I'm Kate "Big Catt", a backpacker, runner, and writer. If the trail keeps going, I want to see what's next. That's what led me to hike southbound on the AT in 2022. For 2024, I'll be hiking northbound on the CDT. I currently enjoy working for a local running store in Western New York and writing about outdoor recreation. Other adventures include the Foothills Trail, sections of the Fingerlakes Trail, and the Northville-Placid Trail.
Posts
Getting to Lordsburg for the CDT
The adventure starts the moment you leave your house with a heavy pack and nervous energy for the journey ahead. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT)
Packing My Fears: Gear Updates for the CDT
Sunny days, cold nights, wildlife, and limited trail towns are just a few fears I’ll be packing to experience along the CDT. In this blog, I’ll be discussing the updates I’ve made since the AT to best prepare for the CDT.
Headed to the CDT: Fears, Expectations, and Blogging
I'll soon be flying out to New Mexico to walk the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada. With hiking plans set for the summer, I'm diving into why I chose this trail and how the CDT differs from the AT.
AT Hikers: 9 Thru-Hiker Approved Ways To Tackle the White Mountains
The 104 miles of white-blazed trail in the White Mountains National Forest of New Hampshire is hyped for a good reason. This area is managed differently than the rest of the AT to focus on forest protection. While we’re all thru-hiking for some Type-2 fun, being prepared to navigate the Whites during your Appalachian Trail thru-hike can make the journey certainly less stressful. Whether you are a thru-hiker or section hiker, approaching from the north or south, the advice provided is to flip any logistical stress into excitement about this stunning section of national forest.
12 Favorite Gear Picks for the Appalachian Trail
Finding quality backpacking gear doesn't have to be stressful. Here are 12 favorite items I used while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Southbound: The Days Before and After Springer Mountain
On November 17, 2022, I completed my southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. A walk from Mt. Katahdin, Maine, to Springer Mountain, Georgia.
Springer Mountain is All Too Close
The day I crossed the Appalachian Trail northbound 100-mile marker at Albert Mountain fire tower in North Carolina (100 miles left to hike,
Monson to New Hampshire
After finishing the 100 Mile Wilderness going southbound, our small group (ranging from 3 to 12 people) reached Monson, Maine on June 18, 2022.
Mount Katahdin and the 100 Mile Wilderness
Leading up to my thru-hike start date, 80% of my mind was focused on the hike up Mt. Katahdin to reach the northern terminus of the Appalachian
3 Most Asked Questions as I Prepared to Thru-Hike
When it came to discussing my plans to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, three questions were always asked unrelated to gear or miles.