The Appalachian Trail is seeing fewer footsteps this year. According to new data from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the number of registered thru-hikers has dropped by nearly 30% compared to 2024. The reasons are complex — weather damage, rising costs, and changing lifestyles are all playing a role. For Stacey Slamka, who has hiked trails […]
Hiking Enthusiast
Kilian Jornet’s 72-Peak Challenge Ends on Mount Rainier
Few mountaineers push limits like Kilian Jornet. In his recent “States of Elevation” project, Jornet climbed 72 of America’s tallest peaks in just 31 days—traveling only by foot and bike. His journey ended with a fitting finale on Mount Rainier, Washington’s glaciated giant. Read the full story on The Guardian. For hikers like Stacey Slamka, […]
Beginner’s Guide to Caving: The Best Caves for Beginners to Explore
If you’re interested in taking on the challenge of your first caving adventure: start here! Stacey Slamka, avid hiker and caving enthusiast, features a simple list of beginner-friendly caving experiences with tours ranging in length and difficulty levels: Mammoth Cave National Park Known as the world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky […]
Warnings for Hikers at Yellowstone National Park
This year is the year you take on Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana! But before you set off on your adventure, heed these warnings for experienced hiking enthusiast, Stacey Slamka: Dunraven Pass is Still Closed Although all roads leading to Yellowstone National Park are now open for the summer season, Dunraven Pass […]