Earlier this spring, my friend Tiffany (@tiffanyisoutside) traded her busy NYC life as a consultant for five days on Patagonia’s iconic W Trek. Whenever she can, she finds time to get outside and turn her adventures into dreamy photographic diaries along the way. I caught up with her after the trip to hear about the realities of hiking the W—from unpredictable weather and last-minute itinerary changes to favorite trail snacks, essential gear, and the moments that made it all worth it. Here are her field notes, tips, and lessons from the trail.

How did you navigate and choose which where to stay?

To be completely honest, we originally planned to hike the W Trek from west to east. We spent months researching travel blogs and Reddit threads to figure out the best direction and which campsites to book, but all that planning went out the window when a massive blizzard hit NYC. Our original flight was canceled, pushing our trip back by two days and forcing us to scramble at the last minute to rework our itinerary and refugio bookings—ultimately hiking the trek in reverse, from east to west.

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that don’t go according to plan!

Favorite section of the trail?

Surprisingly, my favorite day on the trail was our second day, where we trekked from Mirador Frances to Refugio Cuernos. Even though it started raining on our way down from Frances, the skies started to clear up again right when we got to this pebble beach oasis! The water was incredibly bright blue, coupled with the backdrop of the glaciers we saw earlier, truly had to be there to experience it!

What are you happy you packed?

My stio rain jacket and backpack rain cover! The weather in Patagonia is known to be very unpredictable (windy and rainy one hour and clear blue skies the next), so I was extremely thankful I packed rain proof gear when we were met with unsuspecting rain.

What did you wish you packed?

More Gatorade powder and a hat (my scalp was surprisingly sunburnt by the end, don’t let the overcast days deceive you)!

Holy grail gear rec?

My REI hiking poles and Garmin inReach Mini (for longer backpacking trips).

Favorite trail snack?

Sour Haribos! But lately it’s also been chocolate crepes from Trader Joe’s :)

What advice would you give to a girl who is thinking of going?

Be ready for every kind of weather; layers are your best friend out there. Clear mountain views are rare and often fleeting, so when the skies open up, pause and really take it in. I’d also highly recommend booking tents at Cuernos and Chileno if you can; once you secure those, it’s worth planning your trek around them.

I’m always looking for more trail stories to share, so do not hesitate to send them my way!

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With love,
Kelly Franson
Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org | girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com

Girls Gone Hiking x Vivobarefoot Paddleboarding 🌊

We’re trading the trail for the Hudson River!

Join Girls Gone Hiking x Vivobarefoot for a day of stand-up paddleboarding in Croton-on-Hudson. Your $55 ticket includes 2.5 hours of paddleboarding (typically $75/person) plus a complimentary pair of Vivobarefoot Tracker O.R.A. Sandals.

📍 Croton-on-Hudson, NY (an hour outside of the city, accessible by train)
🏄‍♀️ 2.5 hours of paddleboard rentals
👡 Complimentary Vivobarefoot sandals
🎟️ $55/person

Spots are limited and tickets are non-refundable since we’ll be ordering your shoe size in advance.

Sign up here →

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com and we will try our best to get back to you in a timely fashion!

See you out there on the water!

Girls Gone Hiking team

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If you’ve spent even five minutes on social media lately, you’ve probably been told you need a dozen supplements, a 5 a.m. routine, cold plunges, and a perfectly optimized morning to feel your best. But what if better mental health is a whole lot simpler than that?

At Girls Gone Hiking, we believe some of life’s best moments happen outside and that doesn’t have to require summiting a mountain! We asked AllTrails Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller to share what the science says about spending time in nature, why just 20 minutes outdoors can make a meaningful difference for your mental health, and why getting back to the basics might be the most powerful wellness habit of all.

1. As a physician, what does the science actually say about spending time outside and mental health - and why does even a short walk make a difference?

   Spending time outside lowers cortisol, reduces blood pressure, and improves heart rate variability - all markers of a nervous system that’s shifting out of stress mode and into recovery. Even a short walk, as little as 20 minutes, has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood meaningfully. What’s happening physiologically is that nature gives your brain a break from “directed attention” – the focused, effortful mode you’re in all day at work or managing a household – and lets it rest into something researchers call “soft fascination.” It’s like giving your mental battery a chance to recharge, even briefly. The body responds fast. You don’t need hours. You need consistency.

2. You’ve dedicated your career to exploring nature as a healing modality - what was the moment that made you realize the outdoors could be as powerful as traditional medicine?

   I have had many of these moments, to be honest, from taking a developmentally disabled patient outside to walk around the hospital instead of remaining in the stressful exam room, to offering nature prescriptions and having patients report back all the mental and physical changes they experience, to guiding people in forest bathing and witnessing deep healing occur within just a couple of hours of quiet time in nature. I had a number of these experiences within about a year of each other, and they were the reason I really leaned into this work. It is not hyperbole when I say that I have seen faster and more profound healing take place outdoors with patients than I typically do in an exam room.

3. Are there particular ways you’ve seen stress, burnout, or recovery show up differently in women?

   Absolutely. Women are so often in caregiving roles – for kids, for parents, for partners, for households – and that kind of constant vigilance keeps the nervous system in a low-grade “on” state that’s exhausting in a way that’s hard even to name. Burnout in women often doesn’t look like collapse; it looks like still doing everything, just running on empty. What I’ve seen again and again is that women are also the ones who permit themselves last. Self-care gets pushed to the bottom of the list. That’s part of why I love recommending something as simple as a walk – it’s not another task to optimize. It’s a few minutes that belong to you, and the body notices the difference immediately.

4. For someone who feels overwhelmed, burnt out, or anxious, why is a 20-minute walk outside more effective than most of the wellness routines we see on social media?

   Because it asks nothing of you. So much of wellness culture has become another performance – another routine to do correctly, another thing to track and optimize and potentially fail at. A 20-minute walk outside has no metrics, no protocol, no right way to do it. You just go. And because it’s simple, it’s sustainable — which matters more than almost anything else. Nature exposure produces measurable reductions in cortisol and improvements in mood in a way that’s accessible to literally anyone, regardless of fitness level or budget. Sometimes the most powerful intervention is the one that doesn’t feel like an intervention at all.

5. How do you recommend someone actually build a habit around outdoor movement when life gets busy - especially for women juggling work, family, and everything in between?

   Attach it to something you’re already doing. If you’re dropping kids off, take the walk on the way back. If you take a lunch break, even a chaotic one, step outside for ten of those minutes instead of staying at your desk. The goal is to remove the decision-making, because decision fatigue is real and it’s often what kills a new habit before it starts. I also recommend keeping a couple of go-to walking routes saved somewhere — AllTrails is great for this, because you can find short, easy trails or even green spaces near your home or office and have them ready to go, no planning required. The less you have to think about it, the more likely it actually happens.

6. What would you say to someone who thinks they need to hike a mountain or run a 5K to feel the mental health benefits? Is there real value in something as simple as a neighborhood walk?

   There’s enormous value – and honestly, I’d argue the neighborhood walk might be more valuable, because it’s repeatable. The mental health benefits of nature exposure show up at the 20-minute mark, in green space, regardless of intensity. You don’t need elevation gain or a finish line. A tree-lined street, a local park, a quiet stretch of sidewalk near water – these all count. I think the “go big or don’t bother” mentality actually keeps people from getting any benefit at all, because it sets the bar too high for a Tuesday. Lower the bar. The walk around the block is doing more than you think.

7. What are some mental health myths in the wellness community that should be debunked?

   A big one is that more is always better – more supplements, more biohacks, more data points to track. In reality, the body often responds best to the simplest interventions, consistently applied. Another is that rest has to be earned through productivity, which leads people to feel guilty about doing something as “nonproductive” as a walk. And maybe the biggest myth is that mental health interventions need to be complicated or expensive to be effective. Some of the most evidence-backed tools we have – sunlight, movement, time in nature, connection with other people – are free and available to almost everyone. The wellness industry doesn’t always have an incentive to tell you that, but as a physician, I think it’s the most important thing people need to hear.

Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, MD, FACOG, ABOIM, is a physician, author, and chief medical advisor for AllTrails. She is board-certified in both OB-Gyn and Integrative Medicine. Her personal experience with the healing effects of time outdoors drove her to explore nature as a healing modality for her patients. As a result, she has pursued certifications in herbal medicine, Ayurveda, meditation, and is a certified forest therapy guide. She has served as medical director of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and as lead physician for Chopra Whole Health in Carefree, Arizona.

She is the award-winning author of The Outdoor Adventurer’s Guide to Forest Bathing, published in 2019, as well as the founder of Trail Rx. She speaks internationally about integrative medicine and nature therapy. Suzanne and her husband Joe are avid outdoor enthusiasts and lead workshops combining outdoor adventure and the mindful practice of forest bathing. More information may be found at her website, www.IntegrativeInitiative.com.

CHEERS TO GETTING OUTSIDE!

Kelly Franson

Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org | girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com

Hi friends!

🌲 Ready for your first backpacking adventure? Reserve your spot for one of our Summer 2026 trips here → SIGN UP FOR A WEEKEND

We have a strict refund policy for this series (see FAQ portion below), so please ensure you understand what you’re signing up for by reading the event description thoroughly!

​Intro to Backpacking: Take An All-Women Weekend Trip!

​This summer, we’re working with OurSpot to bring you four all-inclusive, beginner-friendly backpacking weekends in beautiful Harriman State Park.

​If you’ve been wanting to try backpacking but feel intimidated by the gear, planning, or logistics, this is your chance. You’ll spend the weekend learning new outdoor skills, meeting an incredible community of women, and escaping the city for a night under the stars.

​📅 Summer 2026 Dates

• ​July 25–26

• ​August 8–9

• ​August 15–16

• ​August 22–23

​Each weekend is the same beginner-friendly experience, so simply choose the date that works best for you.

​🌲 What to Expect

​Over the course of one weekend, you’ll:

• ​Learn the fundamentals of backpacking

• ​Carry a properly fitted backpack

• ​Set up camp alongside experienced guides

• ​Cook and eat meals together

• ​Sleep under the stars in Harriman State Park

• ​Build confidence to plan your own future adventures

​✨ What’s Included

For $225 your ticket includes:

• ​Round-trip carpool transportation from Jersey City/NYC

• ​Backpacking and camping gear rental through OurSpot

• ​Saturday lunch & dinner, Sunday brunch

• ​Two experienced backpacking leaders

• ​Pre-trip backpacking guide and virtual Q&A

• ​A fully planned itinerary & peace of mind

​Just pack your clothes and personal essentials—we’ll take care of the rest.

​🌲 Is This Trip Right for You?

​This trip is designed for beginner backpackers, but it does require a willingness to be active and embrace the realities of camping.

​Participants should be:

• ​Comfortable carrying a backpack weighing up to 35 lbs for approximately 1 mile on uneven trails.

• ​Comfortable camping without running water, showers, electricity, or bathrooms. (We’ll use Leave No Trace bathroom practices, and your guides will teach you everything you need to know.)

​No prior backpacking experience is required, but a positive attitude, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone will help you get the most out of the weekend.

​💚 Why We Created This Series

​​Backpacking and camping often feel out of reach because the gear is expensive (all of OurSpot’s gear for this trip would’ve cost $1000+ to purchase!) and finding people to go with can be hard.

​This series removes those barriers so you can experience backpacking in a supportive, women-only environment. Come learn, ask questions, make friends, and discover how empowering it feels to carry everything you need into the wilderness.

​🎟️ $225 per person

​Your ticket directly supports professional women outdoor guides who are building careers in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. We believe outdoor leadership should reflect the diversity of the people enjoying our parks and trails, and we’re excited to work with guides who are helping make that happen.

​We’re also proud to rent our backpacking gear and trip logistics through OurSpot, a small business on a mission to make camping and backpacking more accessible for people living in and around NYC. Rather than purchasing and storing our own gear, we’re partnering with a company whose entire mission is lowering the barriers to getting outside.

​Space is intentionally limited to 6 participants per trip to create a personalized, supportive learning environment.

​FAQ

​Cancellation & Refund Policy

​Due to the small group size and the upfront costs of transportation, guide staffing, gear rentals, and food, we have a strict cancellation policy.

• ​7+ days before your trip: Receive a 75% refund.

• ​Less than 7 days before your trip: No refunds.

​If Girls Gone Hiking cancels the trip due to unsafe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, participants will have the option to transfer their registration to another available weekend or receive a full refund.

​Registrations are transferable. If you can no longer attend, you’re welcome to transfer your spot to another woman, provided you notify us in advance so we can update participant information and coordinate gear sizing.

​Can I arrange my own transportation instead?

​You’re welcome to meet the group at the designated Harriman State Park trailhead if that’s more convenient for you. However, the trip price remains $225 regardless of whether you use the provided transportation.

​Our pricing reflects the full all-inclusive experience—including guide staffing, gear rental, meals, trip planning, administration, and transportation—and we aren’t able to offer partial discounts for unused components of the trip.

​What do I bring?

​One week before the trip, you’ll receive a light packing list (mostly clothes & toiletries) and join a virtual Q&A with OurSpot to ask questions before the weekend.

​Is this trip dog-friendly?

​Not for this trip. For the safety and comfort of both the group and your pet, dogs are not permitted on this backpacking weekend. Since we’re using backpacking gear rented through OurSpot and traveling as a small group, the current setup isn’t designed to accommodate pets.

Does this HAVE to be my first time backpacking?

Not at all. This trip is intentionally beginner-friendly, but many people join because they want more experience before planning trips on their own. It's also a fun way to meet other women who love getting outside, even if you've already backpacked before.

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING AND I MUST GO!

Kelly, Kelsey, and the Girls Gone Hiking team

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Questions? Just hit reply—We are always happy to help.

Dear trail sisters,

If you've been checking your inbox wondering, "Wait...did Girls Gone Hiking forget about July?"— we promise we didn't.

Instead of our usual hikes this month, we're pouring our energy into planning several Girls Gone Hiking camping trips in Harriman State Park for late July-August. We can’t wait to share these with you!

I personally have always loved the way that food tastes on a camp stove — it’s always so euphoric, even if that instant backpacker’s pad thai is objectively bad if eaten anywhere other than a campsite. There’s something so magical about staying up at night laughing with your fellow campers under the starry sky. And the mornings…a bit chilly, but so fresh and peaceful.

Check-In Survey: Help us plan what's next!

To get a feel for what YOU want to do with Girls Gone Hiking and your general comfort level with the outdoors, we put together a quick 2 minute survey to help share future programming.

👉 Take the survey here!

Thank you, truly, for taking the time. This community has always been built alongside the women who show up for it.

Meet Kelsey, our new Director of Programming!

Kelsey Murphy joins Girls Gone Hiking with nearly a decade of experience designing outdoor programs, leading wilderness trips, and building communities rooted in connection.

Trained through UCSB’s Outdoor Leadership Program and certified as a Wilderness First Responder, she’s led backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing trips, facilitated challenge courses at UCLA Recreation, and guided week-long service expeditions through NYU. Across every role, she’s been driven by the same idea: that the outdoors can be a place where people discover confidence, build trust, and surprise themselves.

Her experience extends well beyond the trail. Kelsey has developed programs for the NYC Mayor’s Office, managed an international internship program at the Cannes Film Festival, built partnerships for national nonprofits, and most recently created volunteer systems connecting more than 50 volunteers with over 300 neighbors each week through South Brooklyn Mutual Aid.

She holds an MA from NYU’s Gallatin School, where her thesis examined impact measurement for creative activist programs, and a BA in Political Science from UCSB.

She's thrilled to bring her love of discovery and connection in outdoors to Girls Gone Hiking's growing community, and can't wait to meet you on the trail!

Also a very important fun fact — her favorite trail snack…Luna bars!

Book Club?

I recently had the publicist of NYT best-selling author, Kimberly McCreight reach out with a copy of her latest novel which just came out on June 16 … it’s called SOMEONE ELSE’S HUSBAND which follows two women whose lives collide after a fateful climbing expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro.

I’ll be cracking it open to read this weekend — if anyone else is interested in reading it together and perhaps participating in a little “book club chat” with the author, let me know! Here’s the full synopsis…

SOMONE ELSE’S HUSBAND is the story of two women. Gretchen who has it all: a happy marriage to her husband, Richard, generational wealth, and beautiful, healthy children. And Frankie who has very little: an artist with a shady past, absent father, and a handful of devoted friends. When Richard and his college friends decide to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, Frankie is assigned to their group, and sparks fly between the two despite Richard being very married. But then, two weeks after the climb, Frankie is found murdered, Richard is the main suspect, and Gretchen is left to prove his innocence.

See you out there,

Kelly, Kelsey, & the Girls Gone Hiking Team

Dear trail sisters,

After road-tripping 2000 miles across the country, I’m feeling more energized than ever to explore, move, and soak up summer outside. Sharing a few flicks from the drive through Shenandoah, Great Smoky, and the Midwest!

✨ June Events

Saturday, June 27th – Sugarloaf Hill Hike (8:30AM-3:00PM)

Sugarloaf is a beginner friendly trail that has a special place in my heart since it’s where we hosted our first ever Girls Gone Hiking hike! This hike will be led by Molly Healy, Katie Dolan, and Mariel Lozada – some of our OG hikers!

• SIGNUPS ARE OPEN!

LAST DAY TO ENTER – Catskills Getaway Giveaway 🌿✨

One of the most common requests I hear from hikers is: “Can we do a cozy Catskills cabin weekend?” (Rightfully so!) That’s why I’m so excited to partner with New Paltz Way, a luxury boutique hotel opening THIS SUMMER in the Hudson Valley, to offer one lucky winner the ultimate upstate escape.

• If you haven’t entered yet, all you have to do is submit here (entries close on June 13th, 2026 @ 11:59pm ET) girlsgonehiking.org/catskills-giveaway

One winner will be chosen on June 14th, 2026 and will receive:

• A two-night stay for two at New Paltz Way Hotel (king-sized room, booking is based on availability)

• The perfect home base for exploring nearby hiking trails, cafés, and scenic overlooks

• A chance to reset, recharge, and soak in peak Catskills summer energy

✨ How do I stay up to date?

Substack (girlsgonehiking.substack.com): This is our main platform that sends out newsletters and event invites. I also write thought pieces in the column “Letters to the Modern Naturalist”. Here’s one: Taking Your Mind for a Walk. If you’d like to contribute as a guest writer or have a fun backpacking story you want to share, let me know!

Instagram (@girlsgonehikingnyc): Follow for upcoming events & fun BTS that no one ever asks for:)

Website (girlsgonehiking.org): Not too essential, but I recommend checking out our photo gallery of past events!

Bumble BFF (join here): This is a great forum for self-organizing your own hikes and finding girls to hike with.

If you ever have any thoughts, questions, or concerns please feel free to reach out!

With love,
Kelly Franson
Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org | girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com

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Beginning next month, we’ll be phasing out paid Substack subscriptions and simplifying the model going forward.

The original goal of the paid tier was to offer early access to hike signups, but with so many members now subscribed, it’s started to defeat the purpose of early access altogether. Instead, we’ll release event signups through free Substack posts and folding costs directly into individual hike/event pricing moving forward.

As a thank you for being part of the paid subscriber community, I’d love for you to make the most of it by joining our May 30th hike for free before the transition. For the signup link, check the paid subscriber chat 💛 The public signup link for this hike will drop on May 24th at 9am ET if there’s still room!

If you purchased an annual subscription, please reply to this email and I’d be happy to refund the remaining time left on your subscription.

Thank you so much for supporting GGH and helping this community grow into what it is today — truly couldn’t have done it without you.

Kelly

On a personal note, I’ll also be moving out of NYC this month to start at Harvard Business School (I’m going to miss this city so, so much — but if anyone ever wants to go hiking around the Greater Boston area, let me know!). As a result, GGH hikes will increasingly be led by professional guides and trusted community members. If you’re interested in helping lead or organize hikes, I’d absolutely love to hear from you. I may be leaving NYC, but I’ll still be here in spirit! 💛

Anthony’s Nose Hike with Vivobarefoot

Join Girls Gone Hiking for a scenic day hike up to Anthony’s Nose, one of the Hudson Valley’s most iconic viewpoints. We’ll pick you up in Manhattan, introduce you to Vivobarefoot, and head to the trail to take in spring in full bloom!

What’s Included:

• Private transportation departing from Upper Manhattan and back

• Your own pair of gifted Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knits!

Day of Itinerary:

• 8:30am: Meet at the Bonnefont in Fort Tryon Park (bathrooms available!)

• 9:30am: Arrive at Anthony’s Nose, park along the road by trailhead

• 10:00am: Begin hike (short 2 hour out-and-back)

• 11:00am: Scenic break at the peak overlooking the Hudson River

• 12:30pm: Finish hike & drive to Peekskill for lunch

• 2:30pm: Head back to Manhattan...this time with new memories with your trail sisters!

Anthony’s Nose Trail: AllTrails Map Link

• Elevation Gain: 1,145ft

• Hike Time: 2 Hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: 2 Miles

• Route Type: Out-and-Back

SIGNUP ON SWEATPALS HERE

Once you’ve RSVP’d on SweatPals, please secure your spot by purchasing your $20 ticket via the Stripe link HERE. (Tickets are non-refundable!)

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See you on the trail,
Kelly Franson
Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org | girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com

Dear trail sisters,

I’m writing this halfway across the world…awaiting a flight back from Asia after a week of solo wandering through Japan plus spending time with my grandma in Shanghai who I hadn’t seen in eight long years! I think some of you may appreciate this clear shot of Mt Fuji that I was lucky enough to capture after a short hike in Hakone. If anyone needs an outdoor thrill seeking travel itinerary in Japan, hit me up!

We have an action-packed month ahead of us as we enjoy the last of this gorgeous spring weather! Join us for a few day hikes, rock climbing, or an urban hike if you prefer something more local :)

✨ May Events

Thursday, May 7th — Rock Climb Night (6-8PM)

SIGNUPS ARE OPEN

Join Girls Gone Hiking for a rock-climb social at Brooklyn Boulders! A $25 day pass includes all gear and access to BKB’s sauna/amenities. It’s the best way to build hiking strength and hang with other hike girlies in a beginner-friendly setting. This is something we host once a month due to popular demand!

Sunday, May 10th — Mother’s Day Urban Hike (10AM-2PM)

SIGNUPS

​Celebrate Mother’s Day (and Mother Nature!) with an urban hike beginning in Central Park, heading north all the way to Fort Tryon Park. ​Our hike will be led by Sofia (@apex_ped), an avid long-distance urban walker who knows how to turn city streets into an inspiring journey. Along the way, we’ll stop for coffee and snacks. Feel free to bring a packed lunch for a little picnic at the end in Fort Tryon!

Sunday, May 10th — Cold Spring Hike (8:30AM-3:00PM)

SIGNUPS

​Join us for a slow-paced day hike to Mount Taurus in picturesque Cold Spring...the perfect chance to connect with nature & other city girls this spring. This hike will be led by Sheila, a NYS licensed outdoor guide who has the coolest hiking Instagram to boot (@hikenmingle).

Saturday, May 16th — Anthony’s Nose Hike with Vivobarefoot (8:30AM-3:30PM)

SIGNUPS

Join Vivobarefoot and Girls Gone Hiking for a scenic day hike up to Anthony’s Nose, one of the Hudson Valley’s most iconic viewpoints. Each attendee will receive a free pair Vivobarefoot try-on shoes to use for the hike—featuring a minimalist design that helps you feel more connected to the ground. Tickets are $20 and include private transportation to/from Manhattan!

Saturday, May 30th – Sugarloaf Hill Hike (8:30AM-3:00PM)

JOIN WAITLIST HERE.

Sugarloaf is a beginner friendly trail that has a special place in my heart since it’s where we hosted our first ever Girls Gone Hiking hike! This day trip will be led by Molly and Kelsey, two amazing professional guides who are also the coolest gals out there.

✨ PLANNING A HIKE OF YOUR OWN?

I’ve compiled all the trails that we’ve hiked on Girls Gone Hiking day trips HERE via AllTrails. Most are accessible by public transit and are situated close to a cute town (Cold Spring or Beacon) or farm where you can easily grab lunch afterwards!

Looking for a hiking buddy? Join our Bumble BFF group chat (here). This is a great forum for self-organizing your own hikes and finding girls to hike with.

✨ A little spring housekeeping for any new faces here!

Where do I sign up for hikes?

Signup links are released through Substack (if you’re receiving this newsletter, you’re in the right place and will receive all event invites as a subscriber). I try to release about 1-2 weeks in advance of the event. Some hikes are ticketed (cost $10-30) depending on transportation options (if we split Ubers or carpool).

How do I receive early-access to hike sign-ups?

You can become a paid Substack subscriber for $8/month to receive signup links 24 hours before they’re released to the public. I know, I know, subscription fatigue is real…but this is one way I’ve tried to manage the 100–200+ person waitlists. Just note, it doesn’t guarantee a spot, but it does give you a better shot (and a little peace of mind).

How do I stay up to date?

Substack (girlsgonehiking.substack.com): This is our main platform that sends out newsletters and event invites. I also write thought pieces in the column “Letters to the Modern Naturalist”. Here’s a recent one, Taking Your Mind for a Walk. If you’d like to contribute as a guest writer or have a fun backpacking story you want to share, let me know!

Instagram (@girlsgonehikingnyc): Follow for upcoming events & fun BTS that no one ever asks for:)

Website (girlsgonehiking.org): Not too essential, but I recommend checking out our photo gallery of past events!

✨ Hiring Licensed Outdoor Guides!

As we continue to grow and host more hikes, I’m looking to bring on licensed guides on a per-hike basis. If that’s something you—or someone you know—might be interested in, I’d love to connect!

If you ever have any thoughts, questions, or concerns please feel free to reach out!

With love,
Kelly Franson
Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org | girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com

I like to think of mountain trails as magnetic paths that attract people from all walks of life finding their own way in the world. The trail has a habit of realigning you with your deepest desires, your true state of being, your own unique magnetic field if you will. And along the way, you sometimes find other magnets (fellow hikers!) whose presence only strengthens that field.

Field Notes is a column dedicated to capturing those trail stories, shared by members of the Girls Gone Hiking community.

This week’s Field Notes features Maddy’s 100 mile hike on the Tour Du Mont Blanc with her sister!

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a classic long-distance trek that loops around Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It’s my all-time favorite trail that I hiked with my dad last summer, and I couldn’t agree more with Maddy: its beauty and people are quietly life-changing. I’m so excited to share her trail story and hopefully inspire anyone else to hike it one day as well!

— Kelly

How did you end up on the TMB?

Maddy: I left my first job late July and ended up having some free time before my next job. Two days before I quit, I called my youngest sister who was living in Spain, and she agreed to meet me in Geneva. Two days after I quit, I was on a flight, and my sister and I were off on the Tour du Mont Blanc that afternoon.

Anyways, long story short, it was a trip of a lifetime. My dad sent us a tent and sleeping bags, I borrowed my roommates backpack, and we sent it. I grew up in the mountains, so this was a dream of mine to have quality time in the mountains with my sisters. I didn’t know it would happen as abruptly as it did, but my parents raised us to say yes to opportunities so we did. One hundred miles, 32,000 feet of elevation gain, and minimal prep turned into a phenomenal experience. The people you meet on trail are people who appreciate the same things you do, from all parts of the world.

Favorite section of the trail (France, Italy, or Switzerland)?

Maddy: I honestly think Italy (this may be due to weather, but I absolutely loved the trail maintenance / food / people we passed and met along the way - the Bonatti hut had the most incredible view.

How did you navigate and choose which huts to stay in?

Maddy: Because it was so last minute, we went old school and carried a map! We accidentally wandered off the main route on our first day, but there was a mother-daughter duo (they were picking berries!) who walked with us for a few hours and led us back to where we wanted to go!

Also shoutout to Strava. A friend had done the hike a few weeks before, so we loosely followed his route recommendations (we ended up staying in a few huts and a hotel in one larger town after camping the first two nights), but we used Strava to explore side trails if we had extra energy or wanted to stop for lunch at a specific hut.

Favorite trail snack?

Maddy: CHOMPS or a block of cheese :D On the TMB we literally stopped at every hut for a coffee / cider / beer!

Holy grail gear rec?

Maddy: Oof, honestly my On Cloudvistas + Darn Tough micro crew socks (first day on trail was my first day in these shoes - no blisters the whole time) + my Amundsen 5incher Field Shorts (durability / comfortable for miles and miles).

Thank you Maddy for inspiring us to SAY YES!! If you are thinking of hiking the TMB, feel free to leave a comment below or DM @maddy.l.l on Instagram.

I’m always looking for more trail stories to share, so do not hesitate to send them my way!

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With love,
Kelly Franson
Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org | girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com

Dear trail sisters,

As an April Easter baby I may be biased, but April is the most magical month of the year. There are obvious indicators of magic, such as the dazzling array of tulips that bloom in NYC (I went down a deep Reddit rabbit hole on this topic, and will not complain if this is where our tax dollars go!). There is also a cheerful clarity that cuts through the last of winter’s lingering brain fog… a little more spring in our step if you will. Let’s take to the trails!

✨ April Events

Saturday, April 4th — Free People Movement Hike to Cold Spring
Our first hike of the season COMPLETELY filled up within the first 10 minutes (signups were released this past Sunday in a prior Substack post). Your excitement to get outdoors fills me with joy!! For the 150 of you on the waitlist, feel free to use our itinerary to hike solo that day at your own pace, or find a hiking buddy from our Bumble BFF group chat to meetup with.

Saturday, April 11th — Bear Mountain Hike
We are hitting the trail again next weekend by taking a day trip from NYC to Bear Mountain Loop. Note that this is a HARD but rewarding hike! Signups release via Substack on Sunday April 5th at 9am ET, with early access subscribers receiving on Saturday April 4th at 9amET.

I will be in Asia the second half of April visiting family, so we will resume hikes in May!

✨ A little spring housekeeping for all the new faces here!

Where do I sign up for hikes?

Signup links are released through Substack (if you’re receiving this newsletter, you’re in the right place and will receive all event invites as a free/paid subscriber). I try to release about 1-2 weeks in advance of the event. Some hikes are ticketed (cost $10-30) depending on transportation options (if we split Ubers or carpool).

How do I receive early-access to hike sign-ups?

You can become a paid Substack subscriber for $8/month to receive signup links 24 hours before they’re released to the public. I know, I know, subscription fatigue is real…but this is one way I’ve tried to manage the 100–200+ person waitlists. Just note, it doesn’t guarantee a spot, but it does give you a better shot (and a little peace of mind).

How do I stay up to date?

Substack (girlsgonehiking.substack.com): This is our main platform that sends out newsletters and event invites. I also write thought pieces in the column “Letters to the Modern Naturalist”. Here’s a recent one, Taking Your Mind for a Walk. If you’d like to contribute as a guest writer or have a fun backpacking story you want to share, let me know!

Instagram (@girlsgonehikingnyc): Follow for upcoming events & fun BTS that no one ever asked for:)

Website (girlsgonehiking.org): Not much going on here, but I recommend checking out our photo gallery of past events!

Bumble BFF (join here): This is a great forum for self-organizing your own hikes and finding girls to hike with.

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✨ Hiring Licensed Outdoor Guides!

As we continue to grow and host more hikes, I’m looking to bring on licensed guides on a per-hike basis. If that’s something you—or someone you know—might be interested in, I’d love to connect!

Anyone have a good April Fool’s joke? 😀

I promise the hike waitlists aren’t one of them… unfortunately.

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With love,
Kelly Franson
Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org | girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com

Dear trail sisters,

Today I found a ladybug on my windowsill, so I’ll take her as a sign of gorgeous spring weather to come. It’s finally time to get back on the trail after a gnarly winter! 🐞

And with that, I couldn’t be more excited to share our first hike of the season with you — it is in partnership with Free People Movement in honor of Earth Month. Admission is free and there will be gifted hats! We are hiking an oldie, but a goodie, Short Bull Hill Loop in Cold Spring, NY.

Girls Gone Hiking x FP Movement Community Hike

SIGN UP HERE THROUGH THE FREE PEOPLE WEBSITE

• Date: April 4, 2026

• Location: Meet at 1 Depot Square, Cold Spring, NY 10516 at 10:30am (note that this is different from our usual habit of meeting at Grand Central!)

• Trail: Short Bull Hill Loop (4.4 miles) This has a steep uphill climb, but it’s not rocky — it’s more of a workout rather than a hard technical hike. It’s beginner friendly since we’ll go slower, but be prepared for some cardio!

Once you’ve registered, please join this WhatsApp group chat so that I can text you logistical details in real-time!

Day of Itinerary

• Guests can take the 8:56am Metro-North train from Grand Central to arrive in Cold Spring by 10:15am (~$15 each way via MTA app)

• 10:30am — Meet outside Cold Spring Depot restaurant, next to the train station

• 11:00am — Walk to trailhead + begin hike (~3.5 hour loop)

• 1:00pm — Midpoint scenic break

• 3:00pm — Return to Cold Spring

• Post-hike (optional): Group hang in town (coffee, lunch, or shopping!)

What to Bring

• Water, layers, comfortable shoes, & snacks!

• We’ll bring electrolytes, bug spray, SPF:)

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So excited to get back into nature with you!
As always, I’m here if you have any questions…

Cheers,

Kelly Franson

Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org | girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com

Dear trail sisters,

Welcome the awakening of spring with guided journaling and yoga led by Marta, the founder of NYC’s newest art-inspired yoga studio, Third Door Brooklyn.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28th: SPRING YOGA FLOW​

RSVP HERE.

Guests are welcome to arrive starting at 2:00pm for journaling and tea.

The yoga flow itself will take place from 2:30–3:30pm, with additional time afterward to enjoy tea and conversation.

​Tickets are $35 and includes the yoga mat, journaling/crafting supplies, tea/snacks. Please note, all tickets are non-refundable.

Our last session at Third Door was a cozy winter yoga flow that focused on rest — this time we’ll focus on welcoming growth (expansive movement, heart openers!) for the new spring season <3

Always feel free to reach out with questions (girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com).

Cheers to warm weather at last!

Kelly Franson

Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

Dear trail sisters,

For those of you who endured the blizzard(s) in February…congrats! In honor of the world slowly thawing, it might be time to start bookmarking bucket list trails on AllTrails again. Girls Gone Hiking is now an AllTrails partner, so here is 30% off one year of AllTrails Plus: Use code GGHIKING30 through this link.

Speaking of bucket list hikes…

If you’ve recently completed a hiking trip somewhere beautiful (a few of you have completed Acatenango in Guatemala!), I’d love to feature your experience on our Substack. Feel free to email girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com with 3-5 photos and a 200-300 word summary of the highlights/lowlights and advice to anyone else who may be planning a visit in the future!

AllTrails published their own Travel Worthy Destinations list, and the takeaway seems to be that Poland and Slovenia are completely slept on!! Time to book a trip ASAP.

✨ March Events

Friday, March 6th — Rock Climb Night (6-8PM)
Join Girls Gone Hiking for a rock-climb social at Brooklyn Boulders! A $25 day pass includes all gear and beginner-friendly guidance. It’s the best way to build hiking strength and hang with other hike girlies. This is something we’ll be organizing once a month due to popular demand! CLIMBING SIGNUPS ARE OPEN

Saturday, March 28th — Yoga Flow (2-4PM)
Our first winter yoga flow class at Third Door Yoga in January left us feeling very zen, so we are returning for another this month! Tickets release via Substack on Thursday, March 12th.

✨ A little recap of February

Gutsy Galentine’s

We hosted a funky ferment party with pickles and amazake (a naturally sweet rice bevy fermented for 10+ hours) in the honor of gut health and trusting your gut (shoutout to Angela our tarot card reader)! Thank you to all the gals who made it a wonderfully cozy night.

A trip to Under Armour

When one of UA’s design directors invited a few Girls Gone Hiking members to visit their Baltimore headquarters to give feedback on their outdoor apparel, I was first elated…and then a little skeptical. What could we possibly know about clothing design? But I quickly realized that great design isn’t just about fabrics or seams. They asked us a ton of questions to understand the user experience — where we hike, what we carry, what makes us feel beautiful and comfortable. We were there to represent the lived experience of women doing cool stuff outdoors, and I left appreciating the brand so much more for their desire to design for that lived experience.

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Feel free to always reach out with any event ideas that you would like to see planned – I’m all ears!

With love,
Kelly
Girls Gone Hiking 🌿

girlsgonehiking.org

Dear trail sisters,

Let’s celebrate our gut health this Galentine’s!

Join us on February 16th 6:30-7:30pm for an evening of ferments & friends at Bedford Studio in the West Village…a GUTSY GALENTINE’s.

RSVP HERE: Luma Tickets ($30, non-refundable)

​This Galentine’s, Girls Gone Hiking is honoring our guts —both female intuition (a powerful thing!), and of course, our gut health.

We’ll enjoy warm amazake, a traditional Japanese fermented-rice drink that’s naturally sweet and nourishing for the gut.

You’ll also have the chance to write a letter telling your future self to trust your gut about something you’re currently facing (we will physically mail it back to you in three months!).

Optional, but encouraged: Bring a small jar of something fermented—pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, or anything your gut loves. Store-bought or homemade are welcome. We’ll create a shared fermented table to taste, trade, and celebrate our gut :)

Thanks to our product sponsors of the night, guests will be able to:

Sample Good Girl Snacks (Hot Girl Pickles!) and Dilli by Lilli (colorful pickled veggies!) ...and take home Grüns supergreen gummies & Gelée jelly!

With love,
Kelly Franson
Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org

Dear trail sisters,

As the buzz of the New Year fades, February can start to feel a little gray — until I remember that Galentine’s is right around the corner, one of my favorite “holidays” of the year! I’ve always believed that real friendship is worth recognizing and celebrating, especially in a world that overly celebrates milestones and status.

In the spirit of sisterhood, we are partnering with Dion – a new social app that lets you send coffee/drinks to friends – to give away free matcha and enable you to meet other Girls Gone Hiking members outside of our organized events.

✨ Meet your Galentine’s Match(a)

1. Join the Girls Gone Hiking “circle” on the Dion app through our dedicated invite link

2. Redeem your free matcha (an Earth Cloud Matcha from Matchaful)

3. You will also have $100 in credit to send drinks to others

4. (Optional) Fill out the Galentine matching form here to be paired up with another Girls Gone Hiking member. You can meet up with IRL to redeem that matcha together or just have an excuse to meet a new friend!

We are also hosting a small Girls Gone Hiking Galentine’s party on Feb 16th! See details below!🩷

✨ February Events

Friday, February 6th — Learn the Ropes Climbing Class (6-8PM)
Although this class is now full, Brooklyn Boulders is also hosting a dedicated Women’s Climbing Day on February 4th from 6-10pm that I recommend checking out – passes are $20!

Monday, February 16th — GGH Galentine’s Party & Amazake Tasting (6:30-7:30PM)
This Galentine’s, come meet other Girls Gone Hiking members over mocktails and amazake — a naturally sweet, fermented rice drink enjoyed in Japan for thousands of years. We’ll gather at Bedford Studio in the West Village for a small, intimate evening focused on connection and gut health (something I spend a lot of time working on outside of hiking!). This is a small, intimate gathering by design, so be sure to reserve your spot when tickets release via Substack on Thursday, February 5th.

I will also be visiting Under Armour HQ in Baltimore this month on behalf of Girls Gone Hiking — they are seeking OUR input on women’s outdoor wear, so if you have any feedback on how clothing should be designed for women, LET ME KNOW!

This community exists because so many of you keep choosing connection, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone. I cannot wait to honor friendship this month!

Feel free to always reach out with any event ideas that you would like to see planned – I’m all ears!

With love,

Kelly Franson

Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

girlsgonehiking.org | girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com

I never thought I would enjoy rock climbing.

I tried bouldering six years ago at a local gym in Berkeley with a friend who was already hooked. Discouraged by my puny arm strength, I shrugged it off as “not the sport for me”. Fast forward to 2025, when Brooklyn Boulders, a spacious and welcoming climbing gym in Long Island City, reached out about doing a Girls Gone Hiking event. I said, “sure! why not — we need more indoor activities!” Little did I know that I too would become hooked.

Over the course of the past three climbing events we’ve hosted at Brooklyn Boulders, I’ve learned several things about myself:

1. 80% of it is mental strength. I’ve learned to trust myself and my judgement about when to commit.

2. I LOVE the puzzle-solving aspect: reading the wall, choosing the right holds, and learning how my body wants to balance.

3. It’s naturally social and I enjoy watching and learning from others climb. Usually climbers are happy to share strategy or “beta” as they call it if you ask politely.

Brooklyn Boulders Membership Discount

Even though I’m still just climbing V1s and 2s, there’s something so satisfying about solving a “problem” on the wall — hence my commitment to officially becoming a climber girl! I started by signing up for a membership at Brooklyn Boulders, buying a basic pair of Le Sportiva shoes, and binging climbing tutorials on TikTok. If becoming a climber girl is also on your 2026 vision board, Brooklyn Boulders is offering a discounted climbing membership for Girls Gone Hiking:

• $125/month with a month-to-month commitment (original rate is $150/month)

• $109/month with a 6-month commitment

• And waiving the $75 initiation fee

If you’re interested in becoming a Brooklyn Boulders member, email me (girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com) and I can connect you with the gym to sign up!

Upcoming Learn the Ropes Class

We are also hosting a Learn the Ropes climbing class on February 6th at 6:00pm. It’ll be a 2 hour session with Brooklyn Boulder’s licensed instructors: we will learn how to climb top-rope and belay (perfect for first-timers and anyone who wants to become belay-certified). Capacity is limited to ten students — RSVPs are now open!

See you on the wall!

Kelly Franson

Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

Dear trail sisters,

Join us for guided journaling, yoga, and tea...everything our bodies crave in the winter! Our private yoga class will be led by Marta, the founder of NYC’s newest art-inspired yoga studio, Third Door Brooklyn.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31st: WINTER YOGA FLOW​

RSVP HERE.

Guests are welcome to arrive starting at 2:00pm for journaling and tea.

The yoga flow itself will take place from 2:30–3:30pm, with additional time afterward to enjoy tea and conversation.

​Tickets are $35 and includes the yoga mat, journaling/crafting supplies, tea/snacks. Please note, all tickets are non-refundable.

So excited to keep exploring movement indoors with you while we wait for warmer hiking weather!

Always feel free to reach out with questions (girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com).

See you out there!

Kelly Franson

Founder, Girls Gone Hiking

Dear Girls Gone Hiking,

If there’s anything you should take away from this edition of Letters to the Modern Naturalist, it’s that you should go on a walk, with no end destination, and see what happens in that brilliant noggin of yours.

I love thinking. But usually, I can’t hear my own thoughts. I hear life ricocheting around in the unpadded echo chamber of consciousness: the to-dos, the texts, the emails, the phone calls. It all technically requires thought. But not the kind that leads to hatched plans, discoveries, and moments of awe that bring me the greatest fulfillment.

I also love walking. But usually, it’s to get from point A to B, and rarely to just walk. So putting the two together – walking for the sake of walking so that I can think for the sake of thinking – is my favorite escape. The book A Philosophy of Walking by Frederic Gros beautifully describes how to think while walking, and shares how great ideas came to great philosophers on their long, rambling walks.

I read the book mostly while sitting on trains, in cars, and curled up in bed. Don’t worry, I eventually treated myself to an aimless meander through Central Park (where I had a lightbulb moment to write about this! Very meta). What follows are the takeaways I gathered from each philosopher’s walking habits described in the book. Hopefully this inspires you too!

PHILOSOPHICAL LESSONS FROM WALKING

Rousseau: Walk to Find the Natural Man

What are we made of when stripped of societal expectations? Compassion.

By the age of sixty, Jean-Jacques Rousseau had become an outcast for his writings that challenged the authority of church and state. And so he took to walking, not even as a way to find new ideas, but because he had nothing left to feel besides the warmth of the sun. His hidden escape was the forested park bordering Paris: Bois de Boulogne.

“Alone at last, having purged his heart of all stupid passions and dropped his masks along meandering footpaths, Rousseau also started to feel a pure, transparent, limitless compassion growing within him.

Spite, suspicion and hatred aren’t, therefore, rooted in primary savagery: they were grafted onto us, locked as we are in the world’s artificial garden, and have never stopped spreading since.” Frederic Gros, A Philosophy of Walking

When we stop trying to fit in, conform and perform, our hearts grow fonder.

Thoreau: Walk as an Act of Civil Disobedience

What profit is gained from walking? None. And that’s the point.

Henry David Thoreau lived at the dawn of industrial capitalism and watched the pursuit of profit reshape the people around him. He believed in asking ourselves: what’s the real benefit, not the economic return, of something? Walking of course yields no profit, but it provides “a long moment in which I look into myself, without being invaded by volatile, deafening hassles or alienated by the incessant cackle of chatterers”.

And so he wanted to walk slowly to reject the speed and obligations of society – three to five hours a day of walking! But he needn’t travel far, only long, around the woods of Concord, Massachusetts. He was specifically a fan of morning walks, a fresh start, unencumbered by thoughts from the prior day.

“You must always start at dawn when you walk, to accompany the awakening day. And in that undecided blue hour or so, you feel… the first unformed babblings of presence.” Frederic Gros, A Philosophy of Walking

True walking has no output. No destination. No measurable gain. Once walking becomes performative (looking at you, Strava!) or used to get us somewhere, it loses its philosophical power.

Gandhi: Walk For Humility and Peace

How do we remain human? Walk slowly.

Much like Thoreau’s rejection of society, Gandhi wanted to remove the obstructs of material possessions and walk free from the shackles of society. In his youth, he walked 10-15 km each day between law lectures and vegetarian restaurants in London to test if he could live up to his three vows: no women, no alcohol, and no meat. As he grew older, he used walking less as a test of commitment, and more as a daily routine that made room for thought: he’d start with a morning prayer, walk through the day, hand-spin cotton in the evening, and journal at night. Eventually, he completed the month-long Salt March of 1930, walking roughly 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi where he committed the simple, disobedient act of making sea salt from saltwater in protest of the British government’s monopoly on salt production. On the surface, he walked for India’s independence, but he could have chosen any other form of protest. He chose to walk because he believed that walking drained anger, leaving behind a calmer, purer version of the self…this is similar to Rousseau’s discovery. This version of self also has a tranquil energy that reflects more maternal and feminine in nature:

“For centuries, in traditional societies, slow walking was the preserve of women: they would trek to distant wells to draw water, or set off down the paths to find plants and herbs. Men favored violent expenditures of strength.”

Walking is a constant reminder of humility, which is what makes us human.

TLDR: Walking makes you feel less angry, more compassionate, and more like you.

WHERE TO WALK

Here are some sample nature-immersed walking routes in NYC that I personally love to explore…

North Woods Central Park

Sit by the babbling brook and read a book in the Ravine.

Fort Tryon Park

Stare at the Hudson River, lost in thought, end with a medieval visit to the Met Cloisters. Upcoming Nature Exploration Hike organized by NYC Parks on Jan 18.

Alley Pond Park

A gorgeous park in Queens. Upcoming Winter Sensory Perception Hike organized by NYC Parks on Jan 24.

Brooklyn Salt Marsh

Who doesn’t love salt air and solitude? Upcoming Birding Tour organized by NYC Parks on Jan 18.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There is always more to do, be, and see. I still feel guilt when I take time to walk with no end goal. But walking has a way of sorting things. It reminds me that being human is enough—and that this, at least, does not need to be proven, contrary to the societal pressure of constantly having to prove ourselves.

Your trail bestie,

Kelly

Founder | Girls Gone Hiking

This column is an open invitation. If you have an interesting story to share on the great outdoors, send your reflections to Kelly at girlsgonehikingnyc@gmail.com to be featured, or share this with someone who might call themselves a modern naturalist.

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Dear trail sisters,

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I don’t know about you but I unironically embrace horoscopes & zodiacs. I’m so relieved that 2025 is behind us (the Year of the Snake, year of shedding & change… it wasn’t painless!) and that the Year of the Horse is ahead: promising freedom, movement, and new beginnings. Sounds like the perfect description of what happens when we go hiking!

Here’s what the month ahead looks like (we’re sticking to indoor activities and will resume hiking when the weather warms up in March/April).

✨ January Events

Friday, January 16th — Rock Climb Night (6-9PM)
Join Girls Gone Hiking for rock-climb social at Brooklyn Boulders! A $25 day pass includes all gear and beginner-friendly guidance. It’s the best way to build hiking strength and hang with other hike girlies. This is something we’ll be organizing once a month due to popular demand!

CLIMBING SIGNUPS ARE OPEN

Stay tuned for more events to come!

✨ Join the Group Chat

If you’re interested in finding ski/snowboard buddies, join our Bumble BFF groupchat where some girls are self-organizing a winter trip!

Feel free to always reach out with any event ideas that you would like to see planned – I’m all ears!

Cheers to the new year!
Kelly

girlsgonehiking.org