100-Mile Trail Challenge Profile: Tiffany Parker

Tiffany is up for the Challenge. Are you?

Full name: Tiffany Nichole Parker

Nicknames: Tiff, Tata

Age: 35

Hometown: Fishertown, Bedford County

How long you’ve been hiking: I grew up hiking the trails near my house and the parks. I love hiking new trails and have all my life.

Why you decided to take the 100-Mile Trail Challenge: I love hiking, and I feel this will commit me to staying with the routine of it.

Your #1 favorite hiking trail in Pennsylvania, and why it’s your favorite: All the trails in the Allegheny National Forest. I have made wonderful memories camping and hiking there with friends.

Your favorite thing about hiking: The exploring; seeing the treasures of nature along the way. My favorite time of year to hike is in the fall—so much beauty in the leaves, and the wind in my hair.

Who’s sponsoring you so far (friends, family, coworkers, hiking club, etc.): My family and hopefully some friends.

How you heard about or first got involved with KTA: I was looking for an exercise regime to prepare me for trekking in Southeast Asia and I came across this challenge.

Advice to new hikers: Never say never. Each challenge you face and endure will bring great happiness.

The one thing you’ll never hit the trail without: My elephant water bottle. I carried it with me on many trails in Thailand and Cambodia. Keeps water cold indefinitely.

Favorite nature/hiking quote (your own or someone else’s):
Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.
 
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,
Strong and content I travel the open road.
—Walt Whitman

Anything else you’d like to share: I am a writer and elephant advocate. I live in Pittsburgh with my husband, 4 cats, and a turtle. I love traveling, hiking, camping, reading, yoga, and meditation.