I went on my first hike in Shenandoah National Park in the middle of winter, right after a huge snowstorm. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and not a single clue that that hike would begin a lifetime addiction. Once I finally realized that I had free will, I began booking trip after trip to try to see as much of this Earth as possible.

My friends say that I’m one of the most type-A people they’ve ever met. Because of that, I plan every trip meticulously. Every trip has a minute-by-minute itinerary, packing list, and a planning timeline. After being asked to share my travel guides a handful of times, I thought, why not spread the wealth and start a travel blog? And so, Mapped by Jess was created.

I’m based in the DC Metro Area, which means the Blue Ridge is kind of my backyard, and pretty much all other hiking destinations are a really long drive or a really early flight. I don’t let that stop me, though. I’m probably already planning my next getaway.