Happy Trails to All of Us!

This guest blog comes to us from festival volunteer, realtor and hike leader Michele Condon, who will moderate a "Favorite Day Hike" panel discussion at the festival. Michele founded and leads the LoCo Happy Trails women's hiking group here in Loudoun County. LoCo Happy Trails will be at the festival all day; stop by their tent to learn more about what hikes the group has planned.

Finding My Way: How the Trail Led Me to a Sisterhood

There’s something about standing on a mountaintop or hearing the crunch of leaves beneath your boots that makes the noise of life fade away. For as long as I can remember, the trail has been my refuge. Since I was a kid, hiking has always been the place where I felt most like myself—wild, free, peaceful, and grounded all at once. The trail has carried me through every chapter of my life, offering me not only beauty and challenge but a deep, quiet sense of belonging.

And during the chaos of the pandemic, it was the trail that called me back once again. I remember it vividly—sitting on a rocky overlook at Bear’s Den, watching the sun dip low over the Blue Ridge. The sky was painted in those warm Virginia hues, and I felt this moment of stillness wash over me. But there was also a tug in my heart. I couldn’t shake the thought: Are there other women out there who feel like I do? Lonely. Bored. Longing for fresh air, connection, and maybe just a little laughter after all the heaviness of the world.
That’s when the idea for LoCo Happy Trails was born.

It started as a simple thought: a women’s hiking group where we could just be. No judgment. No experience required. Just women supporting women, one trail at a time. I wanted to create a space where we could laugh, cry, get a little muddy and feel strong together. I’d always heard women say, “I’d love to hike, but I’m scared to go alone.” Or, “I wouldn’t even know where to start!” Some didn’t know what to wear or feared getting lost. And I thought: Let me help. Let me show you.

Because the trail belongs to all of us.

LoCo Happy Trails isn’t just about hiking; it’s about building confidence, deep friendships, and unforgettable memories under the open sky. It’s about becoming "trail sisters"— women who lift each other up, who cheer each other on up steep climbs and through life’s valleys. We’ve shared stories, laughter, and tears on these trails. We’ve watched the sunrise and faced our fears. We’ve walked through forests and come out stronger.

There is nothing quite like the healing power of nature. And there is everything to be said for the strength of a community of women who believe in each other. If you’ve ever felt unsure, or scared, or just needed someone to walk beside you — this group is for you. Hiking changed my life, and now I get to watch it change the lives of other women, too. And that… that is the greatest joy of all.

Come find your happy place with us.

​—Michele Condon

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