Getting Started

  • Be SMART: How to Set Realistic Hiking Goals

    When you’re first starting, it’s important to set small, attainable hiking goals based on whatever your starting point is. You might be someone who has never hiked but is always active, or, if you’re like me, you might be starting out with incorporating more walks in your neighborhood. There’s a few things to keep in…

  • What The Heck Is Hiking Anyway?

    Hiking Instagram vs. Reality When people see hiking pictures on social media, they generally see stunningly gorgeous lakes, stellar mountain views, and thick forest landscapes. Sometimes, they might see an adorable picture of a baby deer or even a bear. A lot is missing from those pictures, though. What you don’t see in the photos…

  • Map Reading: The Key To Getting Home Safely

    Get Lost! Okay…that’s bad advice, definitely DON’T get lost on your hiking or backpacking trip. While to goal is clearly to avoid this reality, it happens to the best of hikers. Conditions vary, situations vary, and even experienced navigators can lose their way.  I promise, no more bad advice from here on out; we’ll focus…

  • Benefits Of Hiking: Both The Mental & Physical

    Health Benefits Of Hiking In Nature Ready to discover the benefits of hiking? Close your eyes and imagine this. You’re in the great outdoors on one of the many forest hiking trails. This natural setting has birds are chirping around you. Squirrels in there natural environment are running up and down trees. The wind blows…

  • Beginner Hiking: What to Bring on a Day Trip

    Where do you start? As you start your beginner hiking journey, all the planning it requires can be quite daunting. However, not to worry. This guide is here to help! By the end of this article, you’ll know both how to plan a day trip, and exactly what to bring.  Bring A Buddy While it’s…

  • Beginner Hike? Get Off The Couch & Find Inspiration!!

    I often get asked why I started hiking after the shock wears off when I tell people I am a hiker. In case you hadn’t realized I am fat and not at all what anyone pictures when you think of a hiker. My beginner hike was in 2017, I was fat then and I am…

  • Where To Begin This Journey?

    As a new hiker it can be overwhelming. All the different gear choices, trails, maps reading and of course the snacks! When I started to hike I would spend hours reading about hiking and how to do it properly and safely. I was so overwhelmed with information that I forgot to do one thing, actually…