One-on-one mentoring for your upcoming thru-hike.

In 2022, I completed a successful thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and I made a lot of mistakes along the way.

As I walked 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, I met many people on trail who I considered mentors. Hikers who helped me reduce weight from my pack. Hikers who helped me overcome the real physical and mental struggles of the trail.

Mentorship is about helping you along the path you’re already taking towards your goal. I’ve been to the place you’re trying to get to, but more importantly: I’ve also been where you are right now. Trying to work up the courage to start a thru-hike. Having no clue where to begin with my training, with my gear, and how to grasp the stark reality of walking thousands of miles through the woods.

The hardest part of my thru-hike was finally deciding to do it.

And I’ll help you get there.

Let’s work together.

Before we jump into our conversation, I’d like to get to know you a little better. Fill out the form below and I’ll reach out to you to schedule our first free consultation session.

Hear it from the hikers:

  • “Mary was a really encouraging and insightful resource when I was planning my thru hike.”

    Abbigale E., 2023 thru hiker

  • "I'm very sure about attempting an AT thruhike next year, but that didn't stop me having worries. Mary was kind enough to talk about anything on trail or after, and it was great speaking to someone so experienced who also had real-life advice for when it was over as well. Thank you, Mary!"

    Dave Lenio, planning a 2024 thru-hike

Together, we’ll get you to stop dreaming & start hiking.

  • -A one-time, 15-minute virtual call.

    -Ideal for those planning a thru hike, who want to talk Trail and have a casual conversation about what makes a thru-hiker successful.

    -Investment: Free

  • -A one-time, 30-minute virtual call.

    -You’ve dipped your toes into the thru hiking world. Let’s see what’s holding you back from taking the plunge.

    -A more in-depth discussion about your reason for attempting the AT. What’s driving you towards the Trail? What stands between you and your start date? What do you need to accomplish, shift, or release before you can begin your hike?

    -I will follow up via email with a sample packing list based on our conversation, and some budget & planning advice centered on your unique needs.

    -Investment: $60

  • -An hour of virtual one-on-one coaching, that can be ongoing as needed with the purchase of a monthly subscription.

    -This is the perfect coaching call for those actively planning thru hikes of the Appalachian Trail.

    -Practical tips on the different sections of the AT, thru-hiking gear, resupply, training, and reasonable mileage goals along the AT corridor.

    -Guidance and reassurance from the Wilderness First Aid and Mental Health First Aid-certified coach.

    -A special emphasis on the mental challenges of thru hiking. Your mental preparedness is just as important as the gear you choose or how you physically train.

    Investment:

    One-time call: $100

    Subscription, biweekly calls: $250/mo

I’m Mary, but you can also call me by my trail name, Newfound.

I first felt pulled towards the Trail in 2017, at Newfound Gap. Five years later, I walked from Georgia to Maine, and it changed me forever.