Safety Tips: Hot Weather Hiking
Don't let this be you! What do Phoenix AZ, Oklahoma City OK, and Las Vegas NV all have in common today? If you guessed that these places are forecast to have high temps over 100º Fahrenheit, you’re right! That’s the predicted high temperature IN THE SHADE. People and...
Slack Packing & Safety
Let's talk about slackpacking and general hiking safety. This post is NOT to shame or blame anyone but is being relayed as a helpful cautionary reminder. Slackpacking is a fun word for when a backpacker elects to treat a section of trail like a day hike, carrying...
A Peek at the American Perimeter Trail
Leilah Grace gives us a peek at the in-progress hike of a new epic loop: the American Perimeter Trail. Get ready to add this one to your bucket list!
Hike Your Own Hike – No, Really
Cat shares her rough first few days on the AT, including wind, rain, Achilles issues – and some much-needed trail magic.
On The Road, Jack Kerouac, and Me
Dana is on her way to the Appalachian Trail – with a decidedly non-ultralight two dozen cookies from mom.
Hiking With Soulmom
“I didn’t want the trail to be remembered only as a place of loss…and so I left the trail.” SoulMom shares the grief she experienced in her first attempt at the AT, and why she’s going back.
Day Negative to Day Zero
Cat has started her AT journey and is feeling good! But her lead-up wasn’t the experience she was hoping for.
Get Yourself Ready For a Long Hike
Excellent advice here from Christy on how to get ready for a long hike in 7 essential steps.
Shakedown Breakdown
Lydia takes on the 77-mile Foothills Trail as a shakedown for her AT thru-hike – but winter weather and endless rain almost end her trip early.
Perspective
“Not every hike has to be a big one. Not every trek needs massive preparation;
sometimes you can be out the door for an overnight in just 2 hours. These are
things that I have to remind myself when I’m planning my next hike or trek.”
Walking Alone at Night
Prune plans a night hiking adventure in New Zealand that will have her viewing sunrise on New Year’s Day – and gets an unexpected visitor on the way.
First AT Hike
“You would think by me tapping out after two days would mean backpacking is not for me. Not so! Despite all that went sideways on my initial hike, I’ve gone out for more and plan on doing even more.”
Don’t Scrunch Your Section Hike
As a proud North Carolina-based Appalachian Trail section hiker, Candace has seen and enjoyed all the different seasons and experiences the AT has to offer.
It Hurts!
“What hurts you may ask? All of it. It all hurts.” Brrr! Kellie gets out for a magical wintertime waterfall hike.
Trail Gear Essentials 101
Jenn has a wide range of backpacking experiences – here’s how she plans and prepares her gear for big trips, along with her essential items.
Dear Family and Friends
“I’m thankful that I’m going into this life changing event not needing anything from it. The AT is not a plan to fix or find myself. It’s an opportunity, an adventure, that I can take wisdom from with discretion and mindfulness.”
New Year’s Eve
Leilah Grace spends a peaceful, solo New Years Eve cozy in her tent on the Appalachian Trail – the perfect way to start a new year.
Rae Lakes Loop
Vicky shares this trail report back for us from the epic Rae Lakes Loop in California’s Sierra Nevada. Check out the exciting surprise she gets right in the middle!
The Twisted Reason I Wanted to Tackle a Thru-Hike
Dyana gets very real about some of the challenges involved with her Pacific Northwest Trail thru-hike, and the moment she realized why she was hiking.
Done! Hiking the AT in Pennsylvania
Hikers generally have a lot of opinions about the Appalachian Trail through Pennsylvania. Here Cari shares her love of the state, bonding with family, and why she keeps going back.
25 Hours, 19 Miles, 17 Degrees
Leilah Grace experiments with winter backpacking with a cold but beautiful overnight near the Delaware Water Gap on the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey.
What Drives You To Hike?
After going through divorce, PCOS, and weight gain, Jenn has decided to redefine herself in the outdoors – and is planning a big trip to the Grand Canyon with a friend to celebrate.
The Lighthouse at the End of the World
Suze shares a story of a Patagonian day hike that could have gone very, very wrong. She learned from her mistakes, though – and her retelling is hilarious.
The Need to Run
Momma in the Mountains explores the “why” of hiking and trail running – and what it means to her as part of her identity.
Let’s Talk About Mental Health
Catherine is 3 short months from hitting the Appalachian Trail! She bravely shares her mental health history and why she’s leaving her beloved Sierra Nevada for the mountains of Georgia.
First Trail Magic Experience
Prune is planning for her 2020 AT thru-hike. In the meantime, she shares a story from a beach hike in New Zealand when she got to experience her first taste of Trail Magic.
Surprising Starts and Finishes
Socks is working on a 7-year plan to complete the Appalachian Trail. Sometimes planning and accessing the trail is the hard part!
My Journey to Endurance Adventurer
Steph shares some of her favorite hiking and long-distance walking experiences from her home country England. The more trails she hikes, the more trails she discovers!
From Novice to Experienced Hiker in 2 Easy Trips
Leilah Grace challenges herself with a 4-day, 50-mile section from Connecticut to Massachusetts on the AT. Here she shares what she learned and what went wrong, and about the angels she met along the way.
Bikepacking from Georgia to Alabama on the Silver Comet Trail
Julia tackled a 34-mile, two day bikepacking trip from Georgia to Alabama with her 9 year old son – and he crushed it!
A Life of Doing Nothing
Dami shares some of the thoughts and experiences she has while completing a 10-day trek in the Himalayas in India.
Solo
Do you remember your first solo backpacking trip? Leilah Grace takes us back to hers – a 30 mile, one-night experience on the AT in Pennsylvania – with no sleeping bag!
Lessons From the Trail
New All Women All Trails writer Kieara shares why she started hiking, how she stays motivated, and some learnings from her time on trails.
From Solo Hiking to Support Magic
Dami wraps up a big chunk of the California PCT desert section with a few beautiful examples of trail magic and angels.
JMT Day 6: The People I May Miss Most of All
We hear it over and over again – the hikes we take are made so much better by the people we meet along the way. In this last update, Deb wraps up her JMT section and has no regrets about her experiences.
From Hiker to Backpacker
“My time on the trail is a respite, away from the hustle and bustle of being a single mom to 4 amazing kids. I have what I need and no other worries or concerns other than my next water source and sleeping arrangements.”
JMT Day 5: It’s All About the Waterways
Now that Deb has changed her JMT plans (and adjusted to the altitude), she’s finding the time to relax and enjoy her hike so much more.
Winter Backpacking: Is It For Me?
Katie sets out for long weekend along the AT in Pennsylvania to experiment with winter backpacking. Some really cold nights have her rethinking her plan!
Day 4: No Disappointment In My Pack
“I had learned an important life lesson when I stood at the base of the JMT and decided to change my trip and hike out. I’d learned to be flexible, a hard thing for a planner like me. I knew, despite giving up my dream of hiking the whole JMT, the journey was far from over.”
After the Really Big Hike
Post-trail depression is REAL. Madeleine gets brutally honest about how it feels to go from being The Woman Who Did the Really Big Hike to the The Woman Filled With Debilitating Sadness.
JMT Day 3: Zero Day of Decision
Deb’s JMT hike takes a turn when she realizes she’s suffering from altitude sickness. Thanks to a friendly ranger, some good judgement, and a positive attitude, she manages to stay joyous rather than distressed.
Get Up and Hike
“I was hooked. I was also healing. Hiking is healing. Many of you reading know this cleansing that takes place amongst the trees.” New writer Kellie shares how she went from unable to walk to the mailbox to planning an AT section.
Day 2: Over Guyot Pass
Deb ends day 2 on the John Muir Trail with some aches and pains but is learning more each day!
Days 34-36: Flipping Down South
“I have so much more to say about this time in the wilderness….My life was changed by this experience, has been changing for the past several years every time I’ve stepped foot on a trail.” Leah wraps up a month of section hiking the AT.
Part 3 of 3: Redemption Weekend
After a quickly abandoned backpacking trip earlier in the summer with her toddler, Momma in the Mountains is back for one last triumphant weekend hike.
JMT Day 2: Up Guyot Pass
Deb is feeling some of the effects of altitude but perseveres through creek crossing and steep climbs on the JMT.
Days 26-30 on the AT & LT: Experiencing Long Trail Culture
Leah continues north in Vermont, leaving the Appalachian Trail and experiencing the challenge and culture of the Long Trail.
Crowdsourced: What’s the Best Trail Magic You’ve Ever Experienced?
Trail magic is a wonderful, beautiful thing. Enjoy these stories of the best trail magic some of our members have experienced! Hint: it’s a lot of food.
JMT: Day 1 Ends
Deb wraps up a successful Day 1 in the Sierra by… being too tired to eat dinner. But at least she slept soundly!
Days 18-25: Officially Traveling the Long Trail
Leah is hitting some gorgeous fall weather (and a little rain, of course) as she continues her journey north in Vermont. In this update, she splits off from the AT and has officially entered the hard part of the Long Trail!
Write or Blog for All Women All Trails!
All Women All Trails is looking for 2020 Writers and Bloggers!
JMT: Day 1 Begins
Deb successfully completes the first day of her JMT journey!
My Trail-Building Experience
“Next time you’re on a public trail, look down. Really. Look. Down. Look at that trail literally right in front of you. How did it get there?” Holly shares her experience helping to build a piece of the Ice Age Trail.
CDT: After the Trail
What goes through your mind when your section hike doesn’t go as planned? For Yvette, she’s already planning her next attempt.
Days 13 – 17 on the AT: Into Vermont!
Leah’s northbound AT section hike has taken her into Vermont – which means she’s on the Long Trail, now, too!
Hiking Haikus, Volume 2
Whether you’re a poetry buff or just want to enjoy some inspiring hiking haikus, we think you’ll enjoy this compilation from a variety of writers.
JMT: Pre-Hike Travel and Acclimatization
Deb has arrived in the Sierra to start the JMT! Acclimatization is a big part of hikes in California – read about how Deb spent the last 2 days before her hike getting used to the altitude.
Day 5 on the CDT: Decision Day
“This mama could not have done this without the support and team work of her son! I would not change any moment we had along this small section of the CDT! Until next year CDT…..we will be back.”
Days 9-12 on the AT: Moving Through Massachusetts
Leah is cruising through Massachusetts! In this update, she visits the famous Upper Goose Pond Shelter, passes through Dalton, and has Mt. Greylock in her sights.
Day 4 on the CDT: Regrouped and Ready
On Day 4, Yvette gets a trail name – and also has to make a quick campsite decision while dealing with a pack of coyotes!
A Goodbye Letter to the Pacific Northwest Trail
Dyana recently completed a thru-hike of the 1200 mile Pacific Northwest Trail. This is her heartfelt goodbye from her last night before her finish.
Week 25 on the AT: I’m Finished!
“I am signing off as “Drop Sticks” and reentering the real world. Thank you for following my journey. My blog posts were long but they were the truth. The things I wanted to remember, the emotions I felt. Maybe you’ll see me in my white shirt doing trail magic in the VA/MD area. But first there’s cake.”
Day 3 on the CDT: Broken in Hachita
Yvette is having a tough time on the CDT! A break has her re-thinking her ability to finish her section, but her son is there for her when she needs him.
Days 7 & 8: A Zero Day and Reflections on Being Wild
“Tell me what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life.” Leah reflects on what it means to her to spend time in the woods, while taking a zero day in Massachusetts.
Day 2 on the CDT: Rain and Skeeters
Yvette experiences some crazy weather on the CDT – but keeps her good humor and attitude.
A 40th Birthday on Blood Mountain
Julia picked 4 adventures to do in the year leading up to her 40th birthday. The final one was a solo night spent watching the sunset on Blood Mountain. Join us in wishing Julia a happy birthday!
Days 5 & 6 on the AT: Onto Massachusetts
“There are no strangers out here. Hikers support each other and help each other out, give advice about water, aches and pains, best places to eat in towns, and who to call for a shuttle. This is home. We’re all at home.” Leah is loving her New England AT section!
Day 1 on the CDT: Let’s Get This Trail On
Yvette and her adult son are off on the first day of the CDT section hike in New Mexico – and they’ve already managed 12 miles!
Days 3-4 on the AT: Where Are All the Ladies?
Leah is enjoying a beautiful section of the AT through Connecticut. The terrain is like a roller coaster but what’s really on her mind is, where are all the ladies?
What We Did Instead (Part 2 of 3)
In Part 1, Momma in the Mountains shared why she and her toddler bailed on their planned backpacking trip. Now in Part 2 she shares how she attempted to salvage the trip!
Weeks 23-24 on the AT: Gorham, NH to Caratunk, ME
“For many of my companions, they can’t wait for the trail to end. They are ready. They want to get back to their prior life, where there is comfort, showers, and stability. But for me and others…we don’t want it to end.”
Days 1 & 2 on the AT
Leah is off again! This time it’s on a long section of the AT, starting in Pawling, NY and heading North.
Hitting the CDT
Yvette’s start date for her CDT section hike is fast approaching! She’s planning 140 miles with her adult son, and despite being not an “emotional person”, she’s feeling a lot of feelings.
Pre Trail Jitters & All The Thoughts Keeping Me Up At Night
“Ladies, we need to support each other, to keep lifting one another up, and empowering each other to chase our dreams. Women truly need other women speaking positive messages into their lives, like fire lifting a hot air balloon off the ground, enabling it to fly.”
Weeks 21-22 on the AT: Hanover to Gorham, NH (and a food update!)
Patrice (and her inflatable unicorn) are flying through the Whites. Although she admits the climbs and descents are tough and slow, she’s making smart use of work-for-stay at the huts (and their snacks!).
The Final Leg
The end of summer is always bittersweet, but especially for Katie. It’s back-to-school time for her, but she managed to complete 50 days of hiking and almost 700 miles of the AT.
West Highland Way Days 6-7: Kingshouse to Fort William
Leah wraps up her weeklong hike on the West Highland Way in Scotland with more charming towns, unpredictable weather, and gorgeous mountain scenery.
Days 137-154: Tackling the Whites and Maine
In this update from the AT, Amy tackles the infamous White Mountains and heads into Maine. The terrain is brutal but she can hear Katahdin calling her name.
Week 20 on the AT: Manchester, VT to Hanover, NH
Patrice is loving New England trail life! In this update, she stays at the Yellow Deli hostel, encounters loads of trail magic and farms stands, and loves on Vermont and New Hampshire (so far).
West Highland Way: Days 4-5, Inverarnan to Glencoe
Leah takes us on a journey through the Scottish highlands with her the second installment of her West Highland Way trail journal.
Back on Trail and Feeling Bluesy
Katie has had an amazing summer of section-hiking the AT. With this latest chunk, she adds Vermont to the other states she’s completed.
Sundowning
AT southbounder Z has left the trail. Find out about the awful night that caused her to leave and what’s going on in her head. Bonus – it includes audio!
West Highland Way Days 1-3: Milngavie to Inverarnan
Despite some jet lag, Leah is off to a gorgeous and satisfying start on the West Highland Way in Scotland! Read the first three days of her trail journal here.
Toccoa River Camping
Julia took her 10-year-old daughter on a one-night camping trip in north Georgia. Despite a flat tire, they got in some quality mother-daughter forest bonding time.
Sara’s Epic Footwear Fail
This is a short and sweet cautionary tale about testing your footwear before you commit to a big hike!
Days 113-136 on the AT: CT, MA, and into NH
AT thru-hiker Amy hikes in 5 states in only about 3 weeks in this trail update! The heat and rain are wearing her down, but she’s into the White Mountains and feels her Katahdin goal inching closer.
101 Miles on the AT: Part 2
Ann AKA Greeter Two has been chipping away at AT miles for several years now. After completing this Vermont section, she’s over 900! Read up on her muddy, steep, social, and satisfying experience.
Week 19 on the AT: Upper Goose Pond, MA to Manchester, VT
AT thru-hiker Patrice is now 3/4 of the way through her adventure. She’s entered Vermont, and while the weather is starting to cool off, she’s still loving trail life with her tramily.
Psyching Up for the JMT
Deb is prepping for her Northbound solo John Muir Trail thru-hike starting in a few short weeks! She’s conditioning, picking out her playlist, and working on facing her fears.
Type 2 Fun at Mt. Ranier
Laura has an amazing job leading YMCA youth trips into the wilderness. Her very first trip tested everything she learned in training – and taught her the meaning of “Type 2 fun”.
Fear! Fear Not!
Yvette’s section hike of the New Mexico part of the CDT is coming up fast. The self-proclaimed “overkill, Type A personality” is prepping and planning – and dealing with some fears.
Weeks 17-18: NY, CT, and MA
Patrice hikes through 3 states in this update. She’s dealing with bugs, bugs, and more bugs, plus heat and stomach issues, but she also experiences some glorious trail magic along the way.
Days 36 – 41 Southbound: On To Vermont!
Southbound LASHer Katie wraps up her 41-day section by crossing into Vermont, making new friends, and enjoying lots of trail magic.
Bailing on Plans A-Z (Part 1)
Momma in the Mountains had epic plans for a 6-day hike with her toddler and dog. It didn’t quite work out – read on to find out what went wrong and how she’s dealing.
Days 31-35 Southbound: Onward Through the Whites
Katie has been on trail just over a month now hiking Southbound. In her latest update, she breezes through the rest of the Whites (with the help of some trail magic) and wraps up New Hampshire!
Weeks 16 – 17 on the AT: New Jersey and New York
Jersey girl Patrice has hiked from Georgia to get home! While hiking through her home state was a little bittersweet, moving on to New York has renewed her love for the adventure of the trail.
Days 26 – 30 Southbound: New Hampshire and the Whites
Katie enters the notorious White Mountains of New Hampshire! She experiences it all – tough climbs, gorgeous views, and the “Dungeon” at Lake of the Clouds hut.
Days 100-110 on the AT: Working Her Way Up the Mid-Atlantic
Amy is zooming up the mid-Atlantic! She starts this post climbing Lehigh Gap at Day 100 and finishes ten days later on a beach in New York. Check in with how she’s doing!
Training for the Dream Job
Laura landed a dream job for the summer leading youth backpacking trips for the YMCA. In this piece she shares the training she had to go through. As she reminds herself, “You will be challenged. You will be humbled. This will be worthwhile. You will make a difference in a young person’s life.”
Days 19 – 25 Southbound: On to New Hampshire
Katie wraps up the last few days of Maine, including the famed Mahoosuc Notch, the “hardest / most fun mile of the AT.” Not it’s on the New Hampshire!
