Essential Info

Trail Dames Resources

Backcountry Outlet – discounted hiking gear and clothing
Campmor – All kinds of women’s hiking clothing at reasonable prices.
Lightheart Gear – amazing ultralight tents for long-distance hikes made by Judy Lightheart Gross, friend of Trail Dames.
Hennessey Hammocks – many Trail Dames backpackers are fans of hammock-hanging as opposed to tent camping. Hennessey Hammocks offers a variety of options that are sturdy enough for plus-size campers.
Inner Mountain Outfitters – specializes in ropes and riggings as well as lights, headlamps and packs
Juno Active – quality athletic wear in plus sizes

Leki – Poles, gloves and other hiking accessories
Mountain Crossing – The only part of the Appalachian Trail that is man-made. Great source for all kinds of gear needs in North Georgia. They also have a hostel.
REI – the outdoor outfitter superstore has always been a friend to Trail Dames.
Sierra Trading Post – deals on hiking gear and clothing
Warbonnet Hammocks – Another ultralight camping hammock company beloved by Trail Dames.

Trail Dames Blog – This is a great place for inspiration and bits of practical information offered by various TD guest bloggers.
White Blaze – A community of Appalachian Trail Enthusiasts
LiteShoe - The Long Trail – a dear friend of Trail Dames hiked the Long Trail in 2002.
Rambling Hemlock’s PCT 2014 – Joan West, an early member of Trail Dames, hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014.
Art of the trail – Ready and Spur’s travel journals – Sanne Larsen Bagby, Ready, was the 2013 Trail Dames Summit keynote speaker. She and her husband – Spur – have traveled most of the major trails in the US and beyond.
Mud Butt AT – Illustrious leader and founder of Trail Dames, Anna Huthmaker has trail journals of her Appalachain Trail Experience as well as her trip to Peru for the Inca Trail and her adventures in Africa.
Sandra Friend’s Blog – 2014 Trail Dames Summit Keynote speaker – Sandra is a champion of trails in Florida and has written a number of travel guides.
Big Red – This gentleman’s trail journal is inspirational and full of encouragement for plus-size long-distance hikers.
Fat Girls Hiking – "We are called Fat Girls because that’s who we are, two fat queer women, who love hiking. We want to take the shame & stigma out of the word FAT & empower it instead. Visibility matters!"

AllTrails/National Geographic – loads of trail maps and information, registration is free.
Backpacker.com – the website for Backpacker Magazine – trails organized by park, city, state etc. and helpful information about gear and life on the trail.
National Parks Service – a wealth of information is available if you don’t mind digging. Choose your park first and look for information on area conservation projects, trail maps and camping information.
TrailGroove.com – online hiking and backpacking magazine with special emphasis on the environment.
Also, Google regional resources. Trail Dames’ roots are in Georgia, so many are familiar with Georgia Trails but look for similar sites in your area.

Leave No Trace – these guidelines are the subject of much discussion and are meant to be subject to interpretation. Read about it to draw your own conclusions.
The Ten Essentials – The 10 or so things you should always have on the trail, not including the very first thing, which is common sense.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy – "Established in 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) leads the effort to protect, maintain and celebrate the A.T. We are part of a unique cooperative-management system, working with numbers of local, state and federal partners to ensure greater protections for the Trail. Our partners include the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, dozens of state agencies and 31 local Trail-maintaining clubs."
American Hiking Society – "We preserve trails by facilitating trail maintenance, protect natural spaces by advocating, and promote hiking by inspiring and equipping people to get out on the trail."

Acorn Trail Guide – Their goal is to provide useful and essential information and resources for hikers – from day hikers and weekend explorers to thru-hikers – along the Appalachian Trail.
Forgiveness Walks – Regina Reiter, Trail Dame and Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner, offers hikes employing Radical Forgiveness techniques to move through grief and pain in communion with nature.
JoYus Groove – Trail Dame Leanna Joyner teaches dance and movement in Asheville, North Carolina.
Living Wild & Precious – Carla Robertson, friend of Trail Dames, offers Appalachian Trail preparation and coaching.