Finding My Community One Trail at a Time: Why I Joined Girls Gone Hiking

By Jodi Jabs

Sometimes all it takes is one post on social media to change your life.

One day, I came across an invitation to join a Girls Gone Hiking event. Not long after, I saw they were looking for hike leads. I had always loved hiking and have always been passionate about building community, so something about the group immediately caught my attention. I decided to attend one of their social outings before making any commitments. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I could have made.

From the moment I arrived, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. The women were welcoming, genuine, and shared the same appreciation for the outdoors that I did. It didn't matter whether someone was an experienced hiker or just getting started. Everyone belonged. I left that social event feeling inspired, energized, and excited for what was ahead.

After meeting with the Girls Gone Hiking team, I knew I had found a community that reflected what I value most. I applied to become a hike lead, and it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I've made.

Why? Because hiking has never just been about hiking.

There is something magical about standing at the summit and realizing you're part of something so much bigger than you ever imagined. The world suddenly feels both vast and intimate at the same time.

Breathing in the scent of the woods brings clarity. Listening to a creek babble over the rocks quiets the noise in my mind. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my face recharges me in a way nothing else can. Even the simple crunch of leaves and twigs beneath my boots reminds me to slow down and be present. Out on the trail, life has a way of simplifying itself. The distractions fade, the noise quiets, and what really matters comes into focus.

And then there are the little rocks along the trail. The ones I don't see until my boot catches them. The ones that make me stumble just enough to remind me that I'm not always paying attention. At first, they were just part of hiking. Now, they've become one of my favorite life lessons.

Sometimes we trip.

Sometimes we lose our footing.

Sometimes we wonder if we're strong enough to keep going.

But we catch ourselves.

We stand back up.

And we keep moving forward.

Life isn't about avoiding every obstacle. It's about learning that a stumble doesn't define the journey. Every challenge, every setback, and every unexpected detour teaches us something about ourselves. We become stronger, wiser, and more resilient because of the obstacles—not in spite of them.

Every trail reminds me that progress isn't measured by how perfectly we walk the path. It's measured by our willingness to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Maybe that's why hiking feels so much like life. Neither is about perfection. Both are about perseverance.

I've always believed that some of life's best moments happen when we connect with other people. Whether it's sharing trail snacks at the summit, encouraging someone through a challenging climb, or celebrating someone's very first hike, those moments become memories. They remind us that adventure is even better when it's shared.

That's exactly what I found with Girls Gone Hiking.

Joining Girls Gone Hiking allowed me to combine two things that fill my heart: spending time outdoors and building meaningful community. Becoming a hike lead wasn't about leading people to the top of a mountain. It was about creating a space where women feel welcomed, encouraged, and supported—whether they're hiking for the first time or the hundredth.

I love watching women arrive at a trailhead a little nervous, unsure if they'll fit in, only to leave a few hours later laughing with new friends. It's amazing how quickly shared miles turn strangers into a community.

Every hike reminds me that we all need connection. We all need fresh air. We all need someone who believes in us when the climb gets steep.

Girls Gone Hiking has given me so much more than beautiful places to explore. It has given me friendships, confidence, purpose, and the opportunity to help others discover the same joy that hiking has given me.

I'm so grateful I said yes to that social media invitation. If you've been thinking about joining a Girls Gone Hiking event, let this be your sign. You don't have to be an experienced hiker. You don't need expensive gear. You don't have to know anyone before you arrive. You just have to take the first step.

Because sometimes the path you almost didn't take becomes the one that changes your life.

Mine did.