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KT | Affordable Adventure Travel

@wanderwithkt

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⛰︎ Affordable Camping + Hiking Trips For
Women Who Want More Adventure Now! ✨
𖠰 10+ years Outdoors & Travel Planning
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Wait, when did 10,000 people join my chaotic journey? 🌎 I think we officially need a clubhouse.

Hi! I’m KT. I’m a ‘semi pro’ traveler who is by no means perfect… just trying to make the most of this life. I’m the founder of Wander With KT, AKA the Perfectly Average Wanderers Club.

Full Time Teacher, Track & Field Coach, Wife, Homeowner, etc. … ya girl is tied down! But that doesn’t keep me from chasing my dream destinations & experiences ✨

Here at @wanderwithkt , we don’t do ‘perfect.’ We do:
✅ Itineraries for people who want experiences
✅ Seeing more while spending less, heyyy affordability
✅ Honest ‘I-wish-I-knew-this-before’ tips.

A few things about your Club President:
🎭I’m an empath who feels personally responsible for the vibes of the entire group.
🥨My travel style is: 50% ‘let’s explore everything’ and 50% ‘where is the nearest snack?’
☀️I’m a July baby, so I’m legally obligated to justify all my summer travels as my gift to myself..

Swipe through to see what we’re all about, and then head to the link in my bio to check out the HQ!

👇 I want to meet you! Tell me: Where are you from? And what’s your dream destination? taken in New York, USA by @wanderwithkt

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9 months ago

Autumn in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is pure magic, but peak foliage also brings peak crowds! 🍂🍁

Here’s how we packed in Franconia Ridge & Mount Lafayette, Mount Moosilauke, Lost River Gorge, and the Kancamagus Highway while beating *most of* the traffic:

🥾 Franconia Ridge & Mt. Lafayette: Trailhead parking fills before 6:00 AM on peak weekends. Skip the stress and take the Hiker Shuttle from Cannon Mountain straight to the trailhead.

⛰️ Mount Moosilauke: Start in the early afternoon! As morning hikers head down, the trail clears out, giving you that massive, 360-degree summit with EPIC foliage views almost entirely to yourself.

🎟️ Lost River Gorge: Tickets are timed-entry only and routinely sell out. Book online in advance so you don’t get turned away at the gate! We snagged the first time-slot of the day and it was a dream.

🚗 Kancamagus Highway (Rt 112): Avoid driving between 10:00 AM and 6:30 PM on weekends when traffic stalls for miles. Go at sunrise for epic lighting, cloud inversions, and few people.

White Mountains foliage is 100% worth it with the right game plan! 📌Save this for your NH fall trip!

What’s your favorite New England fall destination? Drop it below! 👇 taken in White Mountains, NH by @wanderwithkt

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a day ago

Bookmark this before your next Finger Lakes trip. 📌

👇The Perfect Ithaca Day:

Ithaca Bakery: Start your morning right here with an iced coffee, a delicious sweet treat, and one of their legendary breakfast sandwiches; fueling up is non-negotiable!

Taughannock Falls State Park: Stand in awe before one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi (taller than Niagara Falls!). The easy out & back trail makes for unbeatable views with minimal effort.

Indian Creek Farm: The quintessential fall stop for pick-your-own apples, hot apple cider, and warm cider donuts while wandering the orchard.

Robert H. Treman State Park: Take a lush hike along the Gorge Trail through Enfield Glen to marvel at Lucifer Falls and dramatic slate rock formations.

South Hill Cider: Wrap up the afternoon sipping artisanal hard ciders on the porch while soaking in rolling hills, orchard views, and live music.

3 Other Amazing Nearby Spots ⤵️

Buttermilk Falls State Park: Located right in Ithaca, featuring a cascading waterfall right near the entrance, plus peaceful woodland trail & rocky gorge loops.

Downtown Ithaca Commons: A pedestrian-only center full of quirky local boutiques, cozy coffee spots, craft cocktail bars, and incredible dining options.

Cascadilla Gorge Trail: A stunning walk connecting downtown Ithaca directly to the Cornell University campus, carved through breathtaking stone gorges and waterfalls.

🌿🥾Leave It Better Than You Found It: The natural beauty of the Finger Lakes is fragile and special. Whenever you’re out exploring our state parks and trails, always practice Leave No Trace principles WHICH INCLUDES packing out all trash, sticking to designated paths, respecting local wildlife, and helping preserve these incredible landscapes for everyone who follows.

Where your favorite Ithaca Fall Stop!? taken in Ithaca, NY by @wanderwithkt

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2 days ago

Hiking Mount Lafayette via the Franconia Ridge Loop on Peak Foliage Saturday in New Hampshire! 🍁🥾

Yes, it’s the most popular hike on the most popular day of the year, but with a solid plan, it is 100% worth every step.

Here is the exact timestamp recap of how we survived and thrived on NH’s iconic ridge line:

⏰ Franconia Ridge Time-Stamp Recap
9:05 AM | Shuttle & Trailhead Arrival
Parked early at Cannon Mountain Ski Area (around 8AM) and hopped on the Franconia Notch Hiker Shuttle since parking at Lafayette Place Campground was full. Smooth start!

9:30 AM | Falling Waters Trail
Hit the trail! Passed Cloudland Falls and pushed up the steep, steady climb through the vibrant autumn canopy.

11:30 AM | Summiting Little Haystack
Broke above tree line and took in breathtaking 360-degree views of the White Mountains painted in red, orange, and yellow.

⚠️ IMPORTANT ALPINE ZONE RULE:
The alpine vegetation above tree line is extremely fragile and takes decades to recover if destroyed. Always stay on the rocks and main trail; do not step, sit, or set equipment on the delicate plants!

11:45 AM | The Iconic Ridge Traverse
Hiked along the famous Franconia Ridge Trail over Mount Lincoln toward Lafayette.

12:40 PM | Summit Lafayette
Windy, chilly, and nothing short of incredible!

1:00 PM | Greenleaf Hut Stop
Descended Greenleaf Trail to the AMC Greenleaf Hut to refill water, use the facilities, and grab a warm snack.

3:00 PM | Old Bridle Path Finish
Followed the Agony Ridge portion of Old Bridle Path back down to the trailhead and caught the shuttle back to Cannon.

📌 Pro-Tips for Hiking Franconia Ridge

Parking: Use the Cannon Mountain Hiker Shuttle to skip parking stress.

Leave No Trace: Stay on the durable rock surfaces in the Alpine Zone to protect fragile flora.

Pack Layers: Temperatures on the ridge drop rapidly and winds can be severe!

Has Franconia Ridge been on your White Mountains bucket list? Drop your favorite NH hike below! 👇 taken in Franconia Notch State Park by @wanderwithkt

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3 days ago

Let’s be real…

…my favorite place is anywhere that has fall foliage 👀🤣
But even as a certified fall fanatic I can say with full confidence that anywhere I go with him by my side becomes added to my list of favorites.

Four years ago today we got married alongside some of our favorite people, in one of our favorite places, in one of our favorite seasons - and it was perfection (burrrrr-fection on that fall summit, actually 🤣)

We’ve been adventuring together now for almost 14 years and don’t have intentions of stopping 😘 Happy Anniversary, my love! taken in Speculator, New York by @wanderwithkt

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7 days ago

Tired of the same overcrowded spots?

Share this with your fall hiking buddy and save this post to beat the crowds on your next Upstate NY adventure! 👇

⚠️ But before we get started, these hikes require you to
wear appropriate footwear (sturdy sneakers or hiking boots),
carry essentials (water, food, headlamp, layers, 1st aid kit, etc.),
take EVERYTHING OUT with you that you carry in,
have the ability to assess risk and compare it to your ability and preparedness level, and
be respectful of the enviornemt & those around you enjoying it as well 🫶

Here are 5 Upstate NY hikes you need to check out if you have the stamina, skillset, & a sense of outdoor responsibility:

•Ampersand Mountain Trail: A classic, steep Adirondack climb that leads to a massive open bedrock summit with sweeping vistas of Saranac Lake and the High Peaks.
Fairly popular in the autumn Months, however, the summit is pretty big so 50+ cars at the trailhead doesn’t feel so crowded!
📍Adirondacks (High Peaks) - Late Sept-Early Oct

•Owl Head Lookout: A shorter, lesser-known gem in the Giant Mountain Wilderness that delivers massive, high-reward views of the colorful valley below.
📍Adirondacks (Giant Mountain Wilderness) - Late Sept-Early Oct

• Blueberry Mountain via Marcy Field: Enjoy a quieter trail experience that pops with vibrant colors before opening up to gorgeous vistas of the Great Range.
Be prepared for pretty steep, open rock face climbs!
📍Adirondacks (High Peaks) - Late Sept-Early Oct

•Pharaoh Mountain Trail: A rugged wilderness trek that rewards your effort with breathtaking, endless summit views over a sprawling lake-dotted landscape.
Bonus points if you backcountry camp along the lake lake like we did!
📍Adirondacks (Eastern) - Late Sept-Early Oct

• Mount Tremper Trail: Climb through a dense forest to a historic fire tower offering panoramic, unobstructed views of the surrounding valley.
If you’re based in lower NY or NJ, I know this hike isnt ‘a secret’, but jf youre a northern New Yorker heading south - I recommend!
📍Catskills - Early-to-Mid October

Happy hiking! 🍂🥾 taken in Upstate New York by @wanderwithkt

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8 days ago

Was it worth it? 🍂🥾🍁

Honestly, yeah… the foliage was beautiful and the hike itself was the perfect amount of challenging.

A conversation about Social Media in my MS Health class has inspired me to share more of the nitty gritty… the parts of Adventure Travel that often get left out of the big picture, because it’s important for people to know that it’s not all sunshine & rainbows!

Heck - there are people out there who don’t even realize that I’m a teacher! They think I travel full-time (I wish) 🤣

So this one’s all about our camping fail last weekend and how a shift in perspective can actually change your life.

🎥 P.S. Not filmed on school time taken in New York, USA by @wanderwithkt

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9 days ago

Conquered the Tupper Lake Triad in just 5 hours! 🥾⛰️

If you’re looking for an incredible Adirondack challenge that won’t take all weekend, this 3-peak challenge is a must-add to your hiking bucket list.

Here is what you need to know about the three mountains:

Mount Arab: Known for its rugged beauty, a historic fire tower, and a gorgeous lookout over the surrounding lakes.
📈~2 miles round trip | ~740–750 ft elevation gain

Goodman Mountain: The hike starts along an old, wide, flat paved/gravel road before transitioning to a dirt and rock path through a hardwood forest with gentle switchbacks that lead to a rocky summit view.
📈~3.9 miles round trip | ~581 ft elevation gain

Coney Mountain: Probably the most popular stop, offering stunning 360-degree panoramic views with a relatively short, rewarding climb.
📈~2 miles round trip | ~550 ft elevation gain

⚠️ Trail Safety Tips:
Pack the Essentials: Always bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks, a map, a headlamp, and a first-aid kit, even on shorter hikes.

Check the Weather: Mountain weather changes fast! It doesn’t matter that these are shorter, easier hikes. Dress in moisture-wicking layers and sturdy footwear.

Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in to keep these trails pristine for everyone (this includes toilet paper). No need for a speaker, wear headphones or listen to the sounds of nature. And, finally, stay on the trail! Don’t go around mud puddles or steep ascents - that unnecessarily widens the trail.

Save this post for your next Adirondack adventure, and let me know in the comments: Have you hiked the Tupper Lake Triad yet? 👇 taken in Tupper Lake, New York by @wanderwithkt

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10 days ago

An Adirondack fire tower... minus the multi-mile mountain hike? Yes, please! 🌲✨

Located right in the Sacandaga River Community Park in Speculator, NY, the historic Makomis Fire Tower lets you experience classic Adirondack history and views with literally zero hiking required!

Originally built in 1916 (making it part of thr very first steel fire towers in NYS and the Adirondacks), this restored beauty was relocated here for everyone to enjoy. It’s super accessible, family-friendly, completely free, and sits right next to lovely walking paths and the river.

Perfect for road trippers, casual travelers, or anyone who wants the fire tower vibes without the grueling climb!

📍 Sacandaga River Community Park, Speculator, NY (Hamilton County) taken in Speculator, New York by @wanderwithkt

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12 days ago

Caught in the ADK Weekend congestion? 🚙💨
Don’t stress… it’s for an epic reason!

The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is officially taking over the area this weekend (Oct 2–4), bringing the absolute best riders in the world to our backyard for the season finale!

If you’re heading out to check out the energy, the expo, and the crowds, here is where the major action is happening:

🏔️ Whiteface Mountain (Wilmington, NY)The Event: Downhill (DHI) Training, Qualifiers, and World Cup Finals
The Vibe: High-speed, jaw-dropping vertical drops, vendor expos, food trucks, and entertainment.
(The events in the clips above!)

🌲 Mt Van Hoevenberg (Lake Placid, NY)The Event: Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) World Cup races
The Vibe: Intense tactical climbing, dense spectator zones, and incredible endurance racing.

🚲 Ditch the crowded trailheads, grab a bite to eat or a beverage, and go experience world-class biking right here in the Adirondacks.

Are you heading up to watch or navigating around the crowds this weekend? Let us know below! 👇 taken in Whiteface Mountain by @wanderwithkt

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13 days ago

Looking for the ultimate fall hiking guide in Upstate NY?
THIS list has you covered for peak foliage viewing!🍂🍁

Here are my top picks for the next few weeks, arranged by region and expected peak time:

📍Finger Lakes (Peak: Mid-to-Late October)
•Taughannock Falls via North Rim & Gorge Trail: Expect breathtaking views of one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies, especially spectacular with the fall colors framing the gorge.

•Watkins Glen North Rim Trail: Hike along the rim of a stunning gorge and witness 19 waterfalls cascading through a magical, mossy glen.

•Robert Treman Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop: A unique loop that takes you both along the top and through the bottom of a beautiful gorge, surrounded by a dense canopy of fall foliage.

•Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail: Experience the dramatic "Grand Canyon of the East" as you hike past three massive waterfalls framed by vibrant autumn canyon walls.

📍Adirondacks (Peak: Late September-Early October)

•Indian Head and Rainbow Falls: A challenging but rewarding hike offering iconic, panoramic views of the dramatic cliffs surrounding Lower Ausable Lake.

•Mount Jo Loop Trail: A short and steep ascent that delivers incredible, big-mountain views of the High Peaks, including Heart Lake below.

•Mt. Van Hoevenberg East Trail: Enjoy sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges and the Olympic bobsled track from a recently improved trail.

•Owl’s Head Trail: A surprisingly quick climb that leads to a surprisingly expansive summit view of the Sentinel Range and beyond.

📍Catskills (Peak: Early-to-Mid October)

•Gertrude’s Nose & Millbrook Mountain Loop: Venture along dramatic cliff edges and through dense forest with some of the best cliffside views in the region.

•Kaaterskill Falls from Laurel House Road: An easily accessible view of New York’s highest two-tiered waterfall, a true showstopper in the fall.

Share this post with your hiking buddy to start planning your autumn adventures and be sure to save it for reference! 👇 taken in New York, USA by @wanderwithkt

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15 days ago

Mentally, I am on a summit. Physically, I am planning our end-of-unit project…

I love my students and I love my career—truly!—but education is an Olympic-level marathon.

Thankful the mountains are always waiting on the other side of the work week 👏👏👏

Tag someone 👇 who relates! taken in USA by @wanderwithkt

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16 days ago