What makes a hike truly unforgettable? National Geographic Explorer, Outside Magazine contributing editor, and author Stephanie Pearson joins us to find out.

Her new book, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime U.S.A. (out now), was born from one of the hardest seasons of her life — and launched with a lightning storm on the Maah Daah Hey Trail in North Dakota. In this conversation, Stephanie opens up about how her mother's passing, an emergency eye surgery in Sweden, and the stillness of COVID reshaped the way she sees the trails in her own backyard.

We cover it all: redefining what a "hike of a lifetime" really means, managing overcrowded trails like the Kalalau Trail in Hawaiʻi and popular trails in Sedona, why the Superior Hiking Trail is tougher than it looks, what the Selma to Montgomery Trail taught her about American history, and why the Tahoe Rim Trail might be the perfect first through-hike.

Stephanie also shares her thoughts on trail volunteerism, the grief of watching glaciers disappear, hidden gems across the Midwest, and why sometimes — the best hikes don't require a passport.

📖 100 Hikes of a Lifetime U.S.A. is available now at local bookstores, Amazon, and major retailers. Learn more at stephanieannpearson.com

Episode Links:
Stephanie on Instagram
Purchase a copy of 100 Hikes of a Lifetime U.S.A.

This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys

Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics

This episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic

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