Over the past two years I have been looking for a way to make a difference in the hiking community. I decided to create a resource for new hikers lost in the shuffle of social media criticism, sarcasm, and baseless advice- the Trail to 4k Challenge. Through this challenge, I’ve read from women who were overjoyed by their first group hiking experience, went solo hiking for the first time (and even liked it), or overcame personal doubt and previous physical limitations. While this challenge is still young and still evolving, it has inspired me to dig deeper in this mission I’ve created for myself.

In 2011 I began blogging about my journey hiking NH’s 4000 Footers. At first it was a way for me to keep track of my hikes and share with friends and family. Blogging of this type wasn’t as popular as it is now, and hikers became drawn to my site for trail information and my experiences. It eventually morphed into including resources such as gear lists, reviews, and interviews with other hikers and companies. It even reached beyond the New England states when I thru hiked the John Muir Trail which attracted a whole different set of readers.

After almost 7 years of running this site, I’ve finally realized what it has been missing: more voices.

I am not a hiking expert, guru, or savant. I don’t hike like all my readers do and I can’t have advice or even much of an opinion on topics I am not versed in.

As some have noticed, I have included a number of articles specifically for female hikers. This is something I am passionate about. I want to inspire more women to go hiking- together, solo, or leading a group is up to you. I feel we can make the most impact together.

Over the next few months, Trail to Summit will begin to look a bit different. It will morph into a community curated site with all our voices.

As of now I would love to invite New England based female hikers and backpackers to apply to write for Trail to Summit. Let’s chat about content and why you’d want to take part!

The Content:

I am looking to make Trail to Summit a go-to resource for all and especially for women hiking in New England. We have amazing communities including the NH Women’s Hiking Group which is a fantastic group on Facebook that will in turn benefit from new resources we will add here. This site will include your stories, recommendations, as well as trials and victories for other local women to be inspired by. Example topics include:

Hiking Mishaps (if hiking were so easy wouldn’t everyone do it?)

Gear Lists

Advice and Inspirations- Solo Hiking, Using a Pee Rag, Hiking with Kids, etc.

Hike How To’s and Ideas- guide to hike certain peaks, less known waterfall hikes, etc.

Why Team Up:

Have you ever wanted to share an experience, your love for an amazing pair of hiking pants that actually fit (seriously I’d love to know!!), and help a fellow hiker? This is your chance to reach your hiking community on a platform with thousands of current readers without the headache of creating your own site and maintaining it! It’s the opportunity to be part of a community of female hiker and backpackers all with the same mission of supporting each other. If you want to write 3 articles or 30, you’re welcome to apply!

Perks:

On top of having amazing exposure to share your writing and photography and being part of a community of like minded, creative women you will also be part of our exclusive lending library and have the opportunity to test new gear!

Apply Here!

Last modified: August 17, 2017