There are things to consider before your hike to set yourself up for success as well as issues that often occur after a thru-hike.
When people learn I am a long-distance hiker, the most common question is, “You don’t hike alone, do you?” When I explain that I do, in fact, choose to hike solo, people begin rattling off the ingredients of a nightmare to argue their point that I should not wander the wilderness alone. The nightmarish concerns … More A Woman Alone in the Woods
So you’ve decided to go on a hike? Awesome! It’s great for your body and soul to be active and live life to its fullest. Experiencing life at 2 miles per hour is a nice change of pace for our bodies and our minds. People will envy your adventure. They’ll want to follow your journey … More The Why and the How of Hiking for a Cause
On January 8, I received an email saying I had won the lottery…literally! I was one of the 2% who applied who was granted a southbound permit to hike the John Muir Trail! With 168 days to go, it’s time to start training! Want to increase your chances of success and enjoyment on a long-distance … More Let the Training Begin!
Are you debating on whether to start your NOBO thru-hike at the approach trail or at the southernmost white blaze on the summit of Springer Mountain? This age-old debate is one of the myriad questions potential thru-hikers have to answer during our massive planning stages. My name is Clarity, a 2015 Appalachian Trail flip-flop thru-hiker who took the … More The Ups and Downs of the Appalachian Approach Trail
Upon completing an adventure as elemental as a thru-hike of the 2,189 mile Appalachian Trail, much can change within oneself. My trail name is Clarity because the purpose of my pilgrimage was to find it. As one who worked multiple jobs for 15 years, life was always so muddled with fast-paced goings-on that true simplicity and jubilation were often hidden in a … More Post trail feelings
Before embarking on an Appalachian Trail thru-hike, set yourself up for success by engaging in some pre-hike training. Though physical preparation is important, I’m going to start this article with the mental prep you should consider because frankly, it is the most crucial to your success. Hikers who begin their journey in the best physical shape often … More Start Your Thru-Hike Out Right with Pre-Hike Training
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