Unlikely Hikers

Jenny Bruso established Unlikely Hikers in June 2016 as an initiative dedicated to redefining belonging in outdoor spaces. As a blogger, writer, and group hike leader, Bruso built Unlikely Hikers into a diverse and inclusive international community. Its reach expanded significantly through an Instagram presence that attracted over 140,000 followers by 2022, a nationwide hiking group, and a podcast. The initiative challenges narrow representations of "outdoorsy" individuals, making outdoor spaces accessible for underrepresented groups including fat people, people of color, queer and trans individuals, non-conforming folks, people with disabilities, and neurodivergent individuals. Bruso's philosophy, "Nature is infinitely diverse and so are we. We ARE nature," underscores that hiking is for everyone, regardless of body type, speed, or endurance. Unlikely Hikers leads accessible group hikes across the U.S., prioritizing a safe, anti-racist, and body-positive environment that welcomes all movement abilities. The initiative has significantly influenced the outdoor industry through collaborations with major brands like Merrell and Gregory Mountain Products, advocating for more size-inclusive gear and apparel. Bruso's work has been featured in prominent publications such as *Outside Magazine*, *The New York Times*, and *Huffpost*. Beyond fostering community and inclusivity, Unlikely Hikers also educates about and supports First Nations whose lands are used for recreation. While the initiative announced a temporary pause in operations as of April 2025, its foundational impact on broadening outdoor participation remains significant.