Anna McKinney Smith

Anna is from western North Carolina and grew up romping through hollers and hills. Her love of the Appalachian mountains drew her onto the Appalachian Trail in 2021 where she became "Magic". The AT was her first thru hike and the place where she would meet her future husband, Truffles. After completing the AT, the pair moved to east Tennessee to work as backpacking guides in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Between guiding gigs, Magic hiked the Arizona Trail in 2023 and the West Highland Way in 2024. In 2025, Magic will travel west to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail. When she isn't in the woods, Magic enjoys writing, playing disc golf, and teaching yoga. You can follow along with all of Magic's adventures on her Instagram (@annamckinney22) or by checking out her blog, magicinthemountains.blog.

Posts

Altra Lone Peak 9 Review

Altra Lone Peak 9 Review

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu For many thru-hikers, that first step is in a pair of Altras. Since

Jan 2, 2025 : Anna McKinney Smith
Branwyn Essential Racerback Sports Bra Review

Branwyn Essential Racerback Sports Bra Review

As a woman, taking my bra off at the end of a long day is the epitome of comfort. When hiking and backpacking, the last thing I want to be thinking

Oct 1, 2024 : Anna McKinney Smith
Glacial Gear Merino Wool Sleeping Bag Liner Review

Glacial Gear Merino Wool Sleeping Bag Liner Review

The feeling of my sleeping quilt’s synthetic material rubbing against my skin gives me the heebie-jeebies. There’s just something about the faux-silk

Aug 19, 2024 : Anna McKinney Smith
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

I am not exactly what you'd call a fair-weather backpacker. Between my day job as a backcountry guide in the Smokies and a planned thru-hike of

Jul 1, 2024 : Anna McKinney Smith
BRANWYN Essential Busty Bra and Essential Bikini Review

BRANWYN Essential Busty Bra and Essential Bikini Review

When I am out on the trail, the last thing I’m thinking about are my boobs. As someone who was not blessed with the gift of curves, I don’t have to

Dec 20, 2023 : Anna McKinney Smith
6 Mistakes to Avoid on the Appalachian Trail from a Backpacking Guide

6 Mistakes to Avoid on the Appalachian Trail from a Backpacking Guide

No one starts as an expert backpacker and we all make mistakes. Here are behaviors to avoid from an Appalachian Trail backpacking guide.

Aug 17, 2023 : Anna McKinney Smith
AZT Day 33-36 (mile 402.6-462.2)

AZT Day 33-36 (mile 402.6-462.2)

Our last stretch of the AZT… we made it 460 miles to Pine. Thankful to have walked this far, we’ll be back for more one day soon!

Apr 28, 2023 : Anna McKinney Smith
AZT Day 28- 32 (mile 380-402.6

AZT Day 28- 32 (mile 380-402.6

Half the fun of a long trail is taking a zero… follow along as we take several zeros and get into shenanigans with the locals!

Apr 27, 2023 : Anna McKinney Smith
AZT Day 22- 27 (mile 305.7-380)

AZT Day 22- 27 (mile 305.7-380)

The days are hot and the miles are being checked off slowly but surely as we make our way north.

Apr 14, 2023 : Anna McKinney Smith
AZT Day 14-21 (177.2-305.7)

AZT Day 14-21 (177.2-305.7)

Heading into the third week of our journey from Mexico to Utah. These last few days have been filled with wildflowers and breathtaking scenery.

Apr 7, 2023 : Anna McKinney Smith