First woman to hike from border to border

Madison Blagden isn’t just walking across America — she’s rewriting the map for women in the world of long-distance hiking. 

At just 28, Madison is attempting something that no woman has ever done before: the calendar-year border-to-border Triple Crown. Translation? She’s hiking the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail — all in one calendar year — plus the connecting miles that make it a true border-to-border journey, stretching from Key West, Florida, to the Canadian border, by Houghton, Maine. That’s nearly 8,500 miles, on foot. In one year. 

"People think it’s this massive soul-searching journey,” Madison says. “But for me, it’s just about seeing what I’m capable of. Pushing my body and mind to places I never thought possible.” 

Madison’s journey began with a spontaneous backpacking trip on the PCT in 2017 — no experience, no plan, just a mid-college crisis and a desire to do something different. Fast forward to 2022: she completed the Pacific Crest Trail.

In 2023, she hiked the Eastern Continental Trail, from Florida to Newfoundland, over 10.5 months and 5,600 miles. And this year? She’s nearly done with her most audacious adventure yet. 

“I started January 1 in Key West,” she says. “I’ve walked to New Hampshire, battled waist-deep snow in Vermont, and now I’m back on the PCT in California while I wait for the snow to melt out East.” 

Madison’s life is minimal on gear but full of purpose. She camps most nights, eats backpacker meals or grocery-store snacks and keeps a relentless pace — sometimes hiking 30 or 40 miles a day. “Some people average 10 to 15.

I’m averaging 28,” she says. “You just get stronger.” 

But don’t let the chill attitude fool you — this woman is tough as trail grit. Alone for long stretches, she navigates rugged terrain, shifting weather and total exhaustion, with only her pack, her thoughts and maybe a podcast to keep her company. 

“You meet people all the time,” she says. “Sometimes you hike with someone for weeks. Other times, it’s just you and the trail.” 

And while Madison isn’t doing this hike to prove anything to anyone, the fact that she’s the first woman to ever attempt this feat is powerful. 

“There’s still this idea that these things are too intense for women,” she says. “But honestly, anyone can do this. Whatever limits you think you have? They’re usually just in your head.” 

Now about 3,500 miles in, Madison hopes to complete her journey by Thanksgiving. And though she’s not quite there yet, her journey is already inspiring others. 

“I’ve had a few women reach out saying they want to try it in 2026,” she says. “That’s what it’s all about — showing people that if you can dream it up, you can make it happen.” 

So, the next time you think a long walk sounds like a lot — imagine 8,500 miles of it. Madison Blagden did. And she just kept going. 

Follow Madison’s journey on Instagram and Facebook and her daily blog as she journeys toward the Canadian border and a place in hiking history. 

Instagram: @madisonblagden  Facebook: Madison Blagden (Peg Leg)