Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

If you are planning a future thru-hike or section hike of the Appalachian Trail, this page is for you!  I've compiled a collection of resources, blog posts, online classes, and workshops to help get you everything you need to prepare for your AT adventure! Learn about the history of the AT, logistics and planning, gear, meals and resupplies, physical and mental preparation, injury prevention, safety, and so much more!  You don’t have to do it alone.  I believe anyone can thru-hike the AT with proper preparation and planning.

Looking for help with your thru-hike?

As a previous thru-hiker and teacher, I'm happy to help you plan and prepare for your future thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail! I offer one-on-one coaching and planning sessions, pack shakedowns, training hikes, and more! Send me an email with your ideas and what you'd like assistance with, and I'll help you get started on the right path.

-Nicole (Droplet), Class of 2022

Contact Me

What Do Thru-Hikers Think About Wildwood?

  • Dennis P.

    "If you are interested in hiking on the Appalachian Trail and don’t know where to start, I would suggest starting here. The AT Thru-Hiker Prep online class was super informative. Nicole answered all my questions and provided informational links for so many other resources."

  • Lisa C.

    "The AT thru-hike prep class was very good and I learned so much. Nicole is very knowledgeable. I highly recommend."

  • Eric S.

    "I used Nicole's services to prepare for my hike on the Appalachian Trail and I cannot recommend her enough to anyone who might be looking to get started backpacking. She is very knowledgeable, thorough in her teaching, and the virtual shakedowns we did, going over gear and planning the first few days of my trip were invaluable."

Wildwood Hiking Co.

Appalachian Trail Smoky Mountains Section Hike

$1,700.00 USD
$1,700.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Choose a Date

Join Wildwood Hiking Co. on a guided 8 day section hike of the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! This trip is perfect for aspiring thru-hikers looking to test their gear and grit on a challenging section of the AT.

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Wildwood Hiking Co.

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Prep: Online Class

$60.00 USD
$60.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Choose a Date
View full details

Blog Posts

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Backpacking with Wildwood Hiking Co.

  • Two woman with backpacks standing on a rocky outcropping overlooking the French Broad river below

    Extended Backpacking Trips

    Hike alongside an experienced backpacking guide to explore the beautiful woodlands and the mountain views on the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world! These extended trips are a perfect way to test your gear and grit before a thru-hike.

    Extended Trips 
  • A group of seven women with backpacks and trekking poles standing in front of a sign for Carvers Gap

    Women's Backpacking Trips

    These guided backpacking trips were created for women, by women! Explore the outdoors and enjoy backpacking within a safe, supportive environment surrounded by adventure-driven women like yourself.

    Women's Trips 

  • Beginner Backpacking Trips

    These guided backpacking trips are perfect for anyone that is new to backpacking. Explore the wilderness while hiking over beautiful mountain tops and camping in the woods. All fitness levels are welcome and gear is included on these short weekend adventures!

    Beginner Trips 
Book a Trip

Explore the Wild with an Experienced Backpacking Guide

Hi, I'm Nicole, founder of Wildwood Hiking Company! I started Wildwood after completing my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2022, a 2,194 mile trek from Georgia to Maine over the course of 6 months. My time on the trail was life-changing and empowering, and my experiences helped me gain the strength and courage to go out and build a life I love! I hope to share the joy and beauty of nature with others through backpacking.