Thru-Hiking & Camping Expert

APRIL PETERSON

I wake up each morning itching to get on the trail and I always find an excuse to hike. My trail name is “Violet” and I am a thru-hiker. I have been hiking my whole life. It started off small with local trails, battlefields, day hikes and gradually I worked my way to longer hikes. I solidified my love for the trail when I completed the Appalachian Trail in 2014. In July of 2016 I completed the Tahoe Rim Trail in California and Nevada and in 2017 I went trekking in Nepal! I have many goals for future hikes; including discovering more local trail systems and heading back west. I am wildly dreaming of the Everest Base Camp! My dreams include hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and the completing the Camino de Santiago. In the meantime, I enjoy my role as a River Rock Outfitter Instructor, planning sponsored events for our customers and charities. I am here to provide inspiration, serve as a guide, establish friendships, and just have fun with my fellow hikers. I look forward to embracing every sunset, sunrise, sunburn, and fall with you. I can’t wait to see you on the trails.

Instructor Specialty

  • Hiking
  • Camping

VIEW UPCOMING CLASSES

Certifications

  • AT Thru-Hiker (2014), Tahoe Rim Trail (2016), Nepal (2017), Lone Star Trail (2018)
  • Certified Hiking Guide through American Hiking Guide Association
  • Wilderness First Responder through NOLS
  • CPR/AED/Child/Infant Training though NOLS
  • Winter Survival Training through AMP
  • Leave-No-Trace Trainer through PATC
  • Member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Pacific Appalachian Trail Club and Rails-to-Trails
  • Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (19,340′)
My dad and I went on a hike planned through River Rock Outfitter yesterday and had a great time. Meegana is a wonderful guide, she is knowledgeable, personable and a lot of fun. She also has amazing taste in eye wear. Can’t wait for our next trip.

Writing this on the heels of a women-only guided hike lead by the store’s certified hiking guide, Meegana. I purchased almost every piece of gear here because the team is amazing. They’ve used the equipment, they know what they are talking about and you will never second guess your purchase.

Meegana is the only certified hiking guide in Virginia and we are beyond fortunate to have her right here in Fredericksburg.