Tennessee

Hi, I’m Mary! I’m a backpacker, climber, writer, and gear nerd. I started hiking as a teenager and have spent the years since chasing long-distance trails, rock faces, and meaningful stories from the backcountry. When I’m not climbing or out on trail, I write for publications like Backpacker, Climbing, and Outside, covering everything from new ultralight gear to first-person trail narratives.

As a solo female backpacker, I care deeply about safety, preparation, and helping people build confidence outdoors. I regularly take first-timers climbing and backpacking, and I love helping them move past intimidation into pure awe. Whether you’re heading to the Camino, planning a quiet route through Joshua Tree, or picking your first backpack, I’d love to help.

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Hi, I’m Marcy! I found my love for hiking later in life—and it changed everything. What began as weekend walks turned into a deep passion for solo hiking and trail exploration. The more I pushed myself on the trail, the more I discovered not just the beauty around me, but my own strength, confidence, and calm.

Over the past few years, I’ve hiked hundreds of miles around Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia. Along the way, I’ve improved my mental and physical health, built lasting trail friendships, and learned how to match routes to any skill level—whether you’re brand new or simply rediscovering the outdoors after a long pause.

Today, I volunteer as a docent at Lula Lake Land Trust, and I love helping others—especially women and families—feel more comfortable, capable, and inspired in wild places.

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Hi, I’m William. I grew up on a farm wandering fields looking for arrowheads, so it’s no surprise that I combined my love of the outdoors with a deep passion for history. I’ve worked as a National Park Service ranger and educator across more than 12 park sites, helping people connect with nature and the stories of place.

Most recently, I retired from New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. These days, my wife and I run a small business designing wayside signs for local parks, and we’re heading back to school soon to study art! Whether you’re looking to get off the beaten path, uncover regional history, or just find the best trails and views, I’m excited to help.

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Hi, I’m Owen! I’ve hiked over 13,000 miles since 2015, including some of the most rugged and rewarding long-distance trails in the world. Whether you’re planning your first backpacking trip or a thru-hike, I can help with route selection, gear, logistics, and trail confidence so you can focus on the adventure, not the stress.

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Hi, I’m Mary! In 2022, I achieved a lifelong goal of thru-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail as a solo female hiker. Since then, I’ve completed 650+ miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, owned and operated a thru-hiker hostel, and guided backpacking trips across the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond. I’m passionate about helping solo hikers and first-time adventurers feel prepared, safe, and excited to take on the trail. Whether you’re planning your first overnight trip or looking to tackle a long-distance trek, I’d love to help you plan your journey.

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