Wildwood Hiking Co.

03/09/2024

After a rainy weekend of backpacking, it's time to dry out the tents! ⛺ It can be tempting to just leave your tent stuffed in the sack and deal with it later, but if it's even a little damp, it'll end up mildewy and gross.

Backpacking tents are expensive, so take care of them to make them last!

✔️ Hang tent and rain fly to dry if they are damp
✔️ Set the tent up and shake or brush out the dirt
✔️ Spot clean with a damp cloth and a mild soap
✔️ Count the stakes to make sure you didn't lose any
✔️ Make sure everything is DRY before you pack it up! Check under the zipper flaps, in the corners, and under the rain fly for any moisture.

03/09/2024

We made it!! Day 2 of the hike was a challenge, with a 750' climb up Walnut Mountain in the pouring rain! We were completely drenched when we got to the shelter, so we hung out inside for a few hours waiting for the rain to slow down. It rained nonstop for 5 hours! Thankfully, I was in good company 😁. We ate dinner, shared stories, and played Farkle in the shelter to kill some time. The rain stopped just long enough for me to run back up the mountain to get a picture of the sunset before setting up the tents for the night. It drizzled on and off all night, but I enjoyed the sound of the rain on my hammock tarp. In the morning, we hiked back down to the car and headed to Hot Springs for lunch and goodbye's. Julie and Carol are already talking about plans for their next backpacking trip. Can't wait to see where the trails take them!

03/09/2024

Carol and Julie are out here killing it on the AT! First time backpackers, and conquering the uphills, downhills, rocks, roots, and water crossings like pros! We hiked a few miles in, set up camp, and made dinner before hiking two more miles up to the summit of Max Patch for sunset. We heard thunder rumbling on and off all day, so we thought we might get dumped on. But the rain held off just long enough for us to enjoy the views. We spent some time on the summit watching the sunset with hot chocolate and cinnamon apples for dessert before hiking back to camp in the dark with headlamps. Just as we started back, the lightning rolled in! ⚡ We had to hustle off the mountain top to get back to safety under the tree cover. It was quite the adventure! Then as we hiked back to camp, we had to dodge bats that were snatching bugs from our headlamps 😆. Another great day on the AT!

30/08/2024

It's been a hot week in East Tennessee , so we headed out to the mountains yesterday to cool off. Justin and I went to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and hiked the Alum Cave Trail up to the Mt. LeConte lodge. The first 5 miles are all uphill, with some pretty steep sections, stairs, and open rock faces. I really enjoyed the beginning of the trail that runs alongside a bouldering creek with lots of little cascades and waterfalls. In the middle section, you pass the Alum Cave Bluffs, with a huge rock overhang and open views to the mountains. And at the top is the LeConte Lodge, a rustic lodge and cabins with a little gift shop inside. We sat on a porch swing and enjoyed our lunches there before heading back. On the way down, we heard thunder in the distance, so we moved quickly to beat the rain. The whole trip was about 10 miles and 3,330 feet of ascent, and took us about 5.5 hours to complete.

I'll be heading back here in October for my Women's Smoky Mountains backpacking trip. Can't wait! 😁

23/08/2024

Due to some last minute cancellations, I've got some trip openings! Book now and get a $250 discount!

Women's Beginner Backpacking Trips at Max Patch, NC
- August 31-September 2 (3 spots available)
- September 20-22 (2 spots available)

This 3 day / 2 night guided backpacking trip is perfect for beginners or first time backpackers! You'll hike alongside an experienced backpacking guide and a small group of women for approximately 20 miles over the course of 3 days on the Appalachian Trail, starting at the iconic Max Patch and finis...

22/08/2024

Had a great time last weekend with Jessica, Sandy, Katie, and Debbie, all first time backpackers! It was hot and humid, but we persevered and were rewarded with some nice views up on Max Patch. There are tons of ripe wild blackberries up there! Some for me... Some for the bears 🐻 We also spotted lots of different mushrooms along the trail and a Red Eft newt. Debbie and I did a couple of extra miles on the last night to catch the sunset on Walnut Mountain. It rained a little while we were up there, but it was still beautiful. On the way down, we hiked through the dark with headlamps and saw a juvenile black bear! I tried to snap a photo, but he ran off too fast.

15/08/2024

I had the most amazing time out exploring Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas over the last few weeks! Now I'm back in Tennessee and getting back to work. Looking forward to taking my next group of women out backpacking on the AT tomorrow 😁

30/07/2024

We're on vacation! I'm spending some time out exploring nature in the western side of the country. I won't be back to my computer until Aug. 14, so if you need anything, send me an email and I'll get back to you soon. Happy Trails!

25/07/2024

Now booking trips for 2025! Check out our website for dates and details.

www.wildwoodhiking.com

12/07/2024

No backpacking this weekend, so Justin and I went whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River instead. It was my first time rafting, and I was so nervous! But it was an absolute blast and I can't wait to get out and do it again! Our guide, Ike, from Ace Ocoee Adventures was fantastic. He clearly knew what he was doing and made sure I felt safe and had a great time. Nothing but smiles the whole way 😄 If anyone is looking to have a good time on the water, Ace is the way to go!

08/07/2024

Happy 4th of July! Justin and I made a road trip out to Missouri to visit my family for the weekend. We've been camping out here for 20+ years, and I've made a lot of memories fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on this river. I'm happy I was able to share the tradition with Justin this year. As always, the spring fed Current River was an icy cold and refreshing break from the summer heat! We saw a bald eagle, an otter, some ducks, a heron, lots of turts, and a giant stick bug on the river.

30/06/2024

We made it! The forecast was calling for storms this evening and tonight, so we made the decision to hike a few extra miles today and finish our trip a day early. We did 9.4 miles and over 1700' of elevation gain to beat the rain! Little Hump and Hump Mountain were both beautiful this morning, showing off their views as we climbed into the clouds. At the top of Hump Mountain, we were greeted by a deer munching on the grasses. She walked right by us and didn't care at all that we were there. It was a wonderful moment 😊

The trail got a little hot and sweaty as we made our way down the mountains, but we kept on pushing to the finish. Great job conquering those mountains, Trina and Christine!

30/06/2024

We're up in the clouds today! Christine and Trina came out here from Virginia to spend a couple of nights on the AT. It was cool, misty, and breezy on top of Round Bald and Jane Bald this afternoon. You can see how fast the mist was blowing in the video! Thankfully, the clouds split a few times so we could get some views into the Tennessee mountains. By the time we got to camp, the skies had cleared and the sun warmed the air. There are about 20 tents set up here tonight! I'm excited to try out my new quilt- hand made by me! Notice the "droplets" on the fabric 😁. The sky is looking a little ominous now as everyone is getting ready to tuck in for the night. Hopefully the rain will float on by 🤞

19/06/2024

It was another gorgeous day out here in the Roan Highlands. It was warm and breezy and the clouds drifted overhead, but no rain today! We climbed over Hump Mountain and Little Hump, two mountain balds covered in wispy grasses and wildflowers. The Gray's Lilies are blooming and are so pretty! We stopped at the top of Little Hump for a long lunch break and soaked in some sunshine. Our planned campsite was packed with a couple of youth groups for the night, so we hiked two extra miles to the next shelter. We did a total of 8 miles and around 2100' of elevation gain for the day! That's like 210 flights of stairs while wearing a 25 pound pack on your back! We met some other hikers at the campsite tonight and enjoyed sharing stories and roasting marshmallows around the fire. Hikers are great people!

17/06/2024

These two sisters are having entirely too much fun! 😁 We had to change our route due to thunderstorms on the balds, and are doing a lot more uphill than originally planned. But Kelly and Kristy are having a blast, despite the added challenge! We did a short 3 miles today, with almost 1800 feet of elevation gain! I can tell they've been training because they were moving fast the whole way. They made a great team, helping each other filter water, set up their tent, and cook dinner. We heard some thunder while we were cooking, but thankfully the storms rolled by and we were able to stay dry and enjoy the evening. Before tucking in for the night, we brought our sleeping pads outside and used them as yoga mats for a little stretch session. Tomorrow, we'll be up bright and early to climb Hump Mountain, one of my favorites!

13/06/2024

We made it! 6 days and 40 miles on the Appalachian Trail. We got up and left camp early on the last day to try and beat the heat. A few miles into the hike, we spotted a mamma black bear with her cub 😍. The baby was so cute as he ran up a tree! We watched from a distance for a few minutes and then hiked on so they could get back to foraging. I didn't get a good picture of the mamma bear, but you can see the baby in the last photo.

We also saw some lizards sun bathing, and I found a wing of a Luna moth! So pretty! After climbing Rich Mountain a second time, we veered off the AT and took the Roundtop Ridge trail back into Hot Springs. This route used to be the Appalachian Trail until it was rerouted over Lover's Leap. So it was cool to walk the original AT and wonder what it was like for Grandma Gatewood to walk those same steps...

I'm so proud of these women for their huge accomplishment! And I'm honored to have been a part of their journey. We shared so many laughs, stories, and heartfelt moments in the past 6 days. Thanks for the wonderful memories!

12/06/2024

Another great day on the AT! Today was day 5 of our 6 day trip, and we were blessed with perfect weather and wonderful views. When we left our campsite, we passed a little spring-fed pond with bluegill and bass swimming around and dragonflies buzzing across the surface. Then we made our way uphill (1600 feet!) to the Rich Mountain Fire Tower. There were reports of a mother black bear and her cub in the area, so I kept my eyes peeled...I was really hoping to see them! I don't think the other ladies were as excited about spotting a bear as I was. Lucky for them, we didn't see any. We ate lunch under the fire tower and then climbed to the top to soak in the views. Then we made our way to camp, a total of 7 miles and 2400 feet of ascent for the day.

11/06/2024

Day 3 of 6 on the AT started off with a little bit of a drizzle. We rushed to pack up our tents before they got too wet and put on our rain gear for the hike. It was a short day, with only 3 miles down into Hot Springs. By the time we got into town, the sun was back out and we were able to dry all of our gear. Town day means we got showers, did our laundry, got some good food, and prepped for the second half of the trip. Somehow, I neglected to take pictures in town! Guess I was too busy stuffing myself with chili cheese dogs and tacos. 😄

09/06/2024

Day 2 on the AT. We left camp a little later than we hoped, but I was so cozy in my hammock this morning listening to the birds, it was hard to get moving! We had a big day- 10 miles and about 1600 ft of total ascent, and these ladies were troopers! The last few miles were the hardest, as we were all tired and sore. But we made it to camp with plenty of time to get set up and make dinner before it got dark. We're already dreaming up what we want to eat when we get to town tomorrow 😄

I started keeping track of the birds I saw or heard today. My bird count included a red-eyed vireo, a blue-headed vireo, a veery, a wood thrush, a dark eyed junco, an eastern towhee, american robins, the least flycatcher, the eastern wood-peewee, and a barred owl. So many birds! 🐦

08/06/2024

Today is Day 1 of our 6 Day Women's Backpacking trip near Hot Springs, NC. We started at Max Patch and had lunch on the meadow, surrounded by wildflowers and views of the mountains. Then we made our way downhill through the lush green forest, stopping for a few snacks and water breaks along the way. The last big climb got us to the campsite where we were rewarded with a gorgeous sunset. Tomorrow is a big day, so we're off to bed early for a good night's rest. 💤

02/06/2024

Cheeseburgers!!! A well deserved lunch after 3 days of backpacking! These women were absolute superstars this weekend! They made it through a night of strong winds and rain, and were still bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning. Everyone conquered their bear cans today and got the whole camp torn down in record time. The rain held off while we finished the last 3 miles of the hike, so we took our time to enjoy the scenery. Congrats to Melissa, Melinda, Kari, Sherri, Alex, and Rachel on completing their first backpacking trip!! You guys rock!

02/06/2024

Nothing but views yesterday on the AT! Blue skies, wispy clouds, green grass blowing in the wind, and miles of blue mountains in the distance. The group worked hard to climb over 1400 feet to get over Little Hump and Hump Mountain. It was so windy on the summit of Hump Mountain, so we took some quick pictures and made our way back down into the woods.

01/06/2024

Woke up to a great view from my tent this morning ♥️

01/06/2024

Another great day on the AT with a Women's Beginner Backpacking group! Round Bald and Jane Bald are so green right now. While the spring wildflowers have passed, we're starting to see some summer colors, and the rhododendrons are just starting to bloom. Everyone learned how to filter water, set up tents, and cook dinner together. We're still working on the bears cans though... they are tough to open! We had Mexican beans and rice for dinner and then roasted some marshmallows over the campfire for dessert. Yum!

29/05/2024

Due to a recent cancellation, I now have 4 spots available on my June 21-23 Beginner Backpacking Trip.

This is a co-ed trip, and open to anyone that would like to learn how to backpack in the beautiful Roan Highlands, my favorite section of the Appalachian Trail!

This 3 day / 2 night guided backpacking trip is open to all beginners and first time backpackers! You'll hike alongside an experienced backpacking guide and a small group of women for approximately 15 miles over the course of 3 days on the Appalachian Trail. Explore the beautiful rolling hills, wide...

28/05/2024

Getting gear ready for this weekend! Packs, trekking poles, tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, cook kits, and water filtration are all included on my beginner trips. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes for each trip... From prepping gear to making meals to checking the routes and itinerary. Looking forward to another great weekend in the mountains! ♥️🌄

22/05/2024

Picked up a new book at Trail Days! It's a collection of stories from women about their relationship to their bodies while hiking, backpacking, trail running, and mountaineering. I've read the first couple of chapters and I'm loving it! They are raw, beautiful, inspiring stories of what it really means to be a woman in the outdoors.

Blood Sweat Tears, edited by Christine Reed

22/05/2024

Justin and I made our way to Damascus, VA last weekend for the annual Trail Days festival last weekend. It was a wet and muddy weekend, but we still had a great time! In between the downpours, we reunited with some of our old 2022 hiking friends, walked through town in the hiker parade, and watched hikers dance around the giant bonfire. There is something so special about the AT hiking community. Friendly faces, inspirational stories, and a love for the trail.