Guest blog and photos by: Trail Sisters NWA
Trail Sisters is an organization focused on increasing women’s participation and opportunity in hiking and trail running. The founder, Gina Lucrezi, saw a lack of female representation in the outdoor space and created the Trail Sisters online journal to inspire, empower, and educate women about trail running and hiking. The organization fosters connections among women who are passionate about exploring the outdoors, which was furthered by the creation of local groups.
Trail Sisters Northwest Arkansas started in February 2022 and is one of over 160 local group chapters. The group hosts free, no-drop runs and hikes across NWA, fostering relationships and building camaraderie between community members. The ‘no drop’ aspect of the events is emphasized at every event to ensure that no one is left behind or lost and to encourage women of all abilities to participate.
Trail Sisters NWA hosts at least one run and one hike a month at local NWA trails, taking advantage of the incredible spaces we have for recreating including the Back 40 Trail System, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, and Kessler Mountain. The group has also organized events focused on trail stewardship in partnership with other community organizations. Members can also get involved with community events by assisting with aid stations at local trail races.
More information about Trail Sisters and Trail Sisters NWA can be found on their website, which also serves as a hub of information that centers women’s voices and stories.
In 2024, Trail Sisters NWA will continue to organize bimonthly, no-drop trail adventures for women and trail stewardship activities. You can also find us hosting an aid station for the Styx & Stones Trail Races on March 30 at Devil’s Den State Park, or on Facebook and Instagram.
