Black Girls Hike, Too!

It started as a post on Facebook shared with my bestfriend about the 12 hiking spots in Maryland that are a must-see. Then, the hashtag happened. I did it as a statement at the end of my obligatory Instagram post after our first hike to prove that we'd actually gone hiking. But then folks were interested and people I hadn't seen since high school were reaching out to me about going hiking. So, we scheduled the next trip. A few people joined us and as we posted the breathtaking view from the top of the Appalachian Mountains, my notifications blew up! 

Sitting on Annapolis Rock after a 2.5 mile uphill trek.  

And then, #BlackGirlsHike was a thing. 

I am here for a good hashtag and a movement. I'm ready to buy t-shirts and copyright and create a facebook page and all of that! So I jumped on google docs and created a quick sign up sheet. The next thing I know, I had over 30 responses. 30 people wanted to join our next trip! So even then, I couldn't believe it. Because, let's be real, people say they wanna do stuff like hike but when it comes down to it, they just want a cool Instagram picture. 

Standing on the side of Dulaney Valley Road waiting for the last few people to get there.  

So, you can imagine my reaction when 21 women showed up to hike with me this past weekend. TWENTY ONE! I still can't believe it. People brought friends and their friends brought friends. It was phenomenal!

The trail is very narrow in some parts so we found ourselves in a single file line which made for a great picture! 

We hiked the Merryman Trail at the Loch Raven Reservoir right outside of Baltimore. The site said that the trail would be about 10 miles round trip, however, somehow we found a way to make the trail a circle and ended up only doing 4.5 miles. I'll admit, I was a bit disappointed because I was ready for those 10 miles! But, it was a great hike nonetheless. Being in the woods with 20 other Black women laughing, encouraging and sweating together was better than I imagined it would be.  

Needles to say, I can't wait for the next trip. It'll be hike #4 this summer and I'm hoping that the number of women continues to grow! If you're interested in participating in our hikes, please take a moment to visit the #BlackGirlsHike section of the blog and sign up. Information about the next hike will be going out very soon.  

The end! We made it! This is sans two of our girls but still a great shot!  

Follow me on Instagram to see more pictures from the hike as the week goes on! Until next time!

TGwBH