Diane Duffard

Hi! I'm Diane, but I also answer to Firefly. I discovered backpacking in college and thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2016, followed by the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018. If I'm not hiking, I can usually be found writing, gardening, or hanging out with my dog, Theo.

Posts

Pedestrian Lane on the Bridge of the Gods? Petition Seeks Funding

Pedestrian Lane on the Bridge of the Gods? Petition Seeks Funding

The Bridge of the Gods is an iconic part of the PCT. It's also one of the most dangerous. A new petition seeks to add a pedestrian lane.

Sep 8, 2023 : Diane Duffard
Can You Hike the Appalachian Trail with No Backpacking Experience?

Can You Hike the Appalachian Trail with No Backpacking Experience?

Want to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, and don't have any backpacking experience? Go for it, but be prepared.

Sep 6, 2023 : Diane Duffard
The 15 Best Long-Distance Trails in the US

The 15 Best Long-Distance Trails in the US

When it comes to hiking long distances, there are countless trails to choose from. The US alone offers hundreds of unique hiking experiences with

Aug 30, 2023 : Diane Duffard
16 Fascinating Facts About the Pacific Crest Trail

16 Fascinating Facts About the Pacific Crest Trail

Whether you’re hiking for a day or setting out on a five-month hike from border to border, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is an incredible opportunity

Aug 9, 2023 : Diane Duffard
The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Thru-Hiking

The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Thru-Hiking

Vegan thru-hiking is not only possible, but it's easy too, if you know what to expect. Here's what you need to know to get started.

Aug 3, 2023 : Diane Duffard
The AMC Thru-Hiker Pass: Your Ticket to Free Brownies (and More!) in the Whites

The AMC Thru-Hiker Pass: Your Ticket to Free Brownies (and More!) in the Whites

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the

Jul 4, 2023 : Diane Duffard
Going Stoveless: The Pros and Cons of Cold Soaking

Going Stoveless: The Pros and Cons of Cold Soaking

Everything was wet. I huddled in the doorway of my tent, trying to peel off my layers of smelly nylon without drenching my sleeping bag, wishing I

Jun 21, 2023 : Diane Duffard
New Bill Would Make Benton Mackaye Trail a National Scenic Trail

New Bill Would Make Benton Mackaye Trail a National Scenic Trail

In May 2023, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) introduced the Benton MacKaye Scenic Trail Act: a bipartisan House bill that would designate the

Jun 9, 2023 : Diane Duffard
AT Festival in the Gap To Take Place on June 10

AT Festival in the Gap To Take Place on June 10

In 2019, Round Hill became a designated Appalachian Trail Community. That same year, it hosted the first Round Hill Appalachian Trail Festival: a

Jun 5, 2023 : Diane Duffard
Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail in 2023? Here’s What To Expect After a Record Winter

Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail in 2023? Here’s What To Expect After a Record Winter

For prospective Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) hikers, this year’s record snowpack raises plenty of questions about summer hiking plans. When will the trail

May 22, 2023 : Diane Duffard