trail magic

Opportunity to Help Trail Angels Who Lost Everything in Paradise Fire

Opportunity to Help Trail Angels Who Lost Everything in Paradise Fire

Pay it forward. Be kind. A little help can brighten someone's day. Long-distance trails like the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail and the tradition of trail magic on them...

Dec 18, 2018 : Laura Johnston
A Return to Writing as Grief Evolves

A Return to Writing as Grief Evolves

About four years ago, I made my debut on the Appalachian Trials blogger page, with fiery optimism and about zero experience. I posted, irregularly at best, while I "prepared" to...

Dec 12, 2018 : Christine
Post-LASH: One Year Later

Post-LASH: One Year Later

I was heartbroken stumbling southbound through the wilderness of Maine knowing I had no choice but to re-enter "civilization."

Aug 27, 2018 : Ashley Hill
You Can Do Trail Magic, You Just Have to Do it Right

You Can Do Trail Magic, You Just Have to Do it Right

It’s no mystery why hikers in the midst of a grueling long-distance journey love trail magic. Whether you’re having a great day or feeling ground down, hot, cold, tired, or...

Jun 4, 2018 : Clay Bonnyman Evans
Meet Maria, a Comforting Angel for Weary Hikers

Meet Maria, a Comforting Angel for Weary Hikers

There are many trail angels between Georgia and Maine, but only one Maria McCabe.

May 15, 2018 : Evan Johnson
Irma Affects Home, Crossing Into New Hampshire, Mile 1800

Irma Affects Home, Crossing Into New Hampshire, Mile 1800

Pictured: Killington's Thundering Falls   Trail Magic x 10 I've crossed into New Hampshire but not before seeing some of the most abundant trail magic sections ever. As

Sep 17, 2017 : Jeremy Gottschalk
Farewell, For Now

Farewell, For Now

I am writing this during a four hour long Greyhound layover in New York City...too far from the trail for my taste. The sky has a sickly yellow glow, piles...

Aug 7, 2017 : Ashley Hill
The Gift of Two Black Eyes

The Gift of Two Black Eyes

Ask almost any former thru hiker what they didn't expect when they first started their hike and almost every one will say something like, "The trail restored my faith in...

Jul 3, 2017 : Deane "Roo" Giordano
All in a Day’s Hike

All in a Day’s Hike

Imagine that you've been hiking since dawn. It's now mid afternoon, and your feet hurt. Your clothes are dripping with sweat. Your legs, which you'd thought were strong, have felt as...

Jun 16, 2017 : Gail Barrett
Hiking Amnesia: Impressions from a Mid-Trek Break

Hiking Amnesia: Impressions from a Mid-Trek Break

Thru-hiking is a lot like childbirth.  The minute it’s over you forget the pain, you forget the misery of scaling mountains with a heavy pack strapped to your back.  You...

May 17, 2017 : Gail Barrett