QUICK GUIDE TO COLD WEATHER HYDRATION
There’s nothing quite like walking up on a refreshing gurgling spring on a hot summer’s day, eagerly drinking after sweating through miles of trail. But
Tag: Backpacking
WHAT’S BUGGING YOU? A GUIDE TO SURVIVING GNATS
What’s Bugging You? A Trail Guide to Surviving Gnats in the Smokies Let’s talk about that special kind of madness that only a swarm of
SENIOR SURVIVAL: MY FIRST WEEKLONG BACKPACKING TRIP ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
My first adult backpacking trip was with a hiking club I discovered in a Creative Loafing magazine classified ad after moving back to my hometown of Atlanta,
CHOOSING A COLD-WEATHER SLEEPING BAG❄️
My first season as a Ridgerunner on the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park was incredible—but it started off cold. I quickly learned
THE 2025 RIDGERUNNER SEASON HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN! ❄️ PRO TIP: KEEP WALKING!
The first hitch of the 2025 Smokies Ridgerunner Season was delayed by a day due to a winter storm. I was originally to enter the
2025 SEASON RIDGERUNNER ON THE AT AGAIN! HURRAY!🥾
I have great news! I loved being an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner in the Smokies SO MUCH I’ve decide to be the long-season Ridgerunner again for
WHAT DOES “BEAR AWARE” MEAN?
WHAT DOES BEING “BEAR AWARE” MEAN? It’s that time of year again! Here in the Appalachian Mountains, the wildflowers are blossoming, the baren branches are
SOMETIMES ALL WE NEED IS A LITTLE SUPPORT! 👣
One beautiful winter’s day in 2010, I was day-hiking with a dear friend just a few weeks before leaving for my thru-hike on the Appalachian
HEADED TO THE BACKCOUNTRY IN COLD CONDITIONS? STAY WARM AND DRY!
After a long day hiking in the rain, I passed the side trail to “Charlies Bunion,” a scenic rocky overlook that attracts many view-seeking hikers.
IF YOU WANT SOMETHING, JUST ASK FOR IT!
On my last backpacking trip just before I left for Nepal last October, ironically in the Smokies, I had a critical equipment malfunction… the dreaded
WHEN THE UNIVERSE DELIVERS PRECISELY WHAT YOU ASKED FOR… YOU SAY YES!
Hey friends, I have big news!! I have officially accepted an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner position in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for the 2024
DO YOU GET ATTACHED TO YOUR FAVORITE HIKING BOOTS?
Do you get attached to your shoes? I know I do… and like most of my other trusted loved-to-death hiking gear, it can be hard
A STROLL THROUGH CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GA…
Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a barrier island off the coast of southern Georgia. It is home to a herd of wild horses, armadillos, bobcats, coyotes,
40 MAGICAL MILES IN THE UWHARRIE MOUNTAINS!
The Three Rivers Land Trust, the Uwharrie Mountain Trail Club, and many wonderful volunteers make this 4-day backpacking “thruhike” a truly spectacular
DO YOU GET OCCASIONAL KNEE PAIN WHILE WALKING?
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40-MILE UWHARRIE TRAIL THRU-HIKE VIDEOS
Here’s a short video of my 40-mile walk in the Wild Woods of the Uwharrie Trail! The weather could not have been better, the trail
UWHARRIE TRAIL, HERE I COME!
I am heading out in a few days to hike the 40-mile Uwharrie National Recreational Trail (UNRT). I am thrilled to be exploring a new
FINDING THE ORDER IN CHAOS!
I just returned from a three-day backpacking trip in my all-time favorite wilderness area. The weather was absolutely stellar, I got to hike with a
LEAVE NO TRACE, PRINCIPLE #4: LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
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3 STEPS TO BEING FULLY CALM & RELAXED WHILE HIKING ALONE
Have you wanted to experience the peace and solitude of an enchanted forest but have been too afraid to go by yourself? Many people are
DON’T JUST LISTEN TO THE WEATHER APP… BE PREPARED!
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WHICH SCENARIO SOUNDS LIKE MORE FUN?😜
This is a short video contrasting the differences in outdoor experiences when we plan ahead and prepare (LNT principle one) vs. when we do not.
HIKING THE 288-MILE BENTON MACKAYE TRAIL!
I did a thing! I just completed a 288-mile hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail! My journey on the BMT has been a full and
BACKPACKING ON THE BENTON MACKAYE TRAIL
Hello Friends! I am getting so excited about my next backpacking adventure! I am currently preparing for a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National
TRUST IN DIVINE TIMING
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ARE YOU READY TO FEEL LIKE YOU CAN DO ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING??
Many people are looking for ways to add more self-confidence, self-reliance, and better health to their lives. Although there are many ways to do this,
BURDOCK: AN AMAZING WILD EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL PLANT!
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TAKING CARE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF GEAR: THE FEET
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SELECTING A TENT SITE: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
I was out hiking the other day, and I hear the tell-tale “crack” first, and then approximately 1-2 seconds later, I hear it lumbering through
AN OVERNIGHT HIKE IN NATURE CURES ALL THAT AILS…
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