Will MacKinnon of Trek Virginia Outdoors shares the origin of the Trek Virginia Outdoors hiking community and it's focus on connecting others to Virginia's outdoors while promoting responsible stewardship. 

We also talk about foraging for mushrooms, hiking responsibly and some of the partnerships he's created with other like minded folks. 

Here are some of Will's favorite local trails near Floyd, VA and the Blue Ridge Parkway  (links below)
Smart View Overlook
Black Ridge
Rock Castle Gorge Loop
Stiles Falls
Dragons Tooth, Tinkers Cliff and McAfee Knob
Audie Murphy Monument 

Connect with Trek Virginia Outdoors:
Instagram: @trekvirginiaoutdoors

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Instagram: @thehikepodcast
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Blog: thehikepodcast.wordpress.com
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Email: hikepodcast@gmail.com  A special shout out to my patrons who support the show and keep this podcast independent and hosted! And a special shout out to my newest patrons Julie and Christine!  Support the show Connect with Hike:
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Trek Virginia Outdoors

Hike is a podcast that shares the stories of people and places that inspire us to explore, wander, and live.

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Health & Fitness

Wilderness

Zach and Corin share their Fall 2023 hike on the Foothills Trail. We chat about their 5 days on trail and touch on food carry, water, campsites, wildlife on trail and so much more. 

Both Zach and Corin have previously been on Hike to share their individual hiking stories and adventures, so I'm excited to be able to have them on together for the first time.  They talk candidly about what it's like to hike as a couple and how it's brought them closer together. 

Zach is currently finishing out his yearlong DayLoeb (hike the Art Loeb in a day once a month for 13 months) leading into his 40th birthday.  Corin is planning for an upcoming 2024 trip to Yellowstone while Zach will look at doing his own hike of the Bartram Trail. 

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Foothills Trail with Zach and Corin

Staff Sgt. Andrea Okrasinski and Staff Sgt. Ema Donlagic are U.S. Army Soldiers and Instructors with the Army Mountain Warfare School in Vermont, specializing in missions with extreme weather and mountainous terrain. 

They share their best tips for winter hiking based on their cold weather experiences in Vermont and elsewhere. 

We cover:Smart layeringTaking care of your feetHydration And much more!Learn more:

Army Mountain Warfare School
https://www.moore.army.mil/Infantry/AMWS/

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills book
https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/mountaineering-the-freedom-of-the-hills-9th-edition-1

Cold Weather Hiking Tips (REI)
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/cold-weather-hiking.html#:~:text=Make%20sure%20your%20clothing%20and,if%20you%27re%20feeling%20chilly. Support the show Connect with Hike:
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Email: hikepodcast@gmail.com 

Winter Hiking Tips from U.S. Army Mountain Warfare Soldiers

Lauren hiked France's thru hiking trail called the Hexatrek over the summer. She was the first North American woman to thru hike the trail. In this episode she shares some of her on trail experiences and we chat a little bit about the PCT and some of her other backpacking adventures. 

"The HexaTrek is a 3034 km trail, linking 14 of the most beautiful natural parks and crossing France from the Vosges to the Pyrenees. Following the mountain ridges, crossing the most beautiful valleys and stopping in the most picturesque villages, the HexaTrek is 500 points of interest, unmissables, and natural wonders visible from the trail. The 6 stages of the HexaTrek will lead you through the most beautiful parks of the French territory." (hexatrek.com) 

Connect with Lauren:

Instagram: @laurenroerick
TikTok: @laurenexplores
YouTube: @laurenroerick
Website: www.laurenroerick.com 

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The Hexatrek with Lauren Roerick

Nick shares his summer hiking from Springer to Harper's Ferry. He hiked 1000 miles also wearing one of my Hike hats. We chat about what it is really like on trail and the lessons he took back afterwards. This conversation inspired me and I know it will inspire you. On trail or off trail, Nick's story will resonate with you. 

Connect with Nick "Show Me": 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthew3/


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A Thousand Miles on the Appalachian Trail with Nick Wheatley

Dane shares all the information about his and his hiking partner's summer thru hike of the Art Loeb Trail. 

We break down each day and chat about the planning and reality of this hike. Dane has lots of tips and resources that everyone can use whether they are looking at a day hike or thru hike of this trail. 

If you have questions about the trail, reach out to Dane at 

dane(dot)schuckman(at)gmail(dot)com

Resource links: 
 Pisgah Map Co. - Antigravity Gear ALT trail guideReviewing Leave No Trace principlesYouTube - Unfettered Footsteps - Hiking the Art Loeb Trail: Logistics & PlanningThe Trek - Blog post by Jessie Robinson - Guide to Hiking the Art Loeb Trail in One WeekendFacebook’s Art Loeb Trail groupSupport the show Connect with Hike:
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Email: hikepodcast@gmail.com 

Trek Virginia Outdoors

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