How to Find Local Outdoor Adventure Groups & Clubs
Connecting with local outdoor adventure groups is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, enhance your skills, and explore new places. Whether you enjoy hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, cycling, skiing, or any other outdoor activity, there are many ways to find clubs and communities that match your interests. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you discover and join local outdoor adventure groups.
Online Searches: Quick & Easy Way to Start
Use search engines like Google to find outdoor adventure groups in your area. Be specific with your search terms, such as:
“Hiking clubs near me”
“Kayaking groups in [Your City]”
“Rock climbing meetups in [Your State]”
“Trail running community [Your Region]”
You can also check Reddit communities (subreddits) related to your activity, such as r/hiking, r/climbing, and r/mountainbiking, where locals often share group recommendations.
Meetup.com: One of the Best Platforms for Outdoor Groups
This is one of the easiest ways to find and join organized outdoor adventure groups in your city. https://www.meetup.com
Search by Activity & Location: Enter keywords like "backpacking," "trail running," or "outdoor adventure" along with your city.
Join & Attend Events: Many groups host regular meetups, and you can RSVP for hikes, biking trips, or paddling excursions.
Great for All Skill Levels: Some groups focus on beginners, while others cater to experienced adventurers.
Facebook Groups: Active & Engaging Outdoor Communities
Facebook is home to thousands of outdoor-related groups where people organize local outings and share experiences.
How to Find Groups:
Use the Facebook search bar and type: “Hiking groups in [Your City]” or “Ski touring community [Your State].”
Filter results to "Groups" and request to join.
Engage in discussions, ask for recommendations, and check for event postings.
Bonus Tip: Follow outdoor brands, local gear shops, and adventure influencers—many share upcoming meetups and events in your region.
Local Outdoor Retailers & Gear Shops: Hidden Gems for Networking
Outdoor stores often serve as community hubs for adventurers. Many host bulletin boards, networking events, and guided trips.
Visit stores like REI, Patagonia, The North Face, Arc'teryx, or local outfitters—ask staff about upcoming outdoor events.
Check bulletin boards for club flyers, trip sign-ups, or skill workshops.
Many stores offer free classes, guided hikes, or backcountry skiing tutorials.
Gyms, Climbing Centers, & Fitness Studios
Indoor climbing gyms, CrossFit studios, and outdoor fitness centers often organize group outings and adventure events.
Climbing Gyms: Many indoor facilities have outdoor climbing trips and group meetups.
Trail Running Clubs: Some gyms have running groups that train on nearby trails.
Yoga & Outdoor Fitness Groups: Some yoga studios offer outdoor yoga retreats, paddleboarding excursions, or guided hikes.
National & Regional Outdoor Organizations
Many national outdoor organizations have local chapters that host regular events. Some great organizations to check out:
The Sierra Club – Offers group hikes, backpacking trips, and conservation efforts.
The American Alpine Club – Great for climbers looking for local climbing partners.
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) – Organizes hikes, paddling trips, and trail work.
USA Cycling & Local Biking Groups – Many cities have cycling clubs that organize road and mountain bike rides.
Trail Running Associations – Groups like the American Trail Running Association (ATRA) have local meetups.
Find local chapters on their websites and join their mailing lists for event updates.
Community Centers, Universities & Recreation Departments
Local community centers, colleges, and city recreation departments often organize outdoor events and adventure programs.
Check city parks & recreation websites for hiking, kayaking, or climbing programs.
If you're a student (or near a university), see if they have an outdoor club that allows non-students to join.
Some universities rent outdoor gear at low prices—great for getting started with backpacking, skiing, or mountaineering.
Outdoor Education Centers & Specialty Schools
Outdoor schools often host guided trips, workshops, and community events where you can meet fellow adventurers.
NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) – Offers leadership-based outdoor education.
Outward Bound – Runs adventure-based learning experiences.
Wilderness First Aid & Avalanche Safety Courses – Great places to connect with serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Outdoor Forums, Websites & Apps
There are many online platforms where you can discover adventure groups and connect with local enthusiasts:
AllTrails – Find trail reviews & community discussions.
Strava – Join local running & cycling clubs.
Trailforks – Mountain biking trail maps & community connections.
Gaia GPS & The Hiking Project – Great for meeting fellow backcountry hikers.
Reddit – Try local subreddits (e.g., r/hiking, r/bouldering, r/mountainbiking).
Attend Outdoor Events, Festivals & Races
Outdoor festivals, races, and competitions are excellent opportunities to meet people in your community.
Hiking & Climbing Festivals – Events like the Banff Mountain Film Festival or The Craggin’ Classic attract adventure lovers.
Trail Races & Marathons – Even if you’re not racing, these events often have group runs.
Volunteer for Trail Maintenance – Many outdoor organizations offer trail clean-up days—a great way to meet like-minded people.
Bonus Tip: Check with local conservation groups—many organize outdoor clean-up hikes and eco-adventures.
Craggin’ Classic
Word of Mouth: Ask Friends, Colleagues & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Sometimes, the best recommendations come from people you already know!
Ask coworkers, friends, or gym buddies if they know of any outdoor groups or adventure meetups.
If you meet fellow adventurers on a trail or at the crag, strike up a conversation—they might be part of a local group.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Group for You
Once you’ve found a few potential groups, consider:
Activity & Skill Level: Make sure the group aligns with your interests & experience.
Group Dynamics: Attend an intro event to see if the vibe matches your personality.
Safety & Organization: Well-organized groups prioritize safety and trip planning.
Membership Requirements: Some groups require fees or experience levels—check before joining.
Finding a local outdoor adventure group can open doors to incredible experiences, friendships, and skill-building opportunities. Whether you're new to the outdoors or a seasoned adventurer, there’s a community out there for you. Get ready to explore, connect, and adventure with others who share your passion for the great outdoors!
