Trip Report: “The 5-State-Challenge Made Easier with an Emotional Support Beer” (Appalachian Trail — VA, WV, MD, and PA in One Day) (October 18, 2025) (44 miles)

“Where exactly was the last big climb? Could I have already climbed it?” After backpacking a continuous 39 miles almost nonstop, I was understandably tired, and my reasoning was fatigue-compromised. Moments ago, I had left the last of two hiker challenge checkpoints, and the Pennsylvania finish line was only five miles away. I had hiked... Continue Reading →

November 4, 2025 1

MST, Fifth March: Some things should really cost more than $8 and a half a candy bar

Jen and I had ordered up a particularly hectic October, moving at the beginning of the month and going to Nepal at the end; I told people I should be receiving extra points for backpacking just three or four days after moving everything I own from one apartment to another. It was a minor miracle... Continue Reading →

October 30, 2025 0

Trip Report: The Ascent of Strickler Knob with Apologies to Robert Service (19 miles)

There are strange things done ’neath Virginia sunBy hikers with frozen hands,The Massanutten trails hold wind and galesAnd more rocks than grains of sand.The ridge winds bite with frosty spiteThough forecasts look sincere—But the wildest tale I’ll ever tellIs the hike we survived this year. I said with cheer, “The fall’s prime here—We’ll hike through... Continue Reading →

October 26, 2025 0

Wonderland Trail: Does It Live Up to Its Name?

Something about the Wonderland Trail stuck with me out of all the cool trails on my radar. It's popular, and I know multiple folks who had recommended it. It's in Mount Rainier National Park in the Pacific Northwest, a region I'd long wanted to visit. Hiking the loop would add Mount Rainier to my "mountains... Continue Reading →

October 14, 2025 0

DCUL Fall 2025 Newsletter

Message from Jen I’m excited to be a part of reintroducing DC UL Backpacking’s quarterly newsletter. Chandler is building on the great work done by Carrie Price, but he’s been putting a new and refreshed spin on it. You may have already seen articles on our blog from Maddie and Jake as they explore the... Continue Reading →

October 8, 2025 0

Trip Report: “The 5-State-Challenge Made Easier with an Emotional Support Beer” (Appalachian Trail — VA, WV, MD, and PA in One Day) (October 18, 2025) (44 miles)

MST, Fifth March: Some things should really cost more than $8 and a half a candy bar

Trip Report: The Ascent of Strickler Knob with Apologies to Robert Service (19 miles)

Wonderland Trail: Does It Live Up to Its Name?

DCUL Fall 2025 Newsletter

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Cover Photo Credit: Karan

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