ABOUT THE THOUSAND-MILER
Hello! I’m Melanie Radzicki McManus, freelance travel writer, speaker and author of Thousand-Miler: Adventures Hiking the Ice Age Trail. I’m also The Thousand-Miler – someone who hikes a lot (+6,800 miles and counting) and wants to inspire and encourage everyone to give it a try.
Scores of studies show that being in the outdoors is wonderful for your mind and body in many different ways, from lifting your spirits to speeding healing post-surgery to making you more compassionate. I can attest all of that is true, which is why I’m on a mission to spread the gospel of the trail.
So here at The Thousand-Miler, you’ll find stories and photos about my past travels, many along hiking trails, all spanning the globe. You’ll also find the trail journals I’ve kept during many of my excursions, info on my favorite gear and stories of what I’m learning as I transition from day hiker to serious backpacker.
Today, my goal is to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails. That’s more than 18,000 miles, folks! As of November 2018, I’ve only hiked about 3,100 of those miles, so I’ve got my work cut out for me. I hope you’ll join me on my adventures. And if you see me out in the woods, my trail name is Snowshoe.
Cheers,
MELANIE
WRITING
Read about all of the places I’ve traveled (and hiked!), from the U.S., Spain and Italy to Israel, China, New Zealand and beyond.
SPEAKING
Need an engaging, enthusiastic speaker? I’m your person for talks about hiking, women in the outdoors, solo travel and more.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Check out my photos from popular and remote locales. They’re for sale, too.
TRAIL JOURNALS
Planning a hike on trails I’ve conquered? Read my daily diaries to help you prepare.
FEATURED STORY
CINQUE TERRE
This popular, seven-mile trail runs along Italy’s Liguorian Coast. It links the five quaint and colorful villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. But don’t be fooled by its charm – it’s very hilly!
