Theresa Dowell Blackinton, like many DC residents, is a transplant to the nation’s capital. Born and raised in Kentucky, she developed her love of the outdoors while exploring the Bluegrass State with her family. She spent her college years at Rice University in Houston, Texas, but promptly moved away post-graduation, the navigation of Houston’s concrete jungle not quite the type of adventure she had in mind. Instead she chose to teach English in Athens, Greece, turning to trails that meandered along gorgeous coastlines, led up pine-covered mountains, and traversed ancient sites whenever she needed a break from the classroom.

With her husband, Jeff, Theresa now spends most weekends investigating the hiking opportunities in the DC area — striking out into the backcountry of Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest, meandering in solitude on trails in Western Maryland, pitching a tent in the sand along the Chesapeake Bay, and discovering the wilderness within city borders.

Theresa has contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers, including National Geographic Traveler, The San Antonio Express-News, The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Frederick News-Post. She has also worked as an editor at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. More of her work can be found on her website, www.theresablackinton.com.