Wildwood Hiking Co.

22/11/2024

One of my favorite tents, the Big Agnes Tigerwall UL2 is on sale for $314.93 at REI! That's 30% off on a great ultralight tent! I used this tent on my thru-hike of the AT, and it was super durable, roomy, and offered great protection from the rain and wind. My favorite part about this tent vs other tents I've used are all the pockets! There are lots of storage options inside the tent which helps to keep all my stuff organized. This is a great tent for anyone that is looking to lighten their load, but doesn't want to commit to a trekking pole tent.

Elevate your backcountry camping experience. The lightweight Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution-Dyed tent sets up quickly with a single-pole system and has 2 doors and vestibules for ease of use.

22/11/2024

I've got a new trip on the books for next year! Join me on a women's backpacking trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October, the best time to see those beautiful leaves changing color!

- October 16-19
- 4 days and 3 nights backpacking in the Smokies, with some of the best views of the fall colors!
- Gear and meals included
- $1300 per person

And don't forget about my Small Business Saturday Sale next week! Save 20% with the code TRAIL20

Check off another box on your bucket list with backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a night at the famous LeConte Lodge! Join this women's only guided backpacking trip to experience the best of the Smokies.

22/11/2024

With all the sales coming up for Black Friday next week, don't forget to support small businesses like mine! When you're planning your holiday gifts, consider giving the gift of adventure and lasting memories. Treat yourself, your family, or your friends with an unforgettable experience, like backpacking on the Appalachian Trail!

As a special THANK YOU to all who support my small business, I'm offering 20% off next year's backpacking trips for Small Business Saturday! Support local and gear up with Wildwood Hiking Co. Use the code TRAIL20 at checkout and save on your next adventure. Valid from November 24 - November 30 only.

21/11/2024

Granite Gear is having a Black Friday sale with up to 50% off their backpacks. I've used the Crown3 60 backpack for several multi-day trips, and I really liked it. I think it is an excellent pack for anyone that is wanting a lightweight framed pack that still has options for organization, like a zippered brain pocket, large side pockets, and zippered hip belt pockets. Being a very petite hiker, I appreciate that they offer women's sizing and a "short" torso option. The Crown3 60 is a very comfortable and reasonably priced pack, on sale now for just $155.97!

Our Crown Jewel. Earning Outside Magazine's

21/11/2024

I've been loving this book lately! The story of Audrey Payne's thru-hike keeps taking me right back to my hike. It's like taking a trip down memory lane! "Where the Rhododendrons Bloom" is a wonderfully well written account of her day-to-day experiences on trail, from the friendships she formed to the trail magic to the physical and mental challenges of a long distance hike. If you're looking for a winter read, check this one out!

20/11/2024

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is on sale at REI for 25% off right now. This little device is an emergency personal locator beacon, which can be used to send your GPS coordinates to search and rescue in the case of an emergency. I always carry mine when I'm backpacking and also take it on my day hikes. It gives me some peace of mind to know that I can get help if I need it. As a bonus, you can use the inReach to send text messages even when you don't have cell service, so you can keep in touch with loved ones while you're out. This sale is a great deal, and would make a really nice gift for the backpacker in your life.

Add peace of mind to any adventure with this compact satellite communicator. Weighing a mere 3.5 oz., it lets you message, send an SOS and share your location. Pair with your phone for maps and more.

20/11/2024

My favorite sit pad, the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad is on sale for $17.60! This pad is great because it's super lightweight and has so many uses! It would make a great inexpensive gift for any backpacker.

I like to roll out my Thinlight pad when I'm taking a break so I can have a dry comfy place to sit and stretch. It's only 1/8 inch thick, but it keeps the sticks and pointy rocks from poking me in the butt :D I also like to use it in the mornings as a yoga mat. I put it underneath my inflatable sleeping pad as a little extra insulation and to keep my pad from sliding on the tent floor. I've used it as a wind shield when I'm cooking dinner. And it works great to roll out on the wooden shelter floors to prevent splinters from poking a hole in my sleeping pad.

The Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Insulation Pad can be rolled and placed either inside the pack or on top (where it can be held under the closure for instance). The 1/8" pad will fold up to fit into the back of our larger packs, providing a super-minimalist pad.

20/11/2024

If you're planning a section hike or thru-hike on the AT, get yourself a copy of the 2025 A.T. Guide book! This is an excellent resource for trip planning, and includes detailed mile markers with water sources, campsites, shelters, view points, road crossings, and more. In addition, you'll find town resources like hostels, shuttle drivers, and grocery stores.

You can get a paper version if you like a physical book to make notes in, or get a PDF version to download onto your phone. This makes a great gift for future AT hikers!

20/11/2024

Fall is a great time to explore the outdoors, enjoy the beautiful colors, and embrace the cool, crisp weather. Check out my new blog post on how to stay safe out on the trails this fall.

- How to stay warm
- Planning for shorter daylight hours
- Changing water sources
- Trail conditions
- Fall wildlife safety
- Hiking in hunting season

https://www.wildwoodhiking.com/blogs/news/fall-hiking-safety-tips

15/11/2024

Last week, Justin and I made a trip out to the Cherohala Skyway with his mom, Marcia, to check out some of the mountain views. The Skyway is a 43 mile scenic drive from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC that travels through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. It's a very twisty turny kind of road, so it's a popular destination for bikers and maybe not so great if you get car sick! We stopped at some of the viewpoints along the way and enjoyed the scenery. November is a great time to go because you get better views once the leaves have fallen!

15/11/2024

🌌✨ Exciting News! I'm now offering a Synchronous Fireflies Backpacking Trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on June 5-6, 2025! Join me for a 2-day adventure where you'll camp under the stars, hike scenic trails, and witness the breathtaking light show of the synchronous fireflies—one of nature’s rarest marvels. Perfect for all experience levels! Spots are limited, so book now to secure your front-row seat to this magical display!

Check it out and reserve your spot at wildwoodhiking.com

14/11/2024

🍁There's so much to love about fall! The vibrant array of colors scattered on the forest floor and the pitter-patter of the leaves as they drift down from the tree tops. Take a moment to slow down, soak in the crisp air, and appreciate nature's beautiful show. 🍂Who else loves finding that perfect leaf?

13/11/2024

A few tips for fall hiking 🥾🥾...

-Make sure to plan for fewer hours of daylight. The sun sets around 6 pm, so you don't want to get caught in the dark unprepared. Bring a headlamp just in case.

-Pack extra layers. Fleece jackets make a great mid-layer to keep you warm while you're moving, and a rain jacket provides protection from wind. Hats and gloves are nice, too.

-During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange for safety. This brightly colored orange is highly visible to hunters, even during dawn and dusk. You can find hats, shirts, vests, and pack covers with blaze orange online. And if orange isn't your color, try blaze pink!

- Use trekking poles. Fallen leaves can hide obstacles on the trail like rocks and roots, so be careful where you step and use trekking poles for added balance.

And don't forget to have fun! Take your time, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods. 🍂

12/11/2024

The Pisgah National Forest crews are working hard to get our beloved trails back open! Thank you!

11/11/2024

Happy Veteran's Day to all our service members! I'm so proud to come from a military family, and I know all of the hard work and sacrifices that they make every day. As a thank you, I'm happy to offer a 15% discount on all of my backpacking trips, classes, and workshops to military members, today and always! Send me an email or message to get the discount before you checkout.

08/11/2024

What's your favorite campfire treat? Roasted marshmallows? S'mores? Baked apples? Pudgie pies? Banana boats? Hot chocolate?

Here's a throwback to my AT thru-hike when Justin summoned Magic Jim with a campfire. He showed up with the most amazing trail magic dessert, a fancy strawberry s'mores treat! Take a fresh strawberry, put it on a stick, dip it in marshmallow fluff, and toast it over a fire. Then slide it onto a graham cracker and drizzle with chocolate syrup. That's a 5-star dessert in the backcountry! Yuuummmm!

06/11/2024

Need help choosing the right gear to get started backpacking? Join me on 📆Sunday, December 15 from 4-6pm for my Beginner Backpacking online class to learn all about how to choose the best gear for your trip! We'll talk backpacks, tents, sleep systems, cook sets, water filtration, clothing, shoes, and how to find great deals on all the best gear. Plus, get some tips to get your pack weight down for a comfortable, safe, and fun backcountry adventure.

Sign up on www.wildwoodhiking.com

05/11/2024

The 2024 hiking season is officially over! Thank you to everyone who came out and hiked with me! I had an absolute blast with all of you! We had beautiful sunny days, freezing cold mornings, torrential downpours, and even some hail. We watched sunsets and sunrises, and saw tons of wildflowers, mushrooms, moss, and ferns. We spotted deer, birds, snakes, salamanders, fish, frogs, turtles, butterflies, caterpillars, and even a couple of bears! We shared stories around campfires, laughed at our mistakes, and learned so much together. We connected with nature, and with each other, and made so many wonderful memories. Cheers to the hikers of 2024, and happy trails!