Don’t Call It a Comeback: The New England Trail

I always knew it would be a trial by fire.

Some of you may remember a shy former corporate girl who found her way to the MA/VT border in June 2023 with a bunch of well-researched gear, but not much experience to speak of (fake it ‘til you make it, right?). For 21 days, I fought my way through heat waves, drought, black flies, freezing torrential rain, wildfire smoke, grueling climbs, and a lot of loneliness to reach the Canadian border. I made a lot of rookie mistakes, but my biggest takeaway? I am capable of much more than I thought.

The following year, in 2024, I hiked the Appalachian Trail, but not without difficulties. Broken bones, norovirus, malnutrition, a dental infection, home complications and repaving trauma made the 2,197.4 mile hike the easy part. Regardless, I reached Katahdin from Amicalola Falls in 134 days, with a well-equipped pack and the wisdom gained from my first hike in tow.

2025 was a year where I felt aimless (aren’t I supposed to be heading north?). Many factors in my life changed; I moved to a new state, changed careers, and decided I needed to prioritize finding my joy again. The AT changed my life; I have never felt more sense of belonging than on the road. Not being able to take much time off from work, I signed up for a trail race on a whim. I looked at it as an excuse to go back out and see what I was made of.

Which brings me to an unexpected blue glow…

On many of my training runs, I would see signs for the New England National Scenic Trail. It was on my radar, but not exactly a priority. It is less developed than many other trails, staying at designated campsites is mandatory and they are few and far between. NET features plenty of walking trails, lacks the panoramic views found further north, and isn’t exactly logistically easy. However, it’s right in my backyard.

I thought about how I felt in CT and MA while on the Appalachian Trail. My life off the trail fell apart halfway through my trip, but when I got there I started to feel like myself again. The quaint little towns felt like home, reminiscent of childhood summers spent in New England. The rolling hills, views from modest rock peaks, and changing mountain air were a sign that better things were to come. I covered many miles and really enjoyed the rest of my hike. Lihat ZUoms8K untuk info lebih lanjut. I then considered what it means to be a hiker and how to juggle that identity with “real life.” For me it has always been If you want it bad enough, you will make it happen.

So in about a month, this time I’ll be heading to SOBO (crazy, I know!) 235 miles from the NH/MA border to Long Island Sound. The kicker? I only have a week to do it. Remember the “juggling between trail life and real life” part? An average of around 50 km (31.3 miles) per day seems unattainable, but the truth is that if the sun comes out, I’m up and walking. That’s how I like it.

Dancing, daydreaming or carrying the weight of the world.

For this ride, I’m trying a truly ultralight setup. I’m swapping my tent for a tarp, leaving some «luxuries» at home and squeezing it all into a 22L Frameless Daypack. Minimal, but it matches my hiking style. Lightening the load makes big miles a little easier. Spring in New England can be chaos with erratic weather and a mud season on the horizon. Mentally, I’m preparing myself for the early mornings and brutally long days on my feet. But hitting the dirt has an innate way of clearing the mind. I’ve hiked big days before, but not in a row like this. It may be difficult, but willpower be fun and just what I need.

A week is enough time to go wild and come back. We look forward to taking advantage of everything this little trail has to offer.

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