Stories from the trail

The Trailhead

Honest stories about finding community, building confidence, and what happens when women choose to show up for one another.

Featured Girls Gone Hiking story

Featured · Member story

Hiking Expectations vs. Reality

Think hiking is peaceful, easy, and scenic? Think again. From sore legs and wrong turns to bad weather, bathroom breaks, and unexpected adventures, hiking rarely goes exactly as planned!

Jodi Jabs · October 29, 2026

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Jodi Jabs, editor of The Trailhead

Your Trailhead editor

Jodi Jabs

As of August 2026, Jodi leads The Trailhead — gathering member stories, editing posts, and making sure the voices of our community are the ones you read here. Have a story to share? She would love to hear it.

From the founder

Notes from Melanie on why GGH exists and where it is going.

Girls Gone Hiking community story

From the founder

Why We Hike: A Note From the Founder

The miles are never the whole story. We hike for confidence, connection, and the reminder that we can keep going.

Melanie Jeske · February 10, 2026

Member story

Women in their own words — first hikes, hard seasons, new friendships.

Girls Gone Hiking community story

Member story

Hiking Expectations vs. Reality

Think hiking is peaceful, easy, and scenic? Think again. From sore legs and wrong turns to bad weather, bathroom breaks, and unexpected adventures, hiking rarely goes exactly as planned!

Jodi Jabs · October 29, 2026

Girls Gone Hiking community story

Member story

The Best Fall Hikes in Minnesota- GGH Edition

There is something about hiking in Minnesota in the fall that just feels different. Maybe it's the crunch of leaves underneath your boots. Maybe it's the way the trees slowly trade

Jodi Jabs · September 27, 2026

GGH news

Chapter milestones, partnerships, and what our community is building.

Trail notes

Practical guidance for seasons, conditions, and choosing your level.