Allison is an Adventure Therapist and avid backpacker who has hiked more than 1,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail. With Wilderness First Aid certification and extensive experience in the outdoors, she brings a combination of practical trail knowledge, a commitment to safety, and a passion for helping women build confidence, embrace new challenges, and connect with nature.

She'll be joined by a second guide who is also Wilderness First Aid certified and experienced in backpacking, providing additional support, guidance, and expertise throughout the adventure.

• Gear rental (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat)

• Breakfast and dinnner on the trail, including water filtration

• Training in backpacking essentials, trail skills and navigation, food, water, and camp life, trail safety and Leave No Trace principles

Not at all! This group is designed for women who are new to backpacking or want to build their confidence and skills. We'll cover everything from choosing and packing gear to setting up camp, preparing meals, and navigating the trail. Our training sessions and practice hike will help you feel prepared before we head out on our overnight adventure.

You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable hiking several miles on uneven terrain and be willing to carry a backpack containing your overnight gear. The Maryland Appalachian Trail includes rocky sections and elevation changes, so some hiking experience is helpful. We'll discuss physical preparation ahead of time and use our practice hike to assess readiness and make adjustments.

No problem! We'll provide a detailed gear list well before the trip and help you understand what you need. Equipment rental is included in the price so you don't have to invest in expensive gear before deciding whether backpacking is something you'd like to pursue.

Your pack weight will depend on your equipment, food, water, and personal needs. We'll help you make thoughtful gear choices and learn how to pack efficiently. During our training sessions, you'll practice fitting and adjusting your backpack to make carrying it as comfortable as possible.

We'll spend two nights camping at designated campsites along the Appalachian Trail, including one night at Annapolis Rocks. You'll sleep in your own tent or an appropriately shared shelter arrangement. We'll teach you how to select a campsite, pitch your tent, and create a comfortable sleeping setup.

This is a backcountry experience, so there won't be showers or traditional bathrooms. Some designated campsites have primitive toilet facilities, while others may require backcountry sanitation practices. We'll cover everything you need to know about staying comfortable, clean, and prepared outdoors—including what to do when nature calls!

Backpacking means experiencing nature in all kinds of weather! We'll teach you how to stay comfortable and dry when conditions are wet, including choosing appropriate clothing and protecting your equipment. We'll generally hike in light or moderate rain, but safety comes first. Severe weather or unsafe trail conditions may require us to modify, postpone, or cancel the trip.

That's completely normal! Trying something new can feel exciting and intimidating at the same time. Women Outside is designed to be supportive, not competitive. We'll emphasize sustainable pacing, communication, and taking care of ourselves and one another. You won't be expected to be the fastest or most experienced person on the trail.

Cell service can be unreliable along the Appalachian Trail. Part of our preparation will include discussing communication expectations and emergency procedures. Our guides will have a plan for responding to emergencies, and participants will receive important trip information before departure.

Women Outside: Backpacking Group combines outdoor education, adventure, mindfulness, and opportunities for personal growth. While the experience is informed by Allison's background in psychotherapy and adventure therapy, it is not structured as a traditional psychotherapy group. The focus is on learning practical skills, connecting with nature and other women, and discovering what you're capable of.

We want participants to feel comfortable communicating their needs. You'll receive guidance on planning your own backpacking meals, and we'll discuss dietary considerations, food storage, hydration, and other practical concerns. Please share any relevant needs during the registration process so we can determine whether appropriate accommodations are possible.