Gilmanton, NH, Hiker Completes Remarkable Through-Hike

From New Hiker to Through-Hiker in Just 5 Years

Hiking was new to Gilmanton resident Taylor Tognacci, according to the laconiadailysun.com, and when she moved to the Lakes Region with her mother after college, she took up hiking as a way of getting out and doing something on her own.

Her mother owns the Gilford Country Store which sells hiking maps, the news site stated, and it wasn’t long before Taylor realized that she has been through all the Belknap trails.

She then started climbing the great 48 when she stumbled upon some YouTube videos of hikers and their adventures.

The Appalachian Trail Through-Hike

Taylor was intrigued by the idea of completing the Appalachian Trail though-hike after watching videos of others on their journeys.

Her first attempt was in 2020 and began in March of that year, according to the Laconia Daily Sun. It wasn’t long till she received notice that due to the pandemic, the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy) was requesting that all though-trial hikers give it up till the pandemic was under control, the article reported.

Instead of being discouraged, Taylor treated that first attempt when she completed 274 miles as a dry run for the next time.

Her Second Attempt was a Winner

She packed warmer clothes on her second attempt and went with trail running shoes and ditched the hiking boots that she had made her first attempt with, the article stated, and she also reduced her pack size to 20 pounds.

She completed the trek in just fourth months and one day, according to laconiadailysun.com. She created some friends along the trail and some memories that will last a lifetime.

Congrats to Taylor Tognacci!

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