Dixie – (Jessica Hawkins) – Homemade Wanderlust

When Jessica Mills quit her engineering job to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2015, she launched more than just a thruhike, she sparked a movement. Through Homemade Wanderlust, this Alabama native has documented over 8,000 miles of America's toughest trails with the authenticity and humor that makes adventure feel possible for everyone.

Jessica “Dixie” Mills is one of the most influential voices in the thruhiking community, known for her engaging YouTube videos, honest trail advice, and completing multiple long-distance trails. Through her platform Homemade Wanderlust, she has inspired thousands of hikers to pursue their outdoor dreams while providing practical, down-to-earth guidance for aspiring thruhikers.

Background

Born in Florida and raised in Opelika, Alabama, Dixie developed her love for the outdoors at an early age through summers spent with her grandparents, who were backyard gardeners from farming backgrounds. She graduated from Auburn University in 2012 with a degree in Biosystems Engineering and a minor in Agronomy and Soils. After graduation, she spent a year and a half living in Colorado before making a life-changing decision to pursue her thruhiking dreams.

Trail Accomplishments

Dixie has completed the “Triple Crown” of American hiking and beyond:

Appalachian Trail (2015) – Dixie’s first thruhike began in March 2015 at Springer Mountain, Georgia, and concluded in October 2015 when she summited Mount Katahdin in Maine. This 2,190-mile journey launched her career as a hiking influencer and established her YouTube presence.
Pacific Crest Trail (2017) – Following her AT success, Dixie tackled the 2,650-mile PCT, facing unique challenges including record snowpack in the Sierra Nevada and rattlesnake encounters in the desert sections.
Continental Divide Trail (2018) – Completing the Triple Crown, Dixie hiked the rugged 3,100-mile CDT, often considered the most challenging of the three major U.S. trails.
Florida Trail – Dixie has also completed the Florida Trail, adding another long-distance accomplishment to her impressive resume.
Pinhoti Trail – She has hiked sections of Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail, staying connected to trails near her home state.

Content Creation

Dixie’s YouTube channel and blog document her thruhiking journeys with remarkable authenticity. Her video series are known for:

Detailed gear reviews and recommendations
Honest discussions about the mental and physical challenges of thruhiking
Practical advice on topics like resupply strategies, dealing with weather, and trail safety
Genuine emotional moments that resonate with viewers

Her content covers everything from dealing with bears and snakes to managing blisters, choosing the right footwear, and answering the endless questions thruhikers face from curious strangers on trail.

Philosophy and Impact

Dixie is a strong advocate for spending time outdoors, believing that nature teaches valuable lessons about ourselves and life in general. Her approach emphasizes:

Living simply and below one’s means to fund hiking adventures
Taking risks and “crossing the line” to pursue dreams
Building confidence through preparation and experience on trail
Being authentic about both the highs and lows of long-distance hiking

Her motto and approach have inspired countless hikers, particularly women, to attempt their own thruhikes. Many followers credit her videos with giving them the confidence and practical knowledge needed to start their hiking journeys.

Trail Name Origin

The trail name “Dixie” connects to her Southern roots and Alabama upbringing, though she was born in Florida. The name has become synonymous with approachable, quality hiking content.

Community Engagement

Dixie maintains active engagement with the hiking community through:

YouTube channel with detailed trail updates and gear reviews
Patreon support for followers who want to help fund her adventures
An e-book guide sharing detailed AT insights
Amazon affiliate partnerships for gear recommendations
Social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Personal Characteristics

Those who follow Dixie’s journey appreciate her for:

Down-to-earth, relatable personality
Southern charm without pretension
Willingness to show vulnerability and struggle
Practical, honest gear advice
Strong determination and mental toughness
Sense of humor about trail challenges

Current Activities

Between thruhikes, Dixie works part-time and maintains her content creation business. She lives a minimalist lifestyle, driving the same truck she’s had since high school and focusing resources on her next outdoor adventure. Her income comes from multiple sources including her e-book, YouTube monetization, Patreon supporters, and affiliate partnerships.

Legacy

Dixie represents a new generation of thruhikers who use modern technology to document and share their journeys while maintaining the traditional spirit of long-distance hiking. Her honest, accessible approach has democratized thruhiking knowledge, making these adventures feel achievable for everyday people rather than just elite athletes. Whether discussing the beauty of a sunrise over the Sierra or the reality of dealing with trail funk, Dixie’s authentic voice continues to inspire hikers to get out there and pursue their own outdoor dreams.

“I am an advocate of being outdoors as I feel we can learn a lot about ourselves and life in general while out in nature.” – Dixie