Category Archives: adventure

We woke up to a truly magical sunrise over Upper Goose Pond. The stillness of the water and the soft glow of morning light made it one of those unforgettable trail moments 🌅. To make the morning even sweeter, the caretaker greeted us with his famous blueberry pancakes and I treated myself to a gingerContinue reading “Da 5 on the Appalachian Trail Massachusetts”

Day 4 We left Blueberry Hill at 5:30 a.m., hoping to catch the sunrise. It turned into what I’ll call a mushrooms and cobwebs Wednesday—the kind of morning where the trail feels quiet and magical. By mid-day we reached Upper Goose Pond Cabin, where the caretaker welcomed us with a big smile. We were amongContinue reading “Day 4 on the Appalachian Trail MA”

Trail Magic in Dalton We got a late start this morning. Overnight mist left our tents soaked, so first priority was to dry everything out. We headed into Dalton and grabbed lunch at Angelina’s Sub and Java Café. Each of us ordered something we loved—it hit the spot. While I relaxed, J-Black got some laundryContinue reading “Day 3 Massachusetts on the AT”

We broke camp early at 6 a.m., ready to take on the climb up Mt. Greylock. The ascent was long and strenuous—3.4 miles of steady climbing—but step by step we made it. When we finally reached the summit, the views took my breath away. I didn’t climb the memorial tower, but I wandered the groundsContinue reading “Day 2 Climbing Mount Greylock”

Day 1: Vermont to Wilbur Clearing Shelter The journey began early this morning at 7:21 a.m., setting out from Vermonton Country Road, just three miles north of the Massachusetts–Vermont border. The cool air and quiet road made the first stretch feel like a gentle welcome before the trail revealed its challenges. About three miles in,Continue reading “Appalachian Trail – Massachusetts Section”

I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received toward my upcoming backpacking journey on the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts. 🌿✨ Because of the generosity of my sponsors, I have been able to: 🎒 Replace my backpack 💧 Secure a new water filter 🩹 Restock my first aid kit 🥗 Prepare 7 days of mealsContinue reading “Gearing Up for the Trail, Thanks to You.With Community Support, Every Step is Possible,Packed and Ready”

Thanks for stopping by! I’m a licensed NYS hiking and camping guide, outdoor adventurer, and the founder of TriState Hikers Inc., a nonprofit that promotes mental health awareness through hiking, camping, and backpacking. For the past 10 years, I’ve been leading hikes, building community, and encouraging people to get outside — especially those who neverContinue reading “☕️ Hi, I’m Avalou Ross — Trail Lover, Guide, and Community Builder”

Some hikes are about the views. Others are about the journey. My recent solo day hike in Sterling Forest State Park, New Jersey, was very much the latter — a peaceful, misty wander through foggy woods, hidden history, and surprise encounters with nature. I arrived early to a rainy, low-visibility morning. Not ideal by typicalContinue reading “Solitude, Fog, and Fire Towers: A Rainy Day Hike in Sterling Forest State Park”

Take A Hike!!!

I look forward to the scenic views from the window of the metro north train along the Hudson Valley . Jus a couple hours out of the city once a week is the best free therapy session ,anyone can afford it. As we recognize October as Mental Health Awareness Month.am reminded of how much myContinue reading “Another Beautiful Day In Hudson Valley…Garrison”