Philadelphians are lucky to be surrounded by hiking opportunities, whether they’re right in the city at Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park, or in the surrounding counties. With so many routes to explore, you can cover new ground by finding people to share these adventures with.
The robust local trail system has fostered a community of hiking groups that bring together enthusiasts and newbies alike. Joining a trail club can introduce you to new hikes, help you feel safer on trails, and get you outside.
BATONA Hiking Club of Philadelphia
“BATONA” is an acronym for the phrase "back to nature," and the hiking club of the same name gave its moniker to a 53-mile trail in South Jersey back in 1961. This club goes back all the way to the 1920s and organizes meetups every weekend for both long and short hikes in and around Philly.
Body Liberation Hiking Club: Greater Philly Area
This national group gathers on the trails to celebrate the outdoors and all body types by making space for folks with marginalized bodies. The Greater Philadelphia chapter does more than just hike meetups; the group also organizes regional hikes paired with camping and swimming, and other day trips such as tubing and festival hangouts.
Black Girls Hike Philly
Focusing on wellness by prioritizing hiking and mental health, this group is for Black women who want to share outdoor adventures. For over three years the group has organized hikes, trail runs, and meetups, sometimes partnering with other local organizations such as Me vs. Me Training Club.
Philly Hiking Beauties
This nonprofit women’s hiking group centering health offers hikes, fitness challenges, social activities, travel experiences, and philanthropic opportunities. In the summer, the organization focuses on its Little Hiking Beauties Program designed with the Upper Darby Township Recreation Department to introduce girls ages five to 12 to the outdoors.
Philadelphia Trail Club
Another longstanding hiking club, the nonprofit has been around since 1931. For $10 a year, you can become a member and join in on hikes most Saturdays and Sundays and bigger excursions like a yearly outing which has taken participants to Croatia, Italy, and the Czech Republic. The group also offers free public hikes. Every event listing specifies the distance, location, time, and difficulty.
OUT on the Trails
Get on the trails with this queer-centered outdoor adventure group, a subgroup of Sip City Mixer. While the focus is on the free seasonal hikes, you can also rock climb and bird watch with the group.
HIKE + HEAL
This women-focused hiking group has a membership-based program that aims to connect people through the outdoors. For $350 annually, you can participate in hiking, walking, classes, a book club, and other activities. With partners like REI, Free People Movement, and HOKA, this club has expanded significantly since its inception. It does host some free community hikes and other ticketed offerings if membership isn't your jam.
