A Hiking Group Focused on Connection, Not Competition
- Sara Burda
- Jul 28
- 3 min read

You can feel it the moment you arrive at a TrailMates hike.
There’s no pressure to prove anything. No unspoken test to pass. Just a warm welcome, fresh air, and a group of people ready to move, connect, and show up for each other—on and off the trail.
In a world that often pushes faster, harder, better, we choose something different:
Connection over competition. And that simple shift? It changes everything.
You Don’t Have to Hike a Certain Way to Belong Here

Let’s be real: outdoor culture can get weirdly intense.
You show up and suddenly it’s about elevation gain, gear brands, and how fast you can get to the top. But not here.
At TrailMates, some people come to crush miles and climb peaks. Others come for the conversation, the movement, the mental reset. Most of us fall somewhere in between.
What connects us isn’t pace or performance—it’s presence. And we believe everyone deserves a place to move their body and feel like they belong, no matter their experience level.
Find Your Pace, Find Your People
Whether you’re hiking for the workout or walking for your well-being, you’ll find your rhythm—and your people—here.
We don’t split into “fast” vs “slow” groups. We create space for all kinds of hikers to feel seen and supported. Some TrailMates hike hard, train for races, or love a long summit day. Others prefer mellow trails and meaningful conversation.
And we love that. We believe that variety is a strength, not something to fix. Our goal is never to rank people—it’s to bring them together.

The Trail Isn’t a Competition, It’s a Conversation
Sure, we love a good sweat. We love challenging ourselves. But our hikes aren’t about being the best—they’re about being fully there.
To notice what’s around us. To breathe a little deeper. To remind ourselves (and each other) that movement doesn’t have to come with pressure.
Because when the competition fades, something beautiful happens:
We actually talk to the person hiking next to us.
We pause to take in the view—not just snap a picture of it.
We check in with ourselves—not just check off a box.
Confidence Grows in Community
TrailMates was built on the belief that nature heals—and connection empowers.
We’ve seen people arrive feeling unsure or out of place… and leave feeling proud, strong, and supported. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because we lead with inclusion over ego, and build community instead of cliques.
Some days, confidence looks like summiting the ridge. Other days, it looks like showing up when you almost didn’t. Both are worth celebrating.
What Makes TrailMates Hiking Group Different

We’re not just a hiking group—we’re a movement.
One that says:
Come as you are.
Move at your pace.
You’re already enough.
We’re here for the trail wins and the messy days. For hard hikes, soft landings, and everything in between. We believe that when we take the pressure off, people show up more fully—not just on the trail, but in their lives.
What You’ll Find at TrailMates
A welcoming crew who actually wants to know your name
Leaders who care more about people than pace
Snacks (often shared, always appreciated)
Conversation that ranges from hilarious to healing
Freedom to push yourself—or just enjoy the walk
Whether you’re chasing a sunrise summit or soaking in a forest stroll, you’re in the right place. TrailMates is for you.
🌱 Thinking About Joining Us?
TrailMates is for anyone who’s curious, kind, and ready to step outside—whether you're here to hike hard, stroll slow, or just soak up some fresh air with good people.
You don’t need fancy boots or a background in backpacking. You don’t need to know the trail lingo (we’ll teach you if you want!).And you definitely don’t need to go it alone.
Whether you show up solo, bring a friend, or roll in with your kids and a backpack full of snacks—we’ll meet you with open arms, zero judgment, and a steady pace.
Every person is welcome.
And every trail is better when we walk it together.
🧭 Check out the TrailMates Events Page to see what’s coming up—and RSVP when something speaks to you.
I have made amazing friends on TrailMates hikes. And even if we didn’t connect the first time, when I come back, I meet them again and the connection become stronger. Grateful for this community and all of the members that make this possible.