The Trek Bloggers

Hailing from the hills of Missouri. I am a nerd at heart. I love video games, reading, and television. The thing I enjoy about these past times are the stories, the adventure, and the lessons learned along the way. I've found that hiking and backpacking have helped me to actually live out some stories of my own and so here I am!

Hi! I’m Ainsley, but on trail I go by Gone. I perfected the art of the french exit, and running up hills Kate Bush style, while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2023. Since then I’ve been working seasonally as a naturalist and hiking guide in places like Alaska and the Sonoran Desert, writing a lot, counting down the days until my CDT attempt. Follow more of my hiker trash adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gone.hikes

Geology professing, ultrarunning, nordic skiing, fatherhood/husbandry, PCT class of 2025

Hi! My name's Ali and I'm from Hillsborough, New Jersey. I grew up spending summers camping along the east coast with my brother and parents, which kickstarted my passion for the great outdoors. I studied Dance and English at Muhlenberg College, earning my Bachelors and moving to Chicago in 2019 to pursue a professional dance career. In 2022, my boyfriend and I moved out west to chase the adventurous lifestyle, converting our Honda Element and living in Monterey, California. We moved up to Bellingham, Washington in 2023 and have been living here and loving it ever since. We can't WAIT to attempt our thru hike of the 2025 PCT and hope you'll follow along on our journey!

Hi there! I'm Allie, and I'm attempting a NOBO thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2025! This isn't my first time backpacking and it isn't my first time setting out on a 6+ month adventure (bikepacked through South America in 2019), but it's my first time combining the two! Excited to see what this next journey holds. Thanks for following along with my Trek blogging! Also feel free to join me on Instagram @allielyrica

Hey I'm Andrew. I am a 22 year old from West Virginia with a dream and a gap semester. I just finished my undergrad degree in December 2024, and now I am going to squeeze in an Appalachian Trail thru-hike before I head off to law school in August 2025. Now is the best chance in my life I could have to thru-hike, so I hope I can make it to Mt. Katahdin before I need to go back to school.

Hey there! I’m Anna, a west coast native with a passion for long trails and type 2 fun. My husband and I are lacing up our trail runners to attempt to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. I’ve spent years exploring the Pacific Northwest, including the Wonderland Trail ('22). My blog will share daily stories from the trail, reflections on what fuels my journey, and the realities of thru-hiking with celiac disease. Whether you’re fellow hiker trash, an armchair adventurer, or someone curious about gluten-free trail life, follow along!

I choose a word to inspire my growth each year. This year my word is adventure. From 2019 to 2021, my word was brave. Clearly, I struggled to grow into THAT word. Since I was a child, I dreamed of sailing. But I had been living in the grip of fear. In 2021, I wriggled painfully out of fear's grip by learning to sail a Hobie 14. I was brave in many other ways in 2021, but bravery was fun on the days I learned to sail. Pain and fun can walk hand it hand. Hikers know this, ask our feet. I came to hiking via hunting as a child with my dad, granddad and great-granddad. I had no idea it was hiking until I went on my first hike in Amicalola Falls, Georgia with Bill. I dropped him off at the start of the Appalachian Trail, and his plan was to hike the full trail. My take away from that momentous hike: hiking is hunting without the guns. Two weeks later, I went from hike one to hike two up Blood Mountain with gusto. At the top of Blood Mountain on a wide, flat rock overlooking the most beautiful view I had seen in my life, I decided I was going to hike the Appalachian Trail. From that moment until now, Bill and I have been rearranging the pieces of our life to accommodate this commitment. And now, we are ready for the joy and the pain of hiking the entire 2,197.4 miles of the AT.

Hi! My name is Bettina, I’m from Austria and I'm tackling my dream of a NOBO PCT thru-hike in 2025. For anyone curious about this exciting adventure, whether you know me personally or are just looking for some PCT-related content, I hope to be able to virtually take you on this journey with me.

G'day. My name is Brandon, and I will be a NOBO thru-hiker on the PCT in 2025. After 14 years of working with a software company I co-founded, I decided 2025 was the year to go on a 'walkabout' which the Aborigine define as "a short period of wandering bush life as an occasional interruption of regular work." In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my yellow lab, answering the call of the mountains, practicing yoga, and unleashing some creativity in the kitchen. I look forward to sharing my adventures on the PCT with you this year.

Mom in an empty nest, ex-science technician, translator to be, the trail will help me make the transition real. Walking home to my cute little house on the stream. Vous voulez lire mes aventures en français? walkthewoods.net

Hi! My name is Britt (aka Cloud on trail). I am a former 6th grade teacher and current ski instructor and seeing where life takes me (er). I am thru-hiking the Continental Divide trail with my partner which is my grandest adventure yet! My other thru-hiking adventures include the John Muir Trail (2022), the Wonderland Trail (2023), and the GR54, Alta Via 1 and Tour du Mont Blanc (2024). I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to hike this (very!) long trail and excited to experience what the trail has to offer.

Hi! I'm Cam (they/them)– or "Peebz" the Peanut Butter Prophet if you happen to catch me as I thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2025! As a Queer and Trans Southerner, this thru-hike is about exploring what it means to redefine home and championing "Queer Joy in the Woods" with every step I take.

Kia ora, I'm Carter from Aotearoa, New Zealand. My favourite things—books and Buddhism—involve a lot of sitting, so walking long distances is an indispensable physiological counterbalance. In 2022, my best friend Ned and I walked the Great Divide Trail in Canada. In 2025, my girlfriend Grace and I will be attempting a thru-hike of the PCT.

I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in '21 and deferred Physical Therapy school in order to do so (hence the trail name). Over the past 3 years, i’ve fulfilled my more domestic dreams of becoming a PT, but now it's time to re-enter the woods to appease the feral voices in my head. To the CDT I go!

Hello, I’m excited you found my page on the Trek! I’m a 23-year-old Hiker/ Surfer. I fell in love with hiking at a young age after a hike in the Smokies. I hiked MT Whitney and Rim to Rim as a teenager. I’ve recently been pulled into the long-distance hiking world. I’ve been working seasonal jobs and doing #vanlife (I know so cliche) the past 2 years. I just finished the Benton Mackaye Trail. My summer plans include the Oregon Coast Trail and the Colorado Trail. I really enjoy sharing my thoughts and Photos with you all! Instagram@ chase.roberts99

Hi, I’m Chloe or “Chickpea.” I love long hikes + long savasanas. I'm from Halifax, Nova Scotia, but I've been travelling the world full-time since 2023. I’ve hiked all around the world — including the PCT, Colorado Trail, Sunshine Coast Trail in BC, Manaslu Circuit in Nepal. I've just thru-hiked the West Highland Way in Scotland and the Fisherman's Trail in Portugal back in March & April. Follow me on IG for more adventures! @itsmechickpea

After 30 years in Corporate America; taking a sabbatical to attempt an AT thru hike (NOBO). While by no means a thru hiker, my love of the outdoors and the AT have brought me here. I thought blogging this journey would be a good way to memorialize my thoughts and experiences.

My name is Molly aka Crayon. I am a teacher in North Carolina. I have completed the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia which accumulates to 1026 miles. I’m going to finish the AT. I look forward to sharing my hiking adventures and meeting new people.

Hey I’m Golden, or Cynthia Olsen when I’m not thru-hiking. I’m hiking the Appalachian Trail this summer of 2025. I’ve lived Oregon in for thirty years and hiked all over the west, but this will be a very different experience. Come along as I try to get my Triple Crown.

Hi, I’m Dani. I am 37 years old and hiking the Continental Divide Trail heading southbound from Canada to Mexico. I expect the trip to take about 5 months. I have previously hiked the Arizona trail (AZT NOBO Spring 2025), Appalachian Trail (AT 2024 NOBO), and John Muir Trail (JMT NOBO Summer 2021). If you see me on trail you will know me by my trail name “JOY”. I will be sharing my experiences here. Thanks for visiting!

After decades of no backpacking an abrupt life incident forced me back into the woods for some shinrin-yoku where I ran into a NOBO tramily at Shuckstack Fire Tower. That started an idea of a longer term forest bath on the AT. What a long strange trip its been. Any financial donations I get will be used to send out love to other thru hikers a trail magic.

Hi! 👋 I'm Justin (Dr. PuddinLove on trail) and I'll be attempting a 2025 NOBO thru of the AT. I'm a professional photographer from Atlanta, GA, and will be schlepping some of my gear along with me to make photos and record interviews with folks along the way. As a visual storyteller, I don't do words too good, so I hope that you enjoy whatever it is that I post here!

Hey, I'm Eddy, also known as "Late Start"! I thru hiked the AT in 2025 (as a stinky purist). If you have any concerns, or would like something rescinded, please reach out to edward DOT d DOT li AT gmail DOT com

Rocket engineer, knitter, hiker. Attempting a 2025 PCT thru hike and excited to share my (mis)adventures!

Hi, my name is Emma! I will be hiking the AT NOBO starting in early May. I fell into the Appalachian trail and thru-hiking rabbit hole in 2023 and have been dreaming of one day completing my own thru-hike ever since! Now after a well timed lay-off I will be attempting my own hike. Excited to share my journey, follow along here or on my instagram @emhikes.

I've spent the last 53 years doing all the things I'm supposed to do, so now it's time to do a few things that most people would say I shouldn't! I'll start my 2025 AT thru-hike in my home state of Virginia this April. To offset some of my mom-guilt over doing this deeply indulgent thing, I'll be raising money for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in their 100th year! Here's the link to donate.

After graduating high school, I walked out of the back door of my family home with the goal of walking from Kansas to Denver. Instead, I hitchhiked across the U.S. a few times. Eventually I landed in California for a few years where I sold flowers as a street vendor, roamed the Bay Area, and made friends with the Moonies. They wanted me to join, but I wasn't a good fit. One of them "gifted" me a jalopy car which failed the CA smog test. Making the car CA legal was expensive, so I hit the road again until the engine blew out. Eventually, I found my way to Europe and the backpacking life. After Europe, I signed a lease in the states and slowly fell into the standard American life until COVID and fate's twists and turns sent me to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2022. Since summiting Katahdin I've also hiked the Long Trail in 2023, the Camino Frances in 2024, and the AZT+CDT in 2025. I'll be releasing weekly articles on the CDT until finished. Later this year, Ice Cream and I will be on the Camino Del Norte and the Tour de Mont Blanc, which I'll write up once those hikes are complete.

Hey! My name is Hatie (she/her), and it has been my dream to hike the PCT since I was in middle school. I am hoping to fulfill that dream this summer as I take a gap semester after I graduate high school to attempt a SoBo hike. I have lived my whole life in Berkeley CA, and have been backpacking since I was 6 years old with my parents and siblings, all around the Bay and the Sierras and many areas around the country. Through my blog posts I aim to record my planning and my adventure, for my benefit and for those I know and don't know who may be interested. I also hope to promote a perspective by young people, especially women, that I have rarely seen in my research, to inspire them to take risks and follow their dreams.

I am an aspiring Thru Hiker for the 2025 hiking season. I am looking to hike the Appalachian Trail from the Southern Terminus to the Northern Terminus.

My name is Sara, trail name "Sonic." I am hiking the Wonderland Trail and the Tour du Mont Blanc. I'm all about ultralight, cats, and peanut butter. Here to share my love and experience for all things hiking!

I love the outdoors, food, and college football, and I’ll be thru-hiking the PCT in 2025. I have synesthesia, I love the band U2, and I once thru-hiked the JMT in sandals (would not recommend). I’m a published author in the field of New Testament and I’ll be heading back to school to work on my PhD after the trail.

I just graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and am thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2025! I decided to thru-hike the AT in 11th grade and have been planning this for seven years. I did my time in school and now have my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from one of the most rigorous technical universities in the country. I am stoked to spend five months of my life outdoors traversing the Appalachian mountains this year! Follow me on Instagram @themountainengineer

I’m Jen! In 2025 I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail SOBO to complete my Triple Crown. I hiked the Appalachian Trail NOBO in 2024 and I completed the Continental Divide Trail SOBO and partly solo in 2021. I also hiked the John Muir Trail plus Mt. Whitney in 2022. Join me on my journey!

I’m Jenn, and I’ll be attempting a flip-flop thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2025. My friend Keith and I plan to start from Harpers Ferry, WV sometime in late winter. I hope you enjoy reading about my adventure this year!

Hi everybody! I’m John - Trail name "Oatmeal Tea" ( https://thetrek.co/day-17-trail-name-and-big-bear-lake-2/). With some time on my hands over the winter, friends suggested I go on a longer backpacking trip. With my kids grown and my body still mostly functional, that idea evolved into my plans to attempt a NoBo PCT thru-hike in April. I’ve never backpacked more than two weeks at a time, but I’m curious to see how my years of experience hiking, camping, trail running, and backpacking (leading outdoor youth groups) translates to a thru-hike. When not outdoors, I’ve spent my M-F life as a computer software engineer, working on things like the Hubble Space Telescope and teaching forklifts to drive themselves. I look forward to my journey into the woods and sharing it with you.

Howdy! My name is Josh and I'll be hitting the PCT going NOBO in March 2025. I'm a lover of hiking, exploring outdoors, botanizing, eating a lot, and finding cool bugs. My background is in environmental restoration, botanical field work, and scientific illustration. I'm stoked to have this opportunity to explore more of my home state of California (and beyond!), and to share these experiences with this community. Check out my iNaturalist page to see all the critters and creatures I find along the way.

My name is Julie (she/her). I live in Minnesota. I am excited to do my first thru-hike, on the PCT, in the spring of 2025 along with my husband, Bob. :)

My name is Rogue and this year I'm a Continental Divide Trail thruhiker. I've hiked the PCT, OCT, S. TA, TCT, TRT, and HST and previously worked for public lands as a wilderness and/or hydrology technician. During my CDT hike I'll be raising money for Doctor's Without Borders via GoFundMe. You can follow my journey here and on Instagram. Cheers!

Oh hi, you find yourself reading my bio. Fun thing about me is I’m a big goof. I like to laugh and bring out smiles amongst those around me. I’ve decided to do this massive experience known as the PCT! Here you will see what happens during my weekly endeavors on trail

Hi! I'm a brit in the US, and first time thru-hiker. I'll be hiking North-bound with my Husband Roo, and setting off in late March. We're from Norwich, England and we're so excited to get going and share our hiking highs and lows with you all. We’re always careful to say that we’re going to TRY to hike the AT, because we’ve no idea how we’ll do or far we’ll make it! But we're looking forward to experiencing the simple life of the trail as well as the kindness we have heard so much about, and spreading a little bit of love along the way too. IG: lauraestherwells

Hi, my name is Livvy (she/her) and my trail name is Stumbles. I've spent the last several years exploring and thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (2018), Pacific Crest Trail (2022), and Continental Divide Trail (2024), and then the AT again in 2025! I hope to do many other thru-hikes and adventures over the next few years. Follow along on here or on my instagram, @livvyweld for updates on my journeys. :)

Born in the shadows of New England’s mill towns, M. Bardamu has worn many hats—chef, artist, writer, musician, wanderer—all of them weathered, none of them a perfect fit. He’s walked deserts, climbed mountains, and followed the whispers of the sea, chasing horizons that vanish as soon as they’re found. He’s a nobody, but not in the way people think—more a ghost of the in-between, slipping through cracks where life gets real. He eats books like meals, hums songs that never end, and wears the dust of countless roads like a second skin. His grip is always packed, ready for the next story, the next mile, the next something. Open to creative mischief, strange roads, and whatever comes next.

Hey there! My name is Megan/Catato. I'll be attempting a thru-hike of the PCT in May. My Hiker Trash journey began in 2020 when I completed the Colorado Trail. I have The ADHD, which is why I thrive when I'm long-distance hiking. When I’m not on a trail, I’m a traveling Speech Language Pathologist with a special interest in NeuroDiversity-affirming therapy and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). I’m also a proud cat mom of two lovely ladies - Izzmund the 3rd (Izzy) and Rizozos (Zoey). I can't wait to hit the trail and take you along for the ride! If you want to follow me after my PCT hike, my Substack is: mnhantz.substack.com

Hey! Megan aka Bear Slayer (don’t ask, but for the record I’ve never slayed any bears, or anything else for that matter), your resident Brit hiking the PCT. After a few trial runs on the Camino de Santiago, the GR221 and the Long Trail (RIP all the cartilage in my knees) I’m going to try and apply my dubious backpacking skills to make it to the Canadian border. If you like hiking content from a hapless newbie with an accent (which won’t translate via the written word) then you’re in the right place.

I am a middle aged park ranger who lives on a tiny, very remote island in the South Pacific Ocean. Now, I understand that I'm not really selling my thru hiking credentials with that sentence! But I assure you, that despite my age, gender, single status and difficult training environment (a complete circumnavigation of my island lasts exactly 32 km), I do really, truely, absolutely LOVE long distance hiking! I've walked a lot of walks over a lot of years, particularly within Australia. This year I'm branching out and heading on my first truely overseas adventure - The Scottish National Trail! I'm excited to share how it goes, and maybe encourage others who are in a similar time of their lives to get out there and give it a go! The feeling of being a full blown superhero, capable of anything, is just one of the reasons I love this amazing gift of a sport.

I'm Noelani aka Mint Trip a PCT flip-flop thru-hiker in the class of 2025. I am originally from Hawai'i and currently reside in the Bay Area, California.

Hi I'm Monica. I live in the UK and am a multi-day hiking novice. I love the sea, the Winter Olympics, and eating dim sum. As for hiking, I started (shortish) with the West Highland Way in Scotland in May 2025. And then switched countries to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail in late summer 2025. Read my posts to see what happened.

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!

Hoi! I'm originally from the Netherlands but currently living in Denmark. I have various European hikes on my resume and feel most at home on trails above the Arctic Circle. This year I'll head of north again, this time to thruhike the Artic Circle Trail in Greenland.

Oliver has been itching to complete a thru hike and get a trail name for many years, satisfying himself with shorter objectives while his children grow up. He has completed the Boreal Trail in Saskatchewan (2021), the Northern and Long Range Traverses of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland (2023), part of Section B and all of Section C on the Great Divide Trail in BC and Alberta (2020, 2021), the Labrador Footpath in Newfoundland (2022), and a bunch of shorter overnights in BC and Alberta. Oliver is an active duty chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces, and will be taking on a thru-hike of the Arizona Trail in March, 2025 after completing a 100 mile section in 2024. In addition to blogging his time on trail, he will be producing trail videos (youtube.com/@untakentrails) talking about the the trail and touching on the intersection of thru-hiking, mental health and spirituality.

Hi, I’m Paige and this is Dude. I’m a 30-year-old human, he’s a 5-year-old dog. I was teaching exceptional children at an elementary school and working at a climbing gym while Dude was taking naps at home. I’m thru hiking the Appalachian Trail and he’s hiking a section. We both love long walks in the woods and munching on tasty snacks while admiring a scenic view.

We are a couple from the Czech Republic who decided to leave our careers behind and embark on the biggest adventure of our lives—the Pacific Crest Trail. Patrik is a marketer, and Adel is an architect. What connects us is our love for nature, the freedom of simply walking forward, and the joy of living in the present moment. Throughout our journey on the PCT, we plan to create content and share our experiences—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

I’m a 29 year old thru hiker who has walked over 22,000 miles over the past handful of years. In 2017 I attempted my first thru hike ever, out on the PCT. I completed 1,300~ miles in between semesters of college. Then went back in 2022 and hiked the entire trail over again. The following year in 2023 I hiked the entire 5,600 mile eastern continental trail. Which stretches from Key West, Florida all the way to Newfoundland, Canada. When I completed that trek, I became the 2nd woman in history to hike the entire trail. In 2024 I completed my thru hiking triple crown, after completing the CDT. Then in 2025 I became the 1st woman in history to complete the "border to border" calendar year triple crown. When I finished, I decided to continue hiking for the rest of the year, completing 10,070~ miles in 2025. More miles than any other woman has ever hiked in 1 year and just shy of the men's over-all mileage record as well.

Hi, I’m Rebecca from Louisville, Ky. I’m thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail starting late April 2025. The last year has been a big one for me – my only son graduated high school and joined the Marine Corps, I entered midlife with a number of trips around the sun that rhymes with shorty, my dad concluded his travels on this Earth, and I sold my house and resigned from a marketing job where I led a team of over 20. What better way to face my latest existential questions than a good, long trek in the woods? A writer at heart, it seems fitting to share this adventure, though I have a feeling it will be hard to do the experience justice with words. I’ll do my best! I’ll try not to philosophize too much, but I can promise plenty of self-deprecation and being overly precious about moments of awe.

Ryan “KidzMeal” Gallagher was born and raised in The Woodlands, Texas where he fell in love with the outdoors while achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America). Seeking to make a career out of studying the natural world, Ryan attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned a bachelor's degree in Geography in 2018 with the plan to work in water conservation. While there, Ryan also helped found the Longhorn Outdoors Club to find others to camp with and create an avenue for future students to connect with the outdoors. After college, Ryan struggled to find meaningful environmental work that would pay the bills, so he pursued work as a GIS Analyst and took advantage of every opportunity away from the office to explore the vast landscapes of Central and West Texas. Despite these short trips, he still felt a nagging urge to get outside and reconnect with the outdoors community. So in March of 2023, he sold half of his belongings, moved into storage, and thru-hiked the 2,198 mile Appalachian Trail. While on the trail, he fell in love with the thru-hiking dirtbag lifestyle and (more importantly) his sweetheart Anna. Ryan met Anna at mile 344 on the porch of Uncle Johnny’s where he didn’t give her a hard cider because he “didn’t know her” and they have been hiking together ever since. After the Appalachian Trail, Ryan and Anna moved in together, along with Ryan’s grumpy 40-something-year-old Three-Toed Box Turtle (Boxy) to an apartment in Seattle, Washington so that they could have unparalleled access to the Pacific Northwest’s incredible public lands. Despite spending the last year climbing volcanoes, exploring islands, and hiking through old-growth forests, both Ryan and Anna have felt the persistent urge to return to thru-hiking. So on March 22, 2025, they set off to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and successfully completed in on August 25, 2025.

Hey, I’m Sarah and this spring I plan to hike the PCT with my partner of ten years, Dan. We’re fairly new to multi-day treks and we’re being ambitious attempting the PCT, a thru-hike over four times the length of our home country, England. Needless to say we’ll be learning on trail! Please feel free to support us by following along as we navigate the ups and downs of life on the trail.

I'm Juliette 35 y/o Jewish gal from England, living nomadically since 2017. Michelin trained chef, professional beer pourer, wanderer, dreamer, world traveller. Walked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022 in search of adventure, mountains and to fall in love with myself. Thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2024 because life simply hasn’t made sense since the PCT. Excited to be FINALLY starting NOBO on the CDT end of April!

Hey, I’m Slinky. I fell in love with hiking on the Wonderland Trail in 2010 when after five days, I didn’t want to go home! A few major life changes later, I hiked the Arizona and Colorado Trails in 2017. I’ve LASHed most of the CDT, over half of the AT, and the Washington PCT. I’ve also done short treks in the Himalayas and Mont Blanc. The Great Divide Trail has been calling my name for several years, and this year the planets have aligned! I feel most alive, in the extreme landscape and weather of the mountain west. I hope you follow along, and maybe become inspired to create more adventure in your life. If you want to read about my previous hikes, they are on Postholer.com at wfo50+. More pictures on Instagram at Slinky_Hikes

Hi everyone! I'm Isabel aka Spaghetti (she/her) and I'm currently hiking the Camino de Santiago via the Northern Route in Spain! I was born and raised in North Carolina and will always think of it as home. I recently finished graduate school and will be starting my career in the fall. I'm doing my best to take advantage of this time between finishing school and a dream job by traveling, connecting with family & friends, and now hiking the Camino! Thanks for joining me on this journey <3

Howdy y'all. Starfish checking in for hikertrash duty. I'll be attempting several thru-hike adventures this season starting with the Arizona Trail, followed by a LASH (long *cough* section hike) on the Pacific Crest Trail (Truckee, CA - the WA/OR border), and saving the best for the last: the Pacific Northwest Trail which I am super stoked for! My HikerTrash journey began in 2012 when I completed the Appalachian Trail southbound. When not on trail I’m a rising star in a field I'm falling more and more in love with: massage therapy. I'm fascinated by fascia and grateful that I get to live out my childhood dream of helping people. I’m also a proud big sister to 4 crazy siblings & Aunty/Godmomma to my niece and nephew. I can't wait to be on trail and in my element with y'all along for the ride! If you want to keep up with me after my shenanigans this year, I'd be honored; give me a follow on insta @starfishhikes. Never stop exploring. Embrace the suck. I. Believe. In. YOU. ily <3

Hi All! My trail name is Stevie Wonder (he/him) and am excited you found your way to my page on The Trek! I'm a 36-year old hiker and explorer of wild places. Prior to 2019, I lived my entire life in West Michigan when, after going through a divorce and needing a change, I stumbled on to the Pacific Crest Trail. Since that first thru-hike, I have found my trail legs and have lived a somewhat nomadic life, altering my career path to include seasonal land stewardship jobs working on public lands in Utah, Alaska, and in Yosemite National Park! I also completed the Continental Divide Trail in 2022 and have snuck in some smaller treks throughout the years too. I love documenting adventures through journals and photos feeling it creates a connection I wouldn't otherwise have with folks living all over the world. My past stories are posted at wanderingstevie.com and I just started a YouTube channel (@stevie.g.wonder) with a few videos too. I'm excited to join The Trek to bring y'all along on my biggest journey yet... The Eastern Continental Trail!!!

Since 2021 I've fallin in Love with thru-hiking with my first leap of faith the PCT. Since then I've hiked the Colorado Trail(22), The Appilachian Trail(23), and The Arizona trail(24). Join me as I attempt my triple crown trail The Continental Divide in all its hardship, beauty, and glory.

My name is Elayna, trail name "To-Go", and in 2025 I thruhiked the AT.

My name is Tom. I've hiked the 48 New Hampshire 4,000 footers and I've thru hiked The Long Trail in 2024. I'll be attempting the Colorado Trail in the summer of 2025. This will be my first time out west, hiking outside my beloved New England bubble. I hope to show that a father of two with a 9-5 career can put in big miles and chase passions in the outdoors.

Hello! My name is Zoe. I have hiked the Long Trail in '20, the Appalachian Trail in '21, and the West Highland Way '23. And now, I am off to my next adventure! I am excited for you to join me on my Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike in 2025. I begin my trek on my 24th birthday, which is mid-may :) This time around, my goal is to document weekly. I will be focusing on the geology, the flora and fauna, and perhaps my self growth.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back outside...Showstopper is back to break hearts and maybe his hips as he and his husband hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Showstopper and the former 'Orange Blaze' met whilst thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019 (and even involved a little Trek Blog stalking before we came face to face at Trail Days. The hiker formally known as 'Orange Blaze' got pink blazed by Showstopper, and soon followed a long distance relationship through a global pandemic, 90 day fiancé (without the TV show), and a tiny beach wedding in Maine. Now we set our sites on once again hiking across the USA, with no idea what to expect!

Hi y’all! My name is Alex/Birdie and I am passionate about the outdoors and love to share my passion with curious readers such as yourself! I have successfully thru hiked the Appalachian Trail as well as the Camino De Santiago (Frances)! I continue to grow in my relationship with nature and long trails. I am in a new season of growth and am working on getting onto another long trail (or 2) by the end of the year!

I am Alice, 22, from Italy. Trail name Icy. PCT class of 2025. In the real world, I am a university student, in the backcountry, I am an enthusiastic hiker. With this blog, I hope to share my stories and inspire other people to let their fears go and get on the trail. If you want to practice some Italian, you can do it by reading my personal blog. https://yukisfootsteps.com/

Hi! I'm Terri (she/her). I use the maiden names of my grandmothers for my art and writing (Alix Cove). My old Camino trail name is "Half Shell," but I think there’s room for improvement there. I'm a home birth midwife, an artist, and a mother of four magnificent grownups. I walked the Camino de Santiago (Frances) in 2013, but otherwise have only done much shorter, occasional day hikes and backpacking trips: Buckskin Gulch & Paria Canyon, Pictured Rocks, Apostle Islands, Canyonlands Needles, Coyote Gulch, Glacier, RMNP, Ice Age Trail sections, etc. In 2025, I attempted the Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne (HRP), aka "Pyrenean Haute Route" solo, but quit part-way through. This year, I’m heading to the JMT.

I'm Blaze! This year I'm linking back to my 2024 SOBO Continental Divide Trail miles in northern Wyoming, starting NOBO. Maybe some repeat Montana miles in there too, who knows! I have over 4,000 miles of backpacking experience—thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023, and the Uinta Highline Trail in 2022, with a LASH of the PCT in 2019 as well.

My name is Platinum (or Annie) and I am an AT 2022 thru-hiker and PCT 2023 thru-hiker! I am currently prepping and planning for a SOBO Direttissima for summer of 2025 and the CDT for a SOBO start in 2026! With lots of little adventures in between!

Antal Bokor is a retro game collector, Chicago-based game journalist and co-founder of CultureCombine.com. He’s also a video game historian and US Army veteran. Antal’s a Trekkie, a musician, a great cook, and some people believe he’s actually a bear in a man-suit. He also owns and operates his own small electronics repair business where he restores video game consoles to their original splendor. He’s wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail since he was a kid, and will be setting out in March of 2025 to accomplish that goal.

Greetings! I am Arwen, bonafide flower child and now middle-aged mum. Yes I was named after an elf, and like the fair folk am a lover of mountains, rivers, and all things green and growing. Lifelong hiker and camper, but first-time backpacker. I am thru-hiking the A.T. to figure out where I go from here now that all of my children have grown up.

After 6 wonderful years of college and summer jobs spent in the north woods of Vermont and Maine, it’s about time I get around to hiking the PCT (a dream of mine since high school). Lucky for me my husband will be tagging along and we're excited to share our experience with you all.

Hi, my name is Bryce. I'm hiking along the Appalachian Trail Spring/Summer '25. I call New Orleans home and can often be seen playing music. This will be my first 4 digit hike and I couldn't feel more grateful.

Hey y'all! My name is Carson (they/them), and I'll be thru hiking the PCT in 2025. I also thru hiked the AT in 2021. I'm super into ultrarunning, caving, backpacking, and writing. I have a zest for life and am grateful for another opportunity to go on a long distance hike! I'm excited to share some of my PCT adventures, preparations, and general trail thoughts with you, both here and on my other socials (YouTube and Instagram, both linked!). Stay tuned for more :)

Average vegetable. https://instagram.com/magic_celery

Hello, my name is Charles Argast. Having grown up in Calgary Alberta, with the towering Canadian Rockies crossing the horizon, I have grown to appreciated the spirit of adventure and have sought it out in some of the most rugged and remote places. After completing my first thru hike on the CDT in 24’ I decided to continue my long trail journey onto the PCT this year. Follow along if you want to find out how I got the trail name “Extra”.

Sola peregrina: trails & lists. Trails so far: AT, LT, NPT, Appalachian High Route, Camino Primitivo, OTL, most of the FT (still working on it by section). Lists: the NH 48, Winter 48, the White Mountain Grid, a White Mountain Direttissima. Attempting to thru-hike the Northeast 115 this summer, NOBO (list? trail? perhaps both...). Mother, grandmother, friend. Staving off the years by walking in the woods, teaching middle school boys, and ingesting a steady diet of K-dramas. Check out my other content on walkwithme413.org.

Hi 👋 I'm Yardsale. I'm hiking the Great Divide Trail in support of the ethanmurryfund.org to raise funds and awareness of mental health programs in North Idaho. Thanks for following along as we challenge body and soul along some of the most challenging terrain and stunning scenery I have ever witnessed.

Hi I’m Elspeth! I grew up in NC but I have spent the past 7 years living and studying in Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and now Germany. Whilst my study/work life at the moment is not the most conducive to long distance hiking, whenever I have a a few days off I am known to vanish into the hills. Longer solo treks include the West Highland Way and the Hebridean Way in Scotland, and the Kungsleden in Sweden. I look forward to bringing you along on my adventures on some of the lesser known European trails :)

Hey everyone! My name’s Roadrunner but most people call me Roadie. This year I’m hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with my partner. I always carry a film camera with me into the mountains, haven’t found a sour candy I don’t like, and may or may not get very hangry when I skip a meal.

Hello! My name is Erin and I am thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail! I am currently living in Bellingham, Washington and work as Special Education Teacher. I am a passionate and determined individual who loves supporting youth and outdoor recreation. If you are interested in learning about the PCT, thru-hiking in the future, or reading a solo female thru-hiker's experience, I encourage you to follow my blog!

Hey! I'm Ethan and I'm I will be on the PCT this year. I'm a lentil and sandal enthusiast, and I sure do enjoy a good walk.

Hi! I'm Eva. I like to walk. The further the better. I've done the PCT and TA trails and not intending to stop. My trail name is Pine Nut. I'm nuts about pines. I love their smell, I like to hug them from time to time and I am trying to grow a giant redwood from seed back home.

Yo! I’m Finn, 20 years old from Columbus, Ohio. This year I’m tackling the Arizona Trail, my first long Thru hike. When I’m not backpacking, you can find me snowboarding, drinking Yerba Mate, rock climbing, and attempting to get my pack as light as possible. I’ve spent the last year working for a conservation corp in California, sleeping in a tent, and working in the backcountry. After trail, I’ll be working at a Marina in Oregon. I have interest in hiking the Sierra High Route and TDMB in the future. Follow along with me on my adventures!

Professional academic moonlighting as an outdoorsy hiker girl. Besides hiking, I read a lot, and book trips with ill regard to my PTO. You're welcome to catch me here on the Trek, as I blog my upcoming hike on the Foothills Trail, and to check out my personal blog: https://notanotheroutdoorgirl.substack.com/

I'm a long time outdoorsman with my main passions being backpacking and skiing! I got my start in backpacking as an Eagle Scout before tackling the AT in 2021! I'm setting out on the PCT this year and hopefully will be sharing my experiences with all of you. Follow me here, on my Instagram Georgekindahikes, or my youtube George Gristina!

Hi!! I'm Gray (she/her) I'll be hiking the AT in 2025!

Long time reader, first time writer, Harmony is coming to you from the PNW on the Wonderland Trail. No stranger to sleeping in a tent, Harmony has over 1200 miles on the AT, PCT, and CDT. This year finds her hiking with a group of veterans who hail from all over the US as part of Team RWB. Team RWB is a 501c (3) organization, a community of veterans, service members, military families, and supporters, united by teamwork, shared values, and a common goal. Follow along as she captures her adventures, misadventures, and dehydrated food choices using a slate and chalk.

Hi there! I'm Haven — a professional goofball, connoisseur of Nerds Gummy Clusters, and aspiring northbound AT ’25 thru-hiker! I tend to be a little frenetic about books, the woods, snails, and hope. Having grown up in the shadow of Mount Katahdin, it is no wonder that after a childhood of picking out her proud spine on every car ride to the "big city" of Bangor, I would feel an immense sense of longing for the woods and waters that gently carved themselves into my soul. For the last few years, I have traced the smile lines of New England's highest peaks with wandering feet and a grateful heart, biding my time until I could breathe life into my greatest dream — taking a very (very) long walk home. Thanks for being here!

My name is Indra and I am hiking the Pacific crest trail this year. I hiked the PCT in 2016, Georgia to Damascus on the Appalachian trail In 2018, Damascus to Harper’s ferry AT in 2019, Harper’s ferry to Delaware water Gap AT in 2021, Delaware water Gap to Glenclif NH AT in 2022 and have also thru hiked the Arizona trail in 2021. My trail name is Trash Panda… because I like snacks… I am a professional Vegetarian chef and also a yoga teacher and have been practicing meditation practices for the last 30 years. I find the long distance hiking has some of the same experiences of mediation. I live in a small community in the cascade mountains of Oregon with my partner and have lived on this land for about 14 years in total. We recently moved back here after a devastating wild fire in 2020. Hiking the pct is a healing journey.

Hello there, Trekkers! I‘m Ines, also known as Poptart on the trail, your girl from Austria, and in 2025 I’m thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I love sunsets and naming all the flowers I pass while hiking. While I had my fair share of climbing mountains in the Alps, my longest trek (in terms of consecutive days) so far has been one week - a far cry from what the AT is! This will become the adventure of a lifetime. I’m truly excited for all the highs and lows the AT can throw at me, so hike along with me to discover the wonders and pains that makes a thru-hike.

Hi, I'm Isabelle, a 25-year-old from the UK. After 7 months travelling across Asia, New Zealand and South America, I took on the Pacific Crest Trail—my first ever thru-hike. I completed the 2,650-mile trail in October 2025, while managing a pre-existing injury. Follow my journey at @goneforawalk__!

Hi there! My name is Izzy Jankovich, which recently changed to The Light while I was on trail. I'm a poetry appreciator, hardcore music enthusiast, outdoor guide, and I'm still trying to figure my way through this life. Currently that has brought me to attempt the GR21 and Skye Trail. I'm glad we could meet here!

Hi all! My name is Jackson O'Connell and I am walking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2025. I am an accountant putting my career on pause to pursue my dream of hiking the PCT. I love to ski, hike, and generally just be outdoors. Feel free to follow along.

Hey there! My name is Jacob Eldred or Vibes on trail. In 2024 I completed a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail and now in 2025 I plan to thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail! With family in Colorado, I am excited to visit them on trail and share this beautiful experience with them while working towards completing my second trail for The Triple Crown!

An older (68 and wish I was wiser), fiddle-player, farmer, author and now blogger/hiker. As I write this, 2 weeks to kick off and I still haven't figured out which hammock to take with me to sleep in! I just started hiking this last year and since I live in the Shenandoah Valley, I was able to knock out a few miles before I head south to GA, where I learned just enough to know what I don't know. You are more than welcome to join my learning curve!

Hi 👋 I’m Jamie! I’m a robotics researcher/electrical engineer who loves to travel (I did my master’s across Europe, Asia, and the US). I also love robots. 🤖 But even more than that, I love food! So hopefully I can figure out some trail meals besides tortillas and peanut butter. If I do, I’ll let you know.

I’m Whistles, a generalist species of the outdoors with thru-hiking as my muse. I am interested in finding the outer limits of my comfort zone, and after hiking the PCT, Ouachita Trail, and several international trails, I have yet to find them. Walk with me in 2025 on the Uinta Highline, the Colorado Trail, and the Arizona Trail for some classic American West introspection.

My Urban name is Jerry. My Trail Name is CrampPa. I am a chronologically gifted 69 year old Grandpa from Minnesota. I am coming off the IR (Injured Reserve) List and am intending to pick up the PCT at mile 1155 (Donners Pass) where the fires of 2024 and my chronic knee injury finished my hike last year. I will be starting out in late June, and am so grateful that my partial knee replacement and rehab has progressed to allow me to pick up where I left off and continue nothward to Canada. Thank God for the extra innings!!!!!! I'm really looking forward to getting back onto the trail. This is a bucket list dream of my 17 year old self that my wife is graciously supporting. Needless to say; I'm stoked! Thanks for following my Blog and maybe you have a lingering bucket list item it's time to consider pursuing......

Hi, I’m John Kriz (AlphaGal). Some just call me Kriz. 2024/25 will finally be my time to attempt a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Starting SoBo late 2024, I made it 220 miles before the weather stopped me. I’ll resume my journey in February, this time NoBo. Eight years ago, for our 25th wedding anniversary, my wife and I decided it would be fun to summit Mount Washington. Afterwards, we continued to hike different sections of the AT and since then, I’ve become serious about completing the whole thing. I’ve completed just over half…but I CRAVE the day I can just keep hiking. 2024 coincided with my retirement, and the opportunity to just keep hiking until I’m done. Somewhere along the way, I was bitten by a Lone Star tick and I became severely allergic to red meat and dairy, a condition known as Alpha-Gal allergy. Seven years later, I believe I’ve finally grown out of it. So, 2024 was also a celebration of recovery…and with it, opportunity for a new trail name. Looking forward so much to the journey and sharing it with you.

Hey all! Im Jt and this spring Im planning on hiking the MA midstate Trail as well as Rhode Island's North South Trail. Last year I thru-hiked the Long Trail and New England Trail. On paper I want to blog every few days on the thru hike but it may be a bit more spaced out then that. Outside of hiking Im really into reading (philosophy), 90s rock, and a good movie. Happy trails!

I'm Jubilee, a 33-year-old from Puerto Rico. This year me and husband are attempting to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail NOBO. I've been dreaming of thru-hiking the PCT since I discovered its existence around 2018. After an attempt in 2022, I've been asked if I plan to do the whole thing one day. I always answered: "Maybe...someday" until I started answering "Actually...this year!". I hope you follow along as I share my experience.

I am attempting the JMT beginning in Mid-August. Despite 45 years of backpacking and dreaming of a hike longer than eight days, this will be my first thru-hike. The JMT has been on my bucket list since I was 16.. In 1981 as an ignorant, hubristic teenager, I hitchhiked across-country and showed up at Sequoia NP in early March requesting a permit for a weekend route up to the JMT. I’m sure you can imagine the ranger’s eye roll and muttering. I was provided a safer route to around 9000 ft where I slept on packed snow (no sunglasses). I clearly remember the sense of exhilaration at being in the pines and the snow in sight of all that granite. Now 62, and having struggled with knee injuries and longer recovery times in recent years, hiker mortality is massing for me like clouds at the pass. It’s go now or risk not going at all. Having said that, it may seem strange that my goal is to resist the call of miles as much as I can. What I want most is to explore round the bend, dry on a rock after a swim beneath a cliff, watch hawks glide, read and listen to coyotes as moonlight floods the tent. Again and again. Old school romanticism. Perhaps the gravity of scree fields and sleet and beetle ravaged trees will beat it out of me. I sincerely hope not. I plan to go slow as the amount of food I can carry allows. And yes, I will bring sunglasses. Pronouns: he/him.

My name is Justin also called Uncle Iroh, or Iroh on the trail. I attempted a thru hike in 2023 but old military wounds got in the way up in New Hampshire so I had to call it quits before things got worse. What my hike did do was help me change course in my life and now I'm in school for nursing. There are plenty of shorter hikes I plan on doing between now and my next attempt at one of the "Big Three." for 2025 the goal is the BMT (Benton MacKaye Trail) follow me on my adventures!

My name is Kate I'm a 33 year old kiwi. I completed my first thru hike on the PCT NOBO in 2019. In 2023 I completed the CDT NOBO. In 2025 I have plans to hike the AT NOBO and then bike pack the TAT. I don't care what anyone says, marmite is an elite spread and it's better than peanut butter and Nutella.

Greetings! I'm Tom Kaczmarek, a.k.a. Kazanobo (Kaz-a-NOBO...get it?). I'm a proud husband and dad, section-hiking my way to Katahdin before I turn 50. Thru-hike: Long Trail 2016 | Adirondack 46er #10276 | Section-hike: AT 2023 - ?

Canadian mountain goat ultra runner now embracing the #disconnecttoreconnect of the backpacking/thru hiking world!! Excited to see where this journey takes me including the beautiful spaces, shenanigans, and the cool people I meet along the way!!

Hey all! I'm Kiley and am stoked for my first thru-hike ever in 2025: The Pacific Crest Trail! After working as a park ranger for the National Park Service for the last six years, she is excited for this summer's adventure. From working as a wilderness ranger in Yosemite, to a wildlife technician in North Cascades, and an interpretation ranger in Glacier, she is a naturalist, a lover of public lands, and her favorite place to be is outside (preferably at an alpine lake, with Clark's nutcrackers calling). She is hoping to share everything she can about the landscapes she will be walking through this summer, to help connect people to our earth and have a deeper appreciation for our natural world. Kiley is a lover of landscapes and little moments, of multitudes and wild spaces, of vast openness and the details on a single pinecone, of cliffs that look like they have been painted onto the sky, and of bees buzzing from tiny flower to tiny flower. She is a lover of the wholeness and complexity of this earth, and how each piece of nature plays a critical role in the grand scheme of life. Some of her favorite books are Braiding Sweetgrass, The Sun is a Compass, and Journeys North. Feel free to follow along on my Instagram at @topo.wanders !

I’m a Canadian long-distance backpacker, content creator, and public speaker chasing adventure! I’ve lived all over the world and in 2019 became obsessed with thru-hiking. Nearly 10,000 kms later, I’ve hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, Hexatrek, and the Te Araroa. Stick around to learn more about how to get started on your own adventures.

Hey there! My name is Levente (Leftover) and this year I’ll be tackling the 800 miles of the Arizona Trail going northbound. An avid backpacker, I also love to watch soccer, run, bike, drink IPAs, and do any outdoor activity. After thru-hiking the PCT in 2021, I fell in love with the adventure and lifestyle of thru-hiking. I’m a firm believer of if there’s a will there’s a way, so before life gets too serious, let’s hit the dirt !

Yes, my name is Lies. But please pronounce as 'lease'. Or better yet: call me Nutcracker. The trail name I earned on the PCT in 2022. I am a Dutch thru-hiker that is always ready to go on a next adventure and that loves to write about the wonderful things that can be found out there, and maybe inspire others to just take that leap and go for it. After all: now is the time! This year, I'll be tackling the 800-mile Hayduke Trail through Utah and the Grand Canyon. Follow along, if you dare... I will share my adventures here, and write about all things hiking related on my own blog. Also, if you're looking for more hiking stories: my book on the PCT will be released in February: Six Million Steps - On the Pacific Crest Trail

Hey everyone! My name is Lilith Quinlivan (she/her/hers), and I'm an aspiring NOBO thru-hiker tackling the AT! This page will follow me and my partner, Ian. I grew up in a family that loves to camp, and after going to almost every recreational area Alabama has to offer, I'm ready for the challenge. Last year Ian and I worked with 4 national Forests within the southern region during a year of service with Americorps. I am excited to have y'all follow us on this journey!

Hello inquisitive reader of my bio page! My trail names are Avalanche Lily (Wonderland Trail CCW ‘24) and Delight (PCT NOBO ‘25). I'm just a wild flower wandering about various trails. This summer, I'll be making my way towards Canada via the Pacific Crest Trail. I hope you will join me on my journey.

Hi! I’m Lisa and I’ll be completing a Flip-Flop Appalachian Trail Adventure beginning in April of 2025 with my sister-in-law Kim! We have been planning our 2025 Appalachian Thru-Hike since 2022, and we can't wait to get hiking. Join us as we RV our way through the Appalachian Trail. Kim and I will be hiking, while Gary, my husband and Kim’s brother, will be providing trail support and resupply. We will take ZERO days to help him move the Rig to the next campground, and then we'll be back hiking the white blazes. Do we know if this is going to work out perfectly? We do not. Do we know if we will find campgrounds for the RV close enough to the trail to offer trail support? We do not. Do we know if we are going to master the timing of hiking and moving the RV to said campgrounds? We do not. WE DO KNOW that we're going to have quite the adventure trying to figure it all out! We hope you’ll follow along. Follow us on Instagram @chasingthere_rv

Hi, I'm Mamacita Whiskeylegs –or Layla off-trail. Growing up in Switzerland, my love for hiking and mountains has just always been a part of my life. Since the tender age of 11, I've been dreaming about a long trail. Finally, in 2023, the timing was right, and I thru-hiked the PCT NOBO. Unsurprisingly, I absolutely loved it and decided to turn my life upside down to be able to get back on trail. I'm starting my SOBO CDT journey in July and looking forward to sharing the experience with you.

Hello fellas, I'm out and about to go for the adventure of a lifetime by attempting a NoBo Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail starting in March 2025. I have always wanted to do a multi-week long distance hike eversince my early 20s and now with turning 30 years of age this year I say enough of lame excuses! So far the longest hike I have done was a 5-day "Thru-Hike" of the infamous Wicklow Way in Ireland with tent and rations only but two wonderful friends who were unfortunately forced to quit due to horrible blister attacks on day 2. Besides the heavy effort of course, the simplicity of caring all of life's necessities on your back being able to experience this beautiful world on foot by walking through hundreds of miles of gorgeous nature and meeting interesting people along the way sounds like an opportunity that I definitely would not want to miss out in my life. Stay tuned for blog posts to come where I will try to put my experiences of this adventure into suitable words. So long, happy hikin'!

Howdy! I'm Mary (she/her), a writer and hiker heading NOBO on the Appalachian Trail in 2025! I'm an experienced hiker and have logged miles around the world, but this will be my first thru-hike! My hiking companion is a little stuffed pig named Grapefruit, and I hope you join us for all of the highs and lows of life on the AT. Find me on Instagram @mary.kueser. Happy Trails!!

Hi! Mountain Mama, here, so named by my daughter and thru hiker inspiration. Took off on the Colorado Trail after Covid, (not even sure I would make it) to celebrate 5 years in remission from cancer! Now I have the bug....and took a recommendation from one of my CT buddies and took on the John Muir Trail the summer after the highest snowfall AND when the hurricane hit. Some folks call me crazy...... My newest idea is to hike the CDT state by state, (inspired by another CT friend !) while also finishing the Benton MacKaye Trail bit by bit. I'm slow, but I just keep walking.......

Megan was born and raised in Georgia (USA) and always has had a love for travel and all things outdoors. She would take her first backpacking trip in college and that was it - she was hooked. Since then, she has been exploring trails all over the world - from backpacking in Colorado to hut-to-hut hiking Italy. She is excited to thru hike the Appalachian Trail in 2025, starting in her own backyard! She is excited to have you here for some of the adventure!

Hello! I'm Mic. This spring I am retiring from a career in water and starting a grand thru hike adventure on the Appalachian Trail with my daughter. I grew up in Minnesota packing in and out everything we needed to enjoy the amazing Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness every summer with my family. Now I spend time hiking and biking trails in the upper midwest including the Maah Daah Hey Trail in ND, and kayaking the rivers and lakes.

Hi! I'm Mikhayla, Babylegs on trail. I'm a Norcal gal with some chronic autoimmune diseases hiking the PCT this summer. I'm a nurse by profession, and a lover of hiking, skiing, camping, and general lollygaggin' in the outdoors. Hiked the Long Trail and 1,000 or so miles of the AT in '22 and the NPT in '23, with many smaller pack trips through the years. Welcome to journey!

Backpacking is my favorite thing to do on the planet! Some of my previous hikes include the PCT 2021, O Trek in Patagonia, LASHes of the AT, and the Teton Crest Trail. Follow along as I head from Denver to Durango on the Colorado Trail this year.

Munk (like Funk)! I’m a writer and hiker from the East Coast, making my way to Maine this summer. I write about spirituality, hiking, mindfulness, music and film on my Substack, “From what I’ve gathered”.

Nellie plans to hike, hop, trudge, stumble and boogie her way from Denver to Durango on the Colorado Trail! As a former trail worker and constant public-lands-enthusiast, she is excited to immerse herself in Rocky Mountain scenery before she moves out of state for graduate school in the fall. This hike is her walking “love letter” to Colorado’s public lands.

Nina grew up in the South African wilderness roaming barefoot beneath sunny skies, in awe of earth’s wonders. She was a high-school drop-out who traded the classroom for a yacht skipper’s qualification and started working on private yachts in the Mediterranean at 16 years old. This was the ultimate ‘university of life’ that led her into various culinary, viticultural, spiritual, and artistic pursuits around the world. She eventually navigated back to formal education and defended a Doctorate in Philosophy in 2015. Nina is the founder of a yoga travel and adventure experience business - inretreat.co. In 2025 Nina and her husband Chris will be hiking the PCT! Follow Nina on IG @nina.btlr @inretreat.co

Hi/Bună! We are an American Romanian couple living in Durham, NC. We love life and each other, we love our kids, human and furry, we love our family and friends and really, everybody. We hike, we hug trees, we camp, we bike, we practice yoga as a system and learn everyday to find the good and beautiful in everybody and everything. We just retired and are ready to start our first trek, NOBO on the AT.

I'm Owen Harries, a college kid hiking on a budget and a dream. This summer I'll be attempting to complete the Superior Hiking Trail, starting from the old southern terminus at Martin Road. I'm a big fan of eating M&Ms and flashing a thumbs up in every single selfie I take (it's a reflex at this point). I hate heights but love views. Can't wait to get out there!

I'm Sebastien, aka Passtrek, from France. During my year in Africa and another in Asia working in educational programs, I've had so many adventures on my hikes there that this year I've decided to take time to tackle my dream: cross America from Mexico to Canada, through the Wild West. Follow my adventures on Instagram (@Passtrek), from Arizona to Montana, via Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho!

Paul (pt) from NZ orginally, but been living in UK for 20 years. Heading home to do the TA (Te Araroa) in November 2025 to reconnect with my home country. Used to be a lawyer, but now a teacher, and taking a sabattical after getting married in October, to head down under in November. Done a ton of hiking in the UK now, 3 peaks, Yorkshire 3 peaks, Many walks in Peak district (Hope Valley), country walks with pubs close to London may times, Capital Ring 4 times, London Loop twice. Head to French Alps to hike each summer, and did the TMB last year. Climbed Kilimajaro many years ago. Looking forward to documenting the journey this year.

Hi, I´m Philipp from Austria. 31 years old and a dreamer, a "hopeless" chaser of my goal to finish the Pacific Crest Trail. You might wonder why? Well, I have started the PCT in 2019, made my way up to Shelter Cove where a stress fracture forced me to stop. My dream...? ...over for this year, but not dead! From the best time of my life in total freedom straight into lockdowns. I tried again in 2023 from Shelter Cove, but my body got beaten by the snow, and I had to give up again. So... 3rd time's the charm! I will again start from Shelter Cove towards Canada, this time wiser, more relaxed and even more motivated to meet the amazing people that make this trail so special. If you want to be part of my journey, take my hand and follow me on this blog!

Instagram @lilbit.hippie Full time nomad and van lifer. Outdoor Guide- climbing, canyoneering, rafting, hiking, backpacking and more. Appalachian Trail 2021. Camino de Santiago Del Norte/ Primitivo 2023. Colorado Trail 2022/2024

Hello there! My name is James (He/Him/His)! I’m a therapist with a passion for adventure therapy, blending the outdoors with personal growth. Ever since I was 16, I’ve dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail, and now it’s finally happening! Originally from Utah, I thrive in the mountains—whether it’s skiing, hiking, or just soaking up nature with good friends. I’m excited to meet new people, form a trail family, and check this lifelong goal off my bucket list. Let’s hit the trail!

Hi there! I'm Myllene aka “Ranger”, and I am currently hiking the PCT. Brazilian living and enjoying the outdoors in Washington State. I love it here! This is my first long distance hike, and I love it so far! So, thanks for following along. You can also find me sharing random stuff on Instagram @whileiexplore. Happy Trails!

Hey all, I'm Becks! I'm a stay at home, homeschooling mom of seven amazing kiddos. Avid outdoor lovers, spending thousands of hours outside per year. this year we are attempting a thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Hi; I'm Rolf (it's Norwegian). I'm a volunteer trail patroller for several state and local Colorado parks, and I love hiking and backpacking. After a 34-year hiatus I've resumed long-distance backpacking in my retirement years. I was the guest on episode 134 of the Backpacker Radio Podcast. I'm a past president of the Colorado Mountain Club and founding board member of the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. My trail name is Kinnikinnick ... because like the plant I cover ground slowly.

Hi. My name is Rómulo. I live with my wife and two dogs in the Central Mountain Range (Cordillera Central) of the Dominican Republic and will be attempting my first tru-hike of the Appalachian Trail starting in April. After decades living in the US, I settled back in my native island and became an independent contractor in the hospitality industry. As a result of my work I spend a significant amount of the year supporting hotels in the US. This has given me the opportunity to travel and meet amazing people throughout the country. I am a Soto Zen practitioner, mindfulness instructor, outdoors enthusiast and part-time hiker. I am looking forward to meeting some of you on the AT this year and contributing to this beautiful community of hikers.

Sarah was born and raised in Hawai'i, which started her love for all things outdoors. This passion grew when she moved to the mainland in 2010 for work and educational opportunities. When Sarah got her first dog, Rogue the retired racing greyhound, she started hiking with him and the rest is history! During 2020 she started training Jyn, the terrier extraordinaire, to follow in Rogue's paw prints as a trail dog. They started their backpacking journey together and couldn't get enough! Sarah is proud to be representing other queer women of color out on the Appalachian Trail in 2025.

My name is Shan and I began spending more time outdoors after a mastectomy and retinal issues radically changed my outlook on life. After 2020 (we all know what happened there) derailed my plans to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, I set my sights on Scotland. That first trip—hiking the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way—marked a shift in the way I would live my life going forward. Since then I’ve returned several times, hiking multiple trails in the United Kingdom and even dipping my toes into bike packing with a 10-day 10 island traverse of the Hebridean Way in the remote and wild Outer Hebrides. In 2025 I will be embarking on the biggest adventure I have yet undertaken (other than parenthood)—the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail.

Hey y'all! I'm Collin (Short Shorts) and I'll be thru hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2025. Unlike most, I haven't been planning this for more than a few months. I just graduated college and decided last minute to take a break and have an adventure. I'm an aerospace engineer who loves Jesus, ultrarunning, craft beer, and the great outdoors. Follow along with me as I head to Mama K! Soli Deo Gloria

Hiking the PCT in 2025 is the biggest thing I´ve ever done and my dream for the last 17 years! I´m Simon and the hike is my personal peak of a 2 years travel break from work. Can´t wait to share my adventures with you <3

Hi! Welcome to my profile. My name is Courtney (A.K.A Smiles) & I am an aspiring 2025 AT Thru-hiker. This will be my second attempt after making it about 250 miles in 2024. I am so excited to give it another shot and am happy to take you along on my journey!

Nature-lover, spreadsheet warrior, amateur yogi and thru-hiker also known as Snapchat. I like books, giggle fits, and fried potatoes in any form. AT '17. CW '18. TCT '21. PCT '23. WHW '24. SCT '25. CT '25. CDT LASH '25.

Hi all, I’m Zosia! Trail name Sparrow. I’m a coastal New England gal but occasionally I leave the ocean for the mountains. In the woods I like to make up songs, learn the names of plants, and write down the joys and frustrations of hiking. I’m excited to share some of those thoughts with The Trek!

Hey-oo!! Trail name Near-miss here. AT ‘23 alum, CDT ‘24 alum, 29/58 Colorado 14ers and 2/7 Summits. I’m thru hiking the AZT in prep for an unguided (and possibly solo) attempt at Denali in the summer. I’m also on a quest to finish the rest of the Colorado 14ers before the end of the year. I’ll be writing all about these experiences/attempts. Follow along if interested! 😁🎿🥾🏔️

Howdy 👋! I’m Steve, trail name Ninja 🥷 - a husband, Dad, Grandpa, Ultrarunner, Hiker, Fisherman and lover of the outdoors from Central VA! I’ll be thru-hiking the A.T., the Lord willin’, in ‘25! Come along with me on my journey as I prepare, set off and write about my 2198 mile walkabout! Keep smilin’!

Sunny and Wally (aka Bumblebee and Diesel) are a father-daughter duo thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Our blog will be written from the perspectives of all of our family members as we either hike, support, offer trail magic, or remain behind at home! Join us on our latest family "epic adventure!"

I’m a mom of four incredible kids. Three are autistic, and my fourth has ADHD. Neurodiversity runs deep in our family, and so does resilience. I’ve spent years teaching my children that the world is still theirs to explore—that nature belongs to everyone, no matter how they think, feel, or move through it. This Appalachian Trail journey is for them. But it’s also for me. After years of pouring myself into motherhood, this trail is a reclamation—a chance to reconnect with who I am beneath the noise. Out here, with nothing but the forest and my pack, I feel strong, grounded, and fully alive. It’s also for my grandma, who passed away in December from lung cancer. She was my best friend, my biggest believer, and the voice who reminded me I could do hard things. I carry her with me every step, in every mile, in every sunrise. I’m passionate about lightweight gear, deep forest quiet, and the mental freedom that hiking gives me. I don’t just hike for the miles—I hike for healing, for growth, and for the legacy I’m leaving my children. This isn’t just a walk in the woods. It’s everything.

Hi I’m Tess (trail name: "Storyteller") and I thru-hiked the Long Trail in June 2025! This summer, I’m thru hiking the Colorado Trail. When I was 14, I started writing a Morse code musical set on the Appalachian Trail. Ever since, I have been drawn to thru-hiking. I am a current theater student at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. While hiking, I’m creating an ongoing series of storytelling expeditions titled Field Notes. I hope you decide to follow my journey!

In 2015 my wife and I moved to Seattle to be closer to outdoor recreation and national parks. Since then I have grown my passion for the outdoors and nature through backpacking and mountaineering, primarily in the Washington Cascades, which I thankfully get to call home.

Welcome to my 2025 Pacific Crest Trail thru hike blog. My name is Travis and I am on level 50 of this great adventure of life. I hail from the Great Pacific Northwest. Blue collar, married, father of three, grandpa of 1 and grandpaw of 3. Welcome to the show

Hey! My name is Unity! My hiker trash story started in 2020 when I got laid off from my job because of Covid. I had no where to go because my housing is usually tied to my employment. So I was looking for something to do. I had never really backpacked before that but decided ultimately to hike the Appalachian Trail and when work called me back 2 months later I declined the offer to return and the rest is history. I completed a flip-flop hike of the AT that year. The following year I flip-flopped the Continental Divide Trail. In 2022 I thru hiked the Ice Age Trail from east to west. In 2023 I LASHed 800 miles on the PCT. In 2024 I started my trail family out on the first 400 miles of their AT thru. I have also completed many miles on the North Country Trail as I reside in Michigan most often in the off seasons. That brings us to 2025!!!! This year I am trekking from Mexico to Canada again! Only this time starting out in Arizona. We are following a trail called the 8 Wonders Trail. Named for the 8 National Parks it crosses through along the way. We will hike through Saguaro and Grand Canyon following the full Arizona Trail. From there we will follow the Hayduke through Capital Reef, and Bryce Canyon. After that we follow the Great Western Trail and a connector route into Grand Teton and connect that to Yellowstone and the Continental Divide. We follow the Divide all the way thru Glacier National Park and finally finish our hike at Waterton Provincial Park. Wow I’m excited just typing this out. Lambchop, (Who you will get to know if you read) is one third of my trail family. She deserves much of the credit for deciding to hike the AZT and ultimately the 8 Wonders trail. We are working close with the designer of the trail and also with members of the board for the Great Western Trail. To push for official designation of the whole trail and also to try to secure the Great Western Trail as a non-motorized Scenic trail. We are greatly honored to try to push for the land use that we fell in love with. We hope to be some of the first people to ever thru hike this route. If you want to follow Lambchop she is posting our journey at www.instagram.com/lambchop.offgrid/ Thanks for reading as I share this journey! Unity ✌️

I've met some pretty amazing raccoons along the way.

Trail Name: Yeti Legs | I'm 37 living in Colorado with my wife Marie (aka Basecamp). Originally from the deep south, we had our honeymoon in Colorado and realized we needed to live here, so we made it happen! We started and completed a continuous thru-hike of the PCT in 2022 despite fires. We were extremely lucky and most certainly realize that. It was truly a wonderful, terrible, beautiful, and completely life-changing experience. Looking forward to sharing all of our hikes and experiences with you. PCT '22 | TMB '22 | CT '23 | AZT '24-'25 | CNT & CT '25? | Follow our socials + podcast- "Yeti Walks Into Basecamp: Talking. Thru. Hiking." | https://linktr.ee/thegingerandthejoy

Hey! I'm Will and I'll be hiking the AT in 2025. I'm a recent Ohio State grad and I'm training to become a commercial pilot. I've been backpacking for five years now, and I'm ready for a real challenge. I'm really looking forward to diving into trail culture and making some new friends!

I'm a professional drummer and designer turned hiker trash thru-writer. I enjoy writing long-form, entertaining trip reports that give future hikers insight into trail conditions while also telling a compelling story that shows what short-form media doesn't. My wife and I are section hiking the Pinhoti Trail over long weekends and week-long breaks from work in preparation for our 2026 AT thru-hike. May your trails be soft on your feet, your hills not steep, and your water sources be clear.

The Trek Bloggers

2025

Comments 9

What Do You Think? Cancel reply