Adventure Groups Are Reconnecting People With Nature—And Each Other
COMMUNITY
When was the last time you stood in awe of something bigger than yourself—side by side with people who feel like home? For thousands of Americans, the answer is found in a rising movement: community-based adventure groups that blend exploration with belonging.
From national parks in Utah to waterfalls in Oregon, hiking clubs, outdoor meetups, and nature-based retreats are booming. They’re drawing people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences together through shared wonder. This image of four individuals standing united in front of a breathtaking geyser perfectly captures that spirit: not just witnessing beauty, but sharing it.
These groups offer far more than scenic views. They foster trust, boost mental health, and promote a deep sense of place. Some are focused on healing—bringing together veterans, trauma survivors, or those grieving loss. Others are simply about putting down the phone, lacing up your boots, and rediscovering joy in the wild—together.
Programs like Outdoor Afro, Latino Outdoors, and Unlikely Hikers are also making the outdoors more inclusive and accessible, proving that nature belongs to everyone.
At goodnews.us, we celebrate communities that remind us: in a world that moves fast, nature helps us slow down—and people help us feel like we’re not alone in the journey.