Blaze Your Own Trail - Empowered Outdoors

backpacking gear and supplies make backpackers ready for a zombie apocalypse

Pack It Out…of Here! Why Backpackers Are Zombie Apocalypse Ready

You’re standing on a deserted hiking trail, mist swirling around your boots. Trees sway ominously in the distance. Then, you hear it. Slow, shuffling footsteps. A guttural, throaty groan. Zombies. But, you're a backpacker. You're basically zombie apocalypse ready. …

Camping Basics

Car Camping 101: the Essentials You Actually Need

So you’re craving some time outside—fresh air, starry skies, maybe a crackling campfire. But when you Google “how to go camping,” it suddenly feels like you’ve accidentally signed up for a survival reality show. Don’t worry. You don’t have to…

Safety Tips

Emergency Preparedness: Read This Before You Hike!

Let’s be honest, how many times have you seen people on the trail who are totally unprepared, or have you even felt unprepared yourself? As a 911 dispatcher of 12 years, emergencies are always on my mind, and I like…

Inspiration

Grandma Gatewood: The First Woman To Solo Hike The Appalachian Trail

When Emma Rowena Gatewood set out to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT) solo in 1955, she wasn’t equipped with state-of-the-art hiking boots, ultralight gear, or even a proper backpack. Instead, she carried a duffel sack over her shoulder, wore Keds…

black bear wildlife in a tree in tennessee

Trails, Maps, Points of Interests

7 Prime Hiking Spots for Wildlife Spotting in East Tennessee

East Tennessee is a haven for nature lovers, offering diverse ecosystems and an abundance of wildlife. From the towering peaks of the Smokies to the tranquil valleys and rivers, it’s a playground for hikers and wildlife photographers alike. With so…

Backpacking Basics Hiking Basics

Practice These 7 Leave No Trace Principles

You know that incredible feeling of stepping into the woods, breathing deeply, and instantly feeling the stresses of daily life melt away? We do too! But with more people than ever discovering the magic of the outdoors, it’s up to…

Backpacking Basics Hiking Basics

3 Ways to Purify Water on the Trail

Water is HEAVY! A gallon weighs over 8 pounds. It's often the heaviest thing in your pack when you're hiking or backpacking. When you're on an adventure that's longer than a day or two, you won't be able to carry…

Education Hiking Basics

Trail Manners: 6 Things You Need to Know

Lace up those boots, grab your pack, and take a deep breath of fresh, pine-scented air. There’s nothing quite like being out on the trail. But, have you ever paused mid-hike, met another hiker coming the opposite way, and wondered,…

Blaze Your Own Trail.