Charlotte observer
8 BIPOC hiking groups that are challenging outdoor stereotypes in North Carolina
Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-wellness/article294505019.html#storylink=cpy
North Carolina is full of outdoor adventures — from the coast to the Appalachians. Within a few hours drive, most of us around the state could be soaking up the sun, hiking to a waterfall or rappelling off a cliff. The great outdoors should be accessible to every human, but historically, that has not been the case. About 70 percent of people who visit national forests, wildlife refuges and parks are white, the National Health Foundation reported in 2020. “The experience of visiting a national park and being surrounded by the natural world holds an immeasurable value and should be accessible for all,” the Foundation wrote. There are several hiking groups across North Carolina who are actively working to overcome the diversity gap on our state’s trails, parks and mountains. Check out these eight groups and find out more about each one below.
Culture Queens Outdoors Instagram: @culturequeensoutdoors Facebook: @cltqueens
About: In October 2020, the newly formed Culture Queens Outdoors, an extension of Charlotte-based Culture Queens, completed its first group hike. These days, the group’s adventures include hiking, camping, ziplining and more. It hosts retreats, visits to state parks and team-building activities. In 2023, the group was featured on PBS. “I have a bucket list to visit every single state park in North Carolina, so if I’m not at the state park, I am out hiking a trail, chasing a waterfall, anything outdoors,” founder Jennifer Michelle told the network.
