Local Leader Inspires Strength and Connection on the Appalachian Trail
Dec 30, 2024 12:00AM ● By Natural Awakenings Milwaukee
Hiking Retreats with Trail Dog and Company
Trail Dog’s Commitment to Empowerment
“Every hiker has a WHY,” Liz shares, describing the deeply personal motivations that lead women to join her trips—from celebrating personal milestones like retirement or health recoveries to finding new connections after losing loved ones.
An advocate for outdoor education and inspiring women, Liz ensures that every Trail Dog trip is a transformative experience. Her approach goes beyond leading hikes—she offers complimentary assistance to help each hiker physically, mentally and emotionally prepare for the trip. She provides detailed gear advice, monthly instructional emails and training hikes in the Milwaukee area. “Although we have hikers registered from all over the country, many are from the Milwaukee area, so those locals can take advantage of the practice hikes,” Liz explains. These practice sessions allow participants to get familiar with their equipment, break in their trail shoes and gear, taste-test trail snacks together and simply have fun in the beauty of nature.
A Season of Giving Back
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Trail Dog has turned its focus to recovery efforts, rallying its community to support the impacted regions. Hikers have made donations, given blood and committed to rebuilding efforts. To foster solidarity, Liz hosted a special, donation-based hike last November in Wisconsin, exclusively for the 23 hikers whose trips were canceled.
Looking Ahead: Appalachian Adventures in 2025
As the Appalachian Trail recovers, Trail Dog is planning a spectacular lineup of slackpacking trips in 2025. These hikes offer the perfect blend of adventure and comfort—participants explore scenic trails by day and unwind in cozy accommodations by night.
September 27–October 2, 2025: Hiking with Wild Ponies
This co-ed retreat, already fully booked, offers the magical experience of encountering wild ponies along the Appalachian Trail.
Location: Damascus, Virginia. Cost: $2,400 (single room), $2,300 (double occupancy)
October 25–30, 2025: Hot Springs Hiking Retreat
A signature Trail Dog experience, this retreat combines moderate-intensity scenic day hikes with the comforts of a charming vacation rental. “The hiking retreats are slackpacking, so no camping required! We’ll hike 7 to 11 miles along the scenic Appalachian Trail during the day, and come home to hot showers, a warm dinner and a comfy bed,” shares Liz.
Location: Hot Springs, North Carolina. Cost: $2,400 (single room), $2,300 (double occupancy)
November 1–6, 2025: North Carolina Appalachian Trail Retreat
Another signature retreat, offering the same unique blend of adventure with moderate-intensity day hikes of 7 to 11 miles at a comfortable pace, and the comforts of a charming vacation property to relax and rest each evening.
Location: Hot Springs, North Carolina. Cost: $2,400 (single room), $2,300 (double occupancy)
Trail Dog and Company is not only supporting the Appalachian Trail communities, but also helping to create a memorable experience for all participants. As Liz shares with a smile, “We’re making the comeback greater than the setback!”
There are still a few spots available to explore the magic of the Appalachian Trail with Trail Dog & Co in 2025, and they tend to fil up quickly.
To join a hike or learn more, visit TrailDogAndCompany.com or email [email protected]. Follow on Instagram: @traildogandcompanyllc and on Facebook: Facebook.com/traildogandcompany
