When I started hiking it started an exploration of how to make a firm commitment to being on trail on a regular basis. In that exploration I’ve found, connected and returned to these sites regularly for inspiration and support. I hope you will find them useful too.
FIND A HIKING FRIEND
Women Who Hike – a wonderful resource for women to connect through hiking. Full disclosure that since of February 2019, I have had the privilege of being an Ambassador of the Minnesota chapter. Membership is free and provides access to official hikes, meet-ups and more. There are also closed Facebook Groups in nearly every state that provide participants access to other women hikers, trail and gear information.
Unlikely Hikers – a diverse and inclusive Instagram community featuring the underrepresented outdoorsperson – people of size, people of color, queer, trans and gender nonconforming. People with disabilities and people who utilize the outdoors to aid their mental health.
Hiker Babes – A group of women making the commitment to hike at least 100 miles in one year.
Native Women Wilderness – who’s mission is to inspire and raise the voices of Native Women in the Outdoor Realm, encourage a healthy lifestyle grounded in the Wilderness and educate Natives and non-Natives on the rich beauty and heritage of the Ancestral Lands beneath our feet.
Indigenous Women Hike – Jolie Varela is a citizen of the Nüümü and Yokut Nations who has committed herself to helping healing through indigenous women’s inherent connection to the land.
Hike Hoppers – working to help its members find themselves one hike at a time while strengthening mind, body and soul.
Women of the Wild Midwest (WOW) – who’s mission is to bring together local ladies who love the outdoors.
BE SAFE ON TRAIL AND OUTSIDE
Road iD – Father son pair Edward and Mike Wimmer founded the company to provide outdoor enthusiasts with a sense of security and vital information for first responders should you get injured in pursuit of your outdoor dreams.
WHO I FOLLOW
Alistair Humphries – A National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Alistair reframed adventure for me. Adventures can be as simple as walking out your front door going a direction you’ve never traveled before. They don’t have to be epic or grand, though he’s got plenty of stories of grand adventures he encourages simple exploration by simply starting. I love that.
wanderingpine.com – My pal Jen is the most awesome hiking gal. I love her energy, her passion and her openness to share her ideas. She’s a blogger, gear tester, ultra lite backpacker, artist, loving wife and mom. Checkout her adventures. She inspires me and I hope you too.
Great Outdoors Dudes – Paul Kautz (aka the Hiking Dude) has a few other alter egos with a variety of skills and information that’s helpful for any hiker or backpacker. Check out all his personalities!
VOLUNTEER
http://parkconnection.org/volunteer – the Mississippi Park Connection and National Park Service offers opportunities to help maintain parks and lands.
National Public Lands Day (typically the last Saturday in September) – coordinated by National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). Find a local event or organize your own.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
Minnesota Hiking and Passport Clubs – set your feet to trail and earn rewards while you do it.
52 Hike Challenge – commit to 52 hikes a year. When I was setting my hiking goals for 2018, I happened on the 52 Hike Challenge. It’s free for the basic challenge, but there are levels that include many other benefits, including gear discounts. It’s kept me on track to stay on trail and trained. Options range from free to full award packages that include a medal, patches and retailer discounts.
Hiker Babes 100 Hike Challenge – a global community of like-minded women who share a passion for the outdoors. Join their 100 hike movement to help inspire more women to enjoy the healing gifts of the trail. Chapters are for women only so they are a safe place to share, learn and grow. They also give back to local communities so be sure to check the website for upcoming HIKE FOR A CAUSE events near you.
*Member of the 52 Hike Challenge Affiliate program.
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