave your entire life behind. I've handpicked shorter backpacking trails from every...

Mar 17, 2025 : Katie Jackson