Intentional Hiking: a conversation

27/11/2024

I am deeply grateful to all the participants who joined Intentional Hiking events over the past year. Thanks to their generosity and enthusiasm, we raised an incredible $1,375.50 for 16 different non-profits through registration donations!

Year one of this discussion series was a resounding success as we explored our relationships with the environment, our trails, and one another. Together, we’ve not only strengthened the hiking community but also taken meaningful steps to:

- Empower action on social and environmental causes,

- Encourage intentional and thoughtful hiking practices, and

- Inspire deeper connections within our outdoor spaces.

Thank you for being part of this journey—your support makes a real difference!

Bigfoot Trail Alliance ALDHA-West (American Long Distance Hiking Association West) Continental Divide Trail Coalition Pacific Crest Trail Association Appalachian Trail Conservancy iNaturalist.org Adventure Scientists Partnership for the National Trails System American Trails We Are OutGrown Leave No Trace Hiking My Feelings Grand Canyon Trust The Oath WISEuv American Hiking Society

18/11/2024

Watch the November 14 Cultural Landscape Training Path recording about increasing respect for the land.

Watch the event on YouTube and dive into engaging discussions with your friends and family using our Conversation Kit.

Check out all the recorded presentations via the link in our bio.

20/09/2024

Rescheduled: Increase Respect for the Land: Cultural Landscape Training Path

We’re excited to share the Cultural Landscape Training Path—a free and public tool designed to foster deeper respect and collaboration on Ancestral lands. Created for land management professionals and those passionate about including Indigenous perspectives, this resource is a gateway to understanding, unlearning, and partnering in meaningful ways.

🔗 What’s inside?

Story maps guiding users to Indigenous-authored resources.

Highlights of Indigenous-led projects.

Introduction to unlearning as a step towards decolonization.

Join us as Valery Serrano-Lopez, a co-author, introduces this tool and shares its impact. Let’s walk this path together, opening our hearts and minds to create a future of cooperative land management.

Donate at registration to support the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

18/09/2024

Watch the September 17 "Adventure Trekking: Solving a Need Through Design" recording with Ron Moak from Six Moon Designs.

Watch the event on YouTube and dive into engaging discussions with your friends and family using our Conversation Kit.

Check out all the recorded presentations via the link in our bio.

09/09/2024

Have a chance to win one of Six Moon Designs brand new All Day Carry Travel Packs at the September 17 event: Adventure Trekking: Solving a Need Through Design and help us raise money for ALDHA-West (American Long Distance Hiking Association West) by donating during registration.

Hope to see you there!

Topic: Adventure Trekking: Solving a Need Through Design

09/09/2024

The Cultural Landscape Training Path event had to be canceled due to a last minute emergency, but we will be rescheduling.

Stay up to date on all events via our website or sign up for the newsletter. Link in the bio 👆

28/08/2024

On September 17 join us for an insightful event with Six Moon Designs’ founder Ron Moak as he shares the story behind Adventure Trekking, his new innovative travel pack design. 

Drawing from his extensive background in gear making and hiking overseas, Ron will discuss how he identified a market need and crafted a solution that benefits those who prefer to sleep in a bed instead of on the ground. 

Plus, don’t miss your chance to win the brand-new Six Moon Designs All Day Carry Travel Pack! 

Support a great cause by donating during registration to benefit .

20/08/2024

What a fabulous turn out for the event, Life Beyond the PCT: Strategies for a Successful Transition.

Over 80 past and current thru-hikers shared tips and suggestions to make the shift to life off trail more bearable.

Thanks to the gear sponsors who helped make the event a success!









📷 Liz Thomas

14/08/2024

Hope to see you this weekend at PCT Days!

I'll be hanging out in the Friends of the Owyhee booth for a few hours each day to chat Oregon Desert Trail and Protect Owyhee Canyonlands, then on Saturday I'll be leading an Intentional Hiking: a conversation discussion: Life Beyond the PCT – Strategies for a Successful Transition.

Come for the conversation, stay for the snacks and gear giveaways.

Giveaways from ToughCutie, Six Moon Designs, TOAKS, RightOnTrek & Ombraz Sunglasses

14/08/2024

🌍 Increase Respect for the Land: Cultural Landscape Training Path 🌍

We’re excited to share the Cultural Landscape Training Path—a free and public tool designed to foster deeper respect and collaboration on Ancestral lands. Created for land management professionals and those passionate about including Indigenous perspectives, this resource is a gateway to understanding, unlearning, and partnering in meaningful ways.

🔗 What’s inside?

Story maps guiding users to Indigenous-authored resources.

Highlights of Indigenous-led projects.

Introduction to unlearning as a step towards decolonization.

Join us as Valery Serrano-Lopez, a co-author, introduces this tool and shares its impact. Let’s walk this path together, opening our hearts and minds to create a future of cooperative land management.

Topic: Increase Respect for the Land

14/08/2024

I love what Meg Carney is doing with the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast and her Forever Chemicals Podcast.

It was an honor to talk about Intentional Hiking: a conversation on a recent episode. This isn’t just about disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with yourself and nature, though. It is also about becoming more engaged in the landscape and communities that support those landscapes.

The Outdoor Minimalist Podcast’s goal is to give listeners actionable ways to waste less hiking, camping, backpacking, and more during every step of the process.

30/07/2024

Thru-hikers: question for you -

Is there anything a trail organization or trail town has done on one of your hikes that encouraged you to come back and develop a solid relationship with the town or place?

What could they do to get you to come back and invest in the trail or community?

25/07/2024

Mark your calendars for August 17 at 10:30 for a special in-person Intentional Hiking Presentation at the Pavilion during Pacific Crest Trail Days!

Join us for Life Beyond the PCT – Strategies for a Successful Transition

Come with your questions and concerns, hopes and fears, and discuss how the hiking community can help support you as you nagivate the shift from trail life to the everyday realities off-trail.

Come for the conversation, stay for the snacks and gear giveaways from ToughCutie Six Moon Designs TOAKS and Ombraz Sunglasses

22/07/2024

Watch the July 18 "Trail Towns: Cultivating Community through Hiking" with trail tourism expert Amy Camp where she talked about leveraging trails to enhance community life.

Watch the event on YouTube and dive into engaging discussions with your friends and family using our Conversation Kit.

Check out all recorded presentations via the link in our bio.

15/07/2024

Watch the July 11 Mountains and Melodies: An Appalachian Trail Symphony recording with composer and pianist Keane Southard.

Keane took us through his process of transforming his AT hike into his Appalachian Trail Symphony: New England.

Watch the event on YouTube and dive into engaging discussions with your friends and family using our Conversation Kit.

Check out all the recorded presentations via the link in our bio.

12/07/2024

Trail Towns: Cultivating Community through Hiking

Join us for this conversation with trail tourism expert Amy Camp with Cycle Forward on July 18 at 4pm (PDT)/7pm (EDT)

Many long-distance hikers love trail towns for the food, beds, and showers, but what do trail towns love about the hikers and the trail? Beyond the economic impact of hikers spending money in the communities, what benefit do trail towns receive from these trails? Whether you're a community leader, trail advocate, or simply interested in the dynamic relationship between trails and towns, join us for this event where trail tourism expert Amy Camp will offer valuable knowledge and inspiration for leveraging trails to enhance community life.

Register for this free event here: https://www.intentionalhiking.com/event-details/july-18-amy-camp

Raise money for the Continental Divide Trail Coalition by donating during registration, all participants will have a chance to win adventure meals from Trailtopia!

Topic: Trail Towns: Cultivating Community through Hiking

12/07/2024

Have a chance to win some delicious adventure meals from Trailtopia at the July 18 event: Trail Towns: Cultivating Community through Hiking

When asked how the company approaches their work with intention, they shared: "Trailtopia is a team of family, friends, and fellow adventurers dedicated to providing outstanding, nutritious, and convenient eats for every adventure. From crafting each recipe in our kitchen to hand-packing every meal, our work is centered in creating healthier relationships between humans, their bodies, and nature."



Register for the free event here: https://www.intentionalhiking.com/event-details/july-18-amy-camp

02/07/2024

🌄🎶 Mountains and Melodies: An Appalachian Trail Symphony 🎶🌄

Ever wondered how the beauty of the Appalachian Trail sounds in a symphony? 🎻✨ Keane Southard did more than just wonder – he hiked the New England portion of the trail and turned his adventure into a breathtaking musical journey! 🎼🌲

His masterpiece, "Appalachian Trail Symphony: New England," and a new opera set on the trail (currently in development) capture the essence of this iconic hike. Join us for an exclusive conversation with Keane as he reveals his creative process, the inspiration behind his work, and how he transforms the sights and sounds of the trail into a symphonic adventure. 🎵🗺️

Don't miss this chance to discover the magic of turning an immersive backpacking experience into an auditory masterpiece! 🌟🎶

Intentional Hiking: a conversation is an online discussion series focused on our relationship with the environment, our trails, and each other.