You’re a go-getter and an adventurer at heart. And you want more out of life than just to get up, go to work, come home, go to sleep, rinse, repeat.
You have a clear vision of hiking the Appalachian Trail and starting a new life you love.
But… you’re not quite sure exactly what steps you need to take, skills you need to know, or gear you need to have to get there.
I can guide you through every aspect planning of your first long distance hike, from your very first thought of “Hey I really want to do this!” to “Wow! What do I now?” after you’ve finished your last mile.
Whether you have no hiking experience at all or have some short trips or day hikes under your belt, I can help.
Adding ‘hiking the Appalachian Trail’ to your bucket list is one thing. Hopping on a plane, train or car towards Springer Mountain is another. Let’s sort out the nitty gritty details together so you can accomplish your biggest goals.
Hi, I’m Mallory Moskowitz.
I’m a Certified Professional Coach who is absolutely in love with backpacking and helping others experience the wonder of living and traveling in the great outdoors.
You’re someone who is in need of change, adventure, independence, and self-discovery. You’re going to hike the Appalachian Trail, whether you complete a thru-hike or a long-ass-section hike, and you’ll thrive on the trail.
I’m a life coach, outdoor recreation professional, and enthusiast with a knack for logistical planning and passion for getting other people outside.
What does this mean for you? I know how to help you turn your dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail, into a reality. I know you are not crazy for wanting to go spend several months in the woods (no matter what your coworkers or family say!) You can take on this amazing life changing adventure, and create a purposeful life you love after your hike is over.
I can help you gain the confidence, skills, and cojones you need to leave your old life behind and start fresh on the Appalachian Trail.
My Journey Here
In college, I was required to read “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson for one of my recreation classes, and that’s when the wheels started to turn. Between reading about Bryson’s adventures and some light googling about the AT, I decided I would hike it one day. One day, far off in the future, after graduating and getting my life sorted out like I thought adults were supposed to.
After graduation, I lead two-week trips for young adults in upstate New York, backpacking, backcountry canoeing, and rock climbing. I got to see amazing places that could only be reached by foot, all while teaching these young people with no experience, how to cook, sleep, poop, and thrive in the wilderness. My dream of hiking the AT got put on hold for the promise of a steady paycheck and excellent benefits.
I eventually slid into a year-round, “grown up” job where I got to organize hiking and road biking trips during the warm season and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trips in the winters, but the highlight of it all, was an annual camping trip to Baxter State Park to summit Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus of the AT. I did some work with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and happened to meet a pair of scraggly thru-hikers who were only 3 days away from their end goal, summiting Mt. Katahdin.
There it was, the spark was back. I started researching the AT again, trying to figure out what it would really take to launch a long distance hike. It started as something I would do when I was bored, but quickly turned into checking the whiteblaze.com forums daily, sometimes multiple times a day. I began making notes and lists like a crazy person trying to assess how soon I could start my hike – a year and a half from now? Maybe this year, if I hustle?!
So I made it happen. It took several months to sort out all the logistics, attempt to get into hiking shape after a long winter, get my finances in order, and save up enough to quit my job and buy a southbound train ticket.
It took several months to sort out all the logistics, attempt to get into hiking shape after a long winter, get my finances in order, and save up enough to quit my job and buy a southbound train ticket to Georgia.
Honestly, even after years of experience in the woods, I was terrified!
I’m the kind of person who needs to know exactly what’s coming next and what to do in every what-if scenario. But it just wasn’t possible for my brain to process that for this trip. There were so many variables, so many unknowns, and no backup plan.
I was going to hike the AT, that was THE plan, I didn’t have a job or an apartment to go back to now. I nearly had a panic attack on the train realizing it was taking me to Georgia, there was no getting off, no turning around, and no one by my side. I may have cried a little on that train ride!
But the second I got to the trail head at Springer Mountain, I knew I was in exactly the right place, at exactly the right time. From Springer, I walked back to the NJ/NY line, close to my childhood home. I learned so many things and had so many surprises, both good and bad, along the way!
My Mission
I am dying to share my knowledge and expertise with those who are feeling overwhelmed planning their first long distance hike. I want to guide you through all your fears, challenges, and logistics that come along with an epic adventure, be your cheerleader while you’re on the trail, and help you can create a life you love after you’ve finished your last mile.
If you could use some help planning you first long distance hike, get started with my Backpacking Gear Checklist, to start gathering all the gear you need for your trip. For free, instant access, enter your name and e-mail address below.
If you’re ready for free backpacking tips, tricks, and how-to’s right now, head on over to the blog. See you in there!