Our Mission: To remove the barriers that have been keeping you from becoming the hiker you've always dreamed of being! We will teach the essential skills and knowledge necessary to start climbing mountains, while fostering connections with other women hikers and growing your outdoor community.
Course Details
A 4-week hiking series designed to empower women with the knowledge and skills needed to feel safe, confident, and capable hiking in the mountains.
WHEN: Tuesdays in September from 6-8 PM; Starting 9/9/25
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WHERE: 41 Hartley Street, Portland
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COST: $80 for 4-week course
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WEEKLY BREAKDOWN:
Week 1, September 9: The Ten Essentials of Hiking: We will review the basics, including navigation, insulation, nutrition, hydration, illumination, first-aid, fire starter & shelter, sanitation, insect protection, sun protection.
Week 2, September 16: Choosing a Hike + Navigation: Using AllTrails and Far Out to find your next hike and download maps for GPS navigation while on the trail. In addition, we will cover map and compass skills.
Week 3, September 23: Nutrition, Hydration, and Basic First Aid: The importance of fuel and electrolytes, risks of over and under-hydrating, easy snack ideas, and wilderness safety. We will also talk about what to do when you need to go to the bathroom on a hike and how to hike during your menstrual cycle.
Week 4, September 30: Gear, Clothing, and Weather: The essential gear needed for hiking safely and comfortably, plus where to find used/rental gear to keep costs down. We will teach proper layering for changing temperatures with elevation and how to check the weather on the summit before you set out for your hike.
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Saturday, October 4: Group Hike in the White Mountains
Meet The Instructors
Traczie Bellinger
Traczie started her outdoor journey as a birder who had never summited anything higher than Bradbury Mountain. Then at the age of 29 she decided to hike Mt Washington with borrowed boots, and absolutely no clue what she was doing. Since then she has hiked the NH 48, become a 4-season hiker, and in 2024 backpacked for 3 weeks on the Long Trail in Vermont. She can't wait to share her mistakes, so you won't have to make them.
Jaime Gagnon
An avid hiker, Jaime brings over 20 years of hiking experience in New England and Western U.S. She recently summited all 67 of New England’s 4000+ foot mountains. Jaime is passionate about building a supportive community of women who share a love for the mountains. With her experience and infectious enthusiasm, Jaime is dedicated to empowering fellow hikers to embrace the beauty of the outdoors.
Sarah Holman
Sarah is a Registered Maine Guide and owner of She Hikes Mountains, a trail blog and guide services business. The mission of She Hikes Mountains is to support fellow outdoor lovers as they increase their comfort, knowledge, and ability while safely exploring the mountains and trails of Maine. Sarah also offers workshops that combine creativity and nature, and leads trips with Adventures in Good Company, a women’s adventure travel company.
Lauren Lecompte
Lauren is a Cardiac ICU nurse with a lifelong passion for hiking, health, and fitness. She’s been exploring trails since childhood and has trekked across a variety of landscapes, including the 100-mile West Highland Way in Scotland and countless hikes throughout New England. Currently nearing the end of her goal to summit all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers, Lauren is equally passionate about inspiring others to live a healthy, sustainable life—both on and off the trail.
Jill McMahon
Jill is the owner of Outdoor Movement Project and the author of two trails guides: Southern Maine Trails and Dog Hiking New England (soon to be published). She loves exploring new trails and sharing the details and lessons learned through her weekly newsletter. Jill hopes to inspire all levels of hikers to spend more time outdoors. She is excited to bring this women's hiking course to life after too many years of daydreaming about it.
