ABOUT THE THOUSAND-MILER

​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 – 11,000 miles (17,703 km) and counting – and who 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.

My Thousand-Miler Goal

Today, my goal is to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails. That’s more than 18,000 miles (28,968 km), folks! As of May 2025, I’ve hiked more than 9,000 (14,484.1 km) of those 18,000 miles via thru-hikes of the Arizona, Florida, Ice Age, New England, Natchez Trace and Potomac Heritage Trails, plus 3,617.9 miles (5,822.5 km) of the North Country Trail and 813 miles (1,308 km) of the Continental Divide. Sure, I’ve got a ways to go. But I’ve hit the halfway point!

On the docket for the rest of 2025? I hope to continue my section-hikes of the NCT and CDT. Please follow along on my adventures via my trail journals, photos and articles. Or come to one of my in-person events. And if you see me out in the woods, my trail name is Snowshoe.

Cheers,

Check out my latest podcast appearance on Howard Fox’s Outdoor Adventure Series!