Outlandish and HOKA team up to launch Trailish in Brooklyn

Hood Hikers started in Brooklyn as a way to make the outdoors feel more welcoming, familiar, and accessible — especially for people who didn’t grow up seeing themselves reflected in hiking culture. At its core, it’s a community-centered outdoor collective that gets folks out of the city and into nature together.

The group organizes day hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor adventures, often providing round-trip transportation from Brooklyn and the Bronx so people can literally go from the hood to the woods. While everyone is welcome, Hood Hikers intentionally centers the Black and Brown experience. They also offer pay-what-you-can tickets so cost isn’t a barrier for people who want to get outside.

Their outings are more than just hikes –– what starts as a group of strangers often turns into something that feels surprisingly aligned: good energy, shared experience and a sense of belonging.

Their programming often emphasizes:

• Environmental awareness
• Outdoor survival basics
• Building confidence on the trail
• Group accountability and camaraderie

The name Fun With Friends pretty much captures the whole vibe. This Black-led community brings people together through outdoor activities that feel as much about connection as they are about the hike itself.

Their outings tend to be casual, welcoming, and easy to join — even for people who might be new to group hikes or just looking to meet new people. Conversations flow along the trail, photos get taken, and by the end of the day a group of strangers often starts to feel more like a circle of friends.

Their events usually include:

• Social-forward group hikes
• Curated outdoor experiences
• Low-pressure events that make nature feel less intimidating

It’s a great option for anyone who wants to get outside, move a little, and connect with others while doing it. 

Peak and Pace keeps things a little closer to home, with most of their events happening right here in the city.

The group focuses on movement in all its forms — not just hiking. Their events range from neighborhood walks and social runs to the occasional hike, all centered around getting people outside and moving together. The energy is relaxed and welcoming, with a big emphasis on connection within the Black community and creating spaces where people can show up, move their bodies, and spend time together.

It’s less about pace and performance and more about building a rhythm that works for everyone.

Their events usually include:

• City-based walks, runs, and occasional hikes
• Movement-focused meetups that are easy to join
• Social gatherings that center connection in the Black community

Overall, Peak and Pace makes outdoor movement feel simple and accessible — proof that getting fresh air and building community doesn’t always require leaving the city.

And of course, it wouldn’t feel right not to mention Hikeish, one of our community programs hosted by Outlandish.

Hikeish was created, especially for folks in the Black community and people who may not always see themselves reflected in traditional hiking spaces. The goal goes beyond just getting outside — it’s about reconnecting with nature and creating opportunities for people to experience the outdoors in ways that feel supportive.

Hikes are led by licensed guides from The Tristate Hikers, a Black and Caribbean-founded hiking community led by women who are deeply committed to expanding outdoor expertise within underrepresented communities.

To make it easier for people to join, Hikeish provides round-trip transportation, hiking poles, and demo hiking shoes from Salomon, removing some of the common barriers that can keep people from trying hiking in the first place.

The experience includes:

• Moderate Hikes
• Licensed Guides
• Gear support and transportation
• A welcoming space for Black hikers and outdoor-curious folks