She Hikes Mountains

OJI Cabin — Doubletop — Wassataquoik Lake Trail — and points north!

Last fall, I stumbled upon the OJI Cabin on Kidney Pond simply because I was late to the reservation game and it was the only cabin available for the days I wanted to visit Baxter. Now, I wouldn’t choose a different cabin even if I had every one to pick from!

Yes, you have to paddle all your stuff across the pond (including firewood) and carry it along an uneven path through the woods. And yes, it’s worth every stroke and step.

This year, we tackled Doubletop, which is a lovely jaunt in the woods… until the last mile, which is basically bouldering. The views from the top(s) are incredible in every direction!

Next up was Wassataquoik Lake Trail. We had grand visions of making it the lake, but the mileage was double what we thought (curse you and your little red numbers, AllTrails), so we stopped at Center Pond, about half 5 miles in. This hike was pretty (and pretty flat), but very wet. The bog boards are old and slick… and just plain missing in some spots… but it was fun to try a new trail. Also, the lichen-covered patchwork rock and the ancient ocean fossils we found in the stream blew my mind (see previous post for close ups!)

Our final day was a washout, so we hauled across the pond before the rain and then drove north on the Tote Road to explore the top of the park. We’d never been up there, and it was fun to think about new trips for next season.

In between adventures there were campfires, delicious foods, a very tight Scrabble board, grumbles about fishing season being closed, sunsets and moonrises, and lots of smiles.

It’s hard not to smile here.

It was a very pleasant day on a very Pleasant Mountain!
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The color palette is decidedly late fall: shades of brown, green, gray, and blue, all so beautiful in the sun.
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Bald Peak trail up and over the summit, down to the Southwest Ridge trailhead, u-turn and back again. 10 miles and 4000’ gain, but only 2000’ total elevation makes a great training hike without any snow (yet)!
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Meanwhile, Mt Washington is looking very white…
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🍂 autumn up close 🍃
Baxter State Park

Our last day in the Smokies was spent visiting beautiful, unique geological features.
Grotto Falls is a picturesque waterfall that can be viewed from behind the cascade. The hike up is lined with wild rhododendrons and big tulip poplars.
Arch Rock is a naturally formed slate arch (the softer rock in the center eroded over centuries) with a human-made staircase through the center. The trail to the arch follows Alum Cave Creek and is a great destination for all hiking abilities.
We finished the day with a trip to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which has an amazing natural history display of local animals and plants, an easy-grade walking trail, and a well-stocked gift shop (great books and puzzles)!
And now… back to New England 💕

It was AT day in Tennessee!
We started with a beautiful sunrise and drove up the 7 mile windy road to Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail (6643 ft). It was misty there, so no views, but we climbed the 70s space needle anyway.
Next stop, Newfound Gap where FDR officially opened the Smoky Mountain National Park in 1940. We hopped on the AT and hiked 3 miles to Icewater Spring Shelter, then took the extra mile round trip to see The Jump Off. The sweeping views were absolutely worth the effort (just don’t look down).
I am so proud of the women I was guiding today. This was a hard hike for them and they were determined to see that view. They did it with big smiles, deep breaths, and encouraging words to each other.
This is why we guide

Today in the Smokies…

Rafting the Pigeon River (no pics, phone stayed behind!), beautiful vistas from the Foothills Parkway, the Bud Ogle homestead (highlight was the old tub mill!), and SO MANY roadside bears just doin’ their thing in the park.
That last bear is standing outside the back door to our house. He showed up after we cooked bacon.

Hikes through Cucumber Gap, Maddron Bald, and Albright Grove…

More abandoned cabins (that I want to move into) and chimneys from the abandoned timber industry (pre National Park)…

Huge trees and vines (virgin hemlock, tulip poplar, and wild grape vine) and plants I’ve never seen (red berries exploding out of magenta shells, whattt??)…

Sketchy bridges (that take you to more cabins)...

Roads that lead to nothing and everything…

A visit to Greenbrier School and the Walker Sisters Cabin with Adventures in Good Company!

John Walker and his wife Margret lived off the land, raised 11 children in this cabin, and helped build a school for them to attend. John died in 1921 and left the cabin and property to his 5 u***d adult daughters.

The Walker Sisters made their life on the farm for over 40 years, never modernizing their lifestyle. They grew and raised all their food, spun wool, cotton, and flax to make textiles for clothes, and harvested wood for fire and construction. They gardened medicinal plants and cultivated over 20 varieties of apple trees.

The Walker sisters once said, "Our land produces everything we need except sugar, soda, coffee, and salt."

In 1926, the government started negotiating the acquisition of nearly a half million acres, most privately owned by families and timber companies, to form the Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Walkers refused to sell.

Sensing an imminent PR nightmare if they enforced eminent domain, the park commission paid the sisters $4750 and gave them a lifetime lease to stay in their cabin.

The Walker Sisters became a living history exhibit in the park, welcoming tourists and selling homemade toys, crocheted doilies, handwritten poems, and fried apple pies.

The last sister died in 1964, and the cabin is still open for visitors.

🤎…october…🧡

We bouldered up Dudley, balanced our way over Knife’s Edge, slid down Saddle, trudged back up Hamlin Ridge, bushwhacked North Peaks, caught our dinner (and breakfast), crossed rivers, limped our way out Wassataquoik on busted up knees.
Hiking in Baxter is amazing. The terrain is so stunning and so varied (and often so hard). Katahdin is a beast of a mountain. Powerful and otherworldly and unyielding.
But the thing I really love about Baxter is how fiercely it guards its true self.
Governor Baxter gave the state this gift on the condition it be kept ‘forever wild.’ No cell service, no potable water, no paved roads, no overflow parking. Visiting Baxter, especially the backcountry, requires planning and patience. Nothing is easy or instantaneous. The park demands commitment, care, and resilience. It asks us to work hard. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. Baxter knows exactly what it is and what it will always be.
If we are willing to trek over the mountain, across the rivers, and through the woods, this place offers the most coveted rewards, things that feel exceedingly hard to come by in our fast lives.
Simplicity. Clarity. Connection.
Beauty that touches your soul.
If that’s not worth the work, I don’t know what on this earth is.
Tom Patrick

Another beautiful day outside
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Chocorua never disappoints
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Amazing views and the first signs of fall
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Backfilling outdoor climbing confidence and building skills at Rumney Rocks today.
So much sunshine, great company & support, well-managed nerves, no tears, and really fun routes.
*almost* ready to lead.
🧗‍♀️ 🙏🏻

🌊…usually I post pictures of mountains and forests…🌊

Slackpacking the Appalachian Trail in Vermont!
My first trip guiding with was just what I thought it would be: awesome, inspiring, rewarding, and exhausting in the most fulfilling way.
I spent a week in rural Vermont with 11 smart, determined, kind, funny women from all over the country. We hiked on the AT and the Long Trail in the rain and mud, we ate delicious food, we went up and down and up again, we did not give up when the trail got tough. It was a pleasure to work with them.
I got to share my guiding time with two bad ass females: & the incredible Jody R. I learned so much from them: about leading groups, problem solving on the fly, embracing the suck, living each day fully and fearlessly, and being comfortable with the discomfort of doing hard things.
I also haven’t laughed so much or so hard in a long time.

Good morning, Casco Bay, you are so calm and blue.

A beautiful day on Franconia Ridge with ! Flume and Liberty! We started while the moon was in the sky and went up & back on Liberty Spring Trail to avoid the slide. This is such a lovely, gentle trail. We had great views, perfect weather, and friendly AT-thru-hiker company along the way.
Every time I hike Franconia Ridge on a beautiful day, I can’t help thinking about how unforgiving this terrain is in the winter and how many lives this ridge has taken. I think about this and pause, give thanks, and appreciate the sun. And I remember that the choices we make are the only things in life we can actually control.

Women’s Intro to Backpacking was a great adventure!
Three strong, fun, determined women joined me at Puzzle Mountain for their first backpacking trip.
Adjusting to hiking with a heavy pack always takes some getting used to. These ladies were so patient and supported each other along the way with encouraging words and helping hands on the rocks. We got poured on, but only for 10 minutes, and made it to our Tentsite for a dry set up. We learned and laughed and felt really accomplished when we finished (with the help of some good friends & )

This summer, I’ve had the privilege of helping people reach their goals through my work as a Maine guide. My personal goal was to hike the 100 Mile Wilderness in 5 days (aka, thru-hiker pace).
I did it. Every step was hard.
The constant precipitation has created very challenging terrain. Flooding, saturated ground, mud, slippery roots and rocks, mosquitoes, full shelters, treacherous water crossings, and a general feeling of ‘I can’t wait to be done’ from every AT thru hiker I spoke to.
And yet… I love this wild place. It is harsh and demanding and unpredictable. It is also beautiful and peaceful and rewarding.
Just like life.

Why do we choose to do hard things?
So when we don’t have a choice, we know what we’re capable of.

The next Women’s Intro to Backpacking trip is less than a month away!
Join me (and other adventurous women!) on this 2-day, 1-night trip.
We’ll hike 10 miles over 2 days at an easy pace and sleep at a remote tentsite. This is a no-experience-required, no-pressure, nothing-but-fun overnight experience for women who want to try backpacking in a safe, supportive way.
More info at shehikesmountains.com!

Join me for a Women’s Intro to Backpacking trip in Newry, Maine!
Dates in July, August, and September (all flexible!)
This trip is perfect for female hikers who haven’t made the leap into backpacking.
Enjoy 10 miles over 2 days at a comfortable pace. The terrain is varied and the views are fantastic. Learn basic backpacking skills and spend a night at a remote tentsite with a guide (me!) and other adventurous women. Or book a solo trip for a one-on-one experience.
No gear? No problem! Affordable rentals are available through Maine GearShare
Reach out for more info or visit www.shehikesmountains.com (link in bio).

Join me for an amazing journey through Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness. Beautiful, peaceful, and challenging. Now booking trips in August and September.

💙💚🤎

Went to scope a new trail to Carter Dome for a client… and found the water crossings are way too high to take this route! Pre-hiking is an important part of guiding — it means fewer surprises along the way and a safer hike.

Carter Notch was beautiful, as usual…

This summer, I'll be helping a new client finish her NH48. She saved some of the toughest mountains for the end, and she wants to feel safe, supported, and confident during her hikes.

I'll be planning our route, checking her gear, watching the weather, packing emergency essentials, and cheering her on... all she has to think about is how determined she is to complete her goal!

If this sounds like an appealing way to hike, check out my Guide Services page or send me a message.

https://shehikesmountains.com/guide-services/

Guide Services - She Hikes Mountains I am a Registered Maine Guide offering day hikes and backpacking trips throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Puzzle Mtn… with all the dogs 🐕 and all the friends 💕
Summer hiking is here! So are the bugs 🦟!
After the first camping trip of the season, we hit Puzzle Mtn via the Grafton Loop Trail. It was easier without snow… but still not easy!
The first 2 miles climb gradually through young, leafy forests on an old logging road, switchbacking several times. When you hit the Stewart Family Preserve, the forest changes drastically, becoming dense and evergreen. There are incredible views of Sunday River and the Presidential Range.
We took the Woodsum Spur off the summit, which has pretty big ups and downs for a relatively short trail. The guidebooks recommend taking this spur clockwise (we did), I assume because the trail is rugged and steep with ledge underfoot in places.
It’s worth taking the side jaunt to see the boulder caves. You can climb them if you’re feeling brave
There was plenty of water in the lower 2 miles but not near the top, so plan ahead for thirsty pups!

Mount Moosilauke | 5-18-23
My first trip up Moosilauke in 2021 followed Beaver Brook Trail. I loved the cascades. I didn’t love the ice sheets. So, for this trip, I went to the other side of the mountain to try out Gorge Brook Trail.
This hike was lovely. The steeper sections were managed by forgiving switchbacks and although there was still a significant monorail, the postholing wasn’t bad. That said, a lot of time was spent putting spikes on and taking them off as the snow conditions changed on the upper section of the trail.
After stopping to enjoy the views at the top, I took the Carriage Road and Snapper Trail route down for a change of scenery. Both trails were moderate and exactly the same distance as Gorge Brook Trail.
The hardest part of this hike was walking back up the dirt road to where parking is allowed! Also, the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge is now on my summer must-do list. What a beautiful place!

Pleasant Mtn: Southwest Ridge Trail to Sue’s Way
I’ve never been up the Denmark side of Pleasant Mtn. I chose it because it’s the longest route and I was looking for miles & elevation… minus postholes. I got my wish!
At the summit I opted to extend my hike by crossing the ridge to Bald Peak and taking the North Ridge Trail and Sue’s Way loop over to the ski lifts and back to Bald Peak Trail. That added 4.5 miles and almost 800 feet of elevation to my hike to make a 10 mile/+2750ft day… with NO miserable postholing!
I can’t say enough good things about this hike. The view is beautiful (look at all the snow on Washington!), the terrain is varied, and it’s only an hour from Portland. Also, I swear there were more green leaves when I came down than when I started up. Everything and everyone is ready for sunshine and warm weather!

can you spot the pup on the move 👀

I am over-the-mountain excited to be joining as an adventure guide!
This incredible female owned and operated company offers trip-of-a-lifetime experiences for women, from Maine to Mongolia. Their trips range from cultural exploration and National Park tours to multisport vacations and physically demanding hiking treks. All AGC journeys adhere to sustainable travel guidelines and Leave No Trace principles.
Working with and guiding women on adventures that push limits, expand awareness, encourage empowerment, and inspire independence is a dream job.
I never imaged setting a personal hiking goal during the pandemic would be the first step toward guiding in amazing places all over the country and world.
It’s never the wrong time to step off the paved road and chase your dreams.
*first pic is the logo (follow for adventure inspo!)

**second pic is my first hike in the Whites, Aug 16, 2020

A blue bird day on blueberry ledge!
Yesterday was all-conditions hiking on Mount Whiteface. Hard packed snow in the morning softened to slippery mush in the afternoon. A combination of bareboots, snowshoes, spikes, and butt sleds were necessary!
I love this trail’s varied terrain and incredible views. The top is steep, and coming down on loose snow was a little dicey, but ‘tis the season for sketchy conditions in the Whites.
Getting very excited for summer hiking!

It was a beautiful day to guide a hike!
I couldn’t have asked for a better group of gals to tackle the sloppy, slippery snow. We shared amazing views, yummy food, and lots of laughs. They even opted for the longer route down!

Mt. Washington | winter summit
I’ve been waiting for the perfect winter day to climb Mt W… and yesterday was it! and I left Portland before the sun came up and were on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail by 8am. We planned to hike to the Lakes of the Clouds hut and assess the weather, which was predicted to become cloudier and windier as the day progressed. We reached the hut in base layers, under a full sun.
We headed over to Davis Path (we meant to take Crawford but the cairns were buried in a big drift) and as we came up the ridge, we found ourselves above the clouds that were hovering on the east side of the range. Such an amazing thing to see, like looking at a snowy ocean!
The snow was packed all the way from the trailhead to the summit, and we made the whole climb in microspikes.
With zero wind and bright sun at the top, it felt like June. I rarely stop to rest on summits (too cold), but we were able to spend 20 minutes enjoying the view.
Back at the hut, we looked up at Monroe and said, ‘why not?’ And that kicked off our unplanned-but-now-very-official Winter 48.
We took the steepest part of Ammonoosuc on our butts (on purpose) and were back to the car by 3:30.
I had some healthy nerves going into this hike. Our bags were packed for the worst and we got the absolute best. It was definitely worth waiting for the right day to climb the big guy.

Beautiful weather and mashed potato snow on Pleasant Mtn!
Bald Peak Trail was broken, but snowshoes were still a must. This peak is small AND mighty, rising 2000 ft in just over 2 miles, with steep sections and a rolling ridge. Great views and a lot of wind at the top.
Luna loved every minute 🤍

The Moats
I love this hike, and I was excited to try it in the snow. The trail was broken up to South Moat (from Passaconaway Rd trailhead), but beyond that it was fresh powder. It was manageable with microspikes, but snowshoes would have helped. Water was flowing over the ledges despite below freezing temps, and the snow was sticky in places (ice balls on the spikes).
Also noteworthy: after the Red Ridge Trail cutoff between Middle and North Moat, the Moat Mtn Trail drops into the woods. There are zero blazes btwn the cut off and the North Moat summit. ZERO. The trail was relatively easy to follow in the woods, but in the ridge it’s a crapshoot. Keep an eye on your GPS!
The 11 mile round trip took 8 hours, thanks to the added work of post holing for several miles. The views were worth the effort. I think the Moats have some of the best under-4000-footer views in the Whites!

Mount Pisgah | Winthrop, ME
This little mountain (807 ft) has big feelings! The 60 ft tower at the top provides views of the Whites and Mt Washington on a clear day. The Tower Trail is lined with old stone walls and big, gnarled sugar maple trees. The elevation gain is a modest 334 ft, but the uphill is enough to get your heart beating.
Take Blueberry Trail down for a nice 2.4 mile loop, or add the Ledges Trail for even more mileage.
Mount Pisgah Conservation Area is managed by the Town of Winthrop and the Kennebec Land Trust.

Piper Hammond Loop
I wanted to get to the mountains before the storm… and maybe avoid some holiday tasks…
I’ve hiked the Piper Trail to Mt. Chocorua, but I’ve never continued over the summit to Liberty, Hammond, and Weetamoo Trails.
It was a snowshoe situation the whole way up. Crusty snow at the bottom and then deep, fluffy snow at the top.
I took the West Side Trail to avoid going over the exposed summit. It was broken at the start… by a moose, whose trail eventually turned into the woods and left me in knee-deep drifts. Liberty and Hammond Trails were broken and had beautiful views.
Weetamoo Trail wasn’t broken at all… but it is now!
Overall, this was a tough hike. Every step was hard, even with snowshoes. But I got to spend the day in the woods, decompress before the holidays, and break a trail through the silent snow.

Bald & Speckled Mtns
I love it when a hiking trip takes me through towns I’ve never seen and on roads I’ve never traveled on.
After choosing a different hike and finding a seasonal road closure (luckily before we got there), we ended up in Woodstock, ME to hike Bald and Speckled Mountains. The drive up there was beautiful, passing through old farmland and small towns, and only 1.5 hours from Portland.
This 4.7 mile, 1600 foot gain hike is rated hard on AllTrails, thanks to a very steep final half-mile that requires some scrambling over rocks. It would make a great conditioning hike to start the season. The rise never really lets up, and there is a nice variety of terrain before you reach the steep section. Both summits were beautiful with clear views Mt. Washington, Sunday River, and three wind parks.
Warning though, there is also ice. We bushwhacked around it, but it was still pretty sketchy. Spikes would have helped, but in some places it was too slick even with traction.
I didn’t realize until we got there, this is also the location of Shagg Crag, an enormous granite climbing wall. We’ll be heading back for that activity another day and will definitely hike these two mountains again… maybe when the ice melts or gets covered by snow!

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Avery Peak, Bigelow Preserve
Good thing didn’t listen when I said, “There won’t be much snow.”
We had microspikes. We needed snow shoes… or skis!
We broke trail the whole up Safford Brook Tr and the AT in ankle-deep snow. At treeline, ankle-deep became knee-deep, then thigh-deep in the drifts. We got to Avery Peak at 2pm with 50 mph gusts and made the choice to turn back instead of pushing on to Bigelow Peak.
It’s tough to turn around when you’re working on your 4000s and the summit is in sight. But… going to Bigelow would have added at least 1 (probably 2) hours to the trip. Even with the u-turn, we hiked in semi-darkness and popped out of the woods at 5pm with only a sliver of moon in the sky. Bigelow Peak will be there, and we’ll go back for it another day.
Aside from the blustery ridge and frozen summit, it was a beautiful, snowy day in the woods.

Humphreys Peak | 12,633 ft
Arizona looked very different today! I’ve had my eye on Humphreys Peak (highest peak in AZ) since I visited Flagstaff a year ago. The significant alpine exposure means it can be pretty wild at the top, so it’s not a hike to try on a whim. This time I came prepared and lucked out with a beautiful, sunny day.
You can see the Grand Canyon and California from the top.

Lower Antelope Canyon is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
It is powerful and humbling to visit this place in the Navajo Nation. Our guide, Arlo, told us he’s not that impressed by it. There are numerous slot canyons like this one on the reservation. This place is special to him because of its history. When the United States government forced his people toward Oklahoma, many hid in the canyons and remained on what was, is, and will always be their land.
From the top, you can’t tell the canyon is there (last pic).