When Tracy Stephens set out on a hike in January 2021, he didn’t expect it to change his life—or spark a community that would inspire tens of thousands. But after he came across a Black woman sitting alone at the summit, everything changed.

“She just looked uncomfortable and like something was bothering her,” Tracy said. So he struck up a conversation. “She just was talking about how she felt like she really didn’t belong in the outdoors...she just felt uncomfortable seeing Confederate flags and political propaganda, and it just made her feel uneasy.”

In that moment, Tracy responded with a question that would shape everything to come: “How would you feel if there was a hiking club for Black men and women to be able to enjoy the outdoors in a safe space?”

She loved the idea—and so did he.

That moment on the mountain led him to form BLK Hiking Club—a Georgia-based group for Black hikers that now boasts over 25,000 supporters across platforms, hosts hikes with more than 100 participants, and creates space for Black people who hike to connect, feel safe, and build community outdoors.

A logo, a hunch, and a rainy first hike

Tracy first discovered hiking in 2018, after a supervisor invited him to the mountains for a weekend. At first, he hesitated.

“I was one of those people that believed in that stereotype that Black people don’t hike.” he said. But he gave it a chance—and fell in love with it. For three years, Tracy hiked alone.

In 2020, he designed a logo for a group he called BLK Hiking Club—just an idea, quietly simmering. “I showed it to a few friends,” he said, “but I didn’t act on it. I just kept hiking.”

Then, on New Year’s Day 2021, Tracy met the Black woman at the summit. Coming back down the mountain, he realized what I had to do.

That month, he created a social media page. On April 10, 2021, BLK Hiking Club hosted its first hike.

That morning, it poured rain.

“Everything that you wouldn’t want to happen on a first event happened,” Tracy said. But 12 hikers still showed up. They climbed a foggy mountain with no view, soaked to the bone.

“We got to the top of that mountain and you couldn’t see anything,” he said. “It was foggy…and all those people were like, ‘Thank you so much for this. This is what I needed.’”

A club that feels like family

BLK Hiking Club doesn’t track formal memberships. “If you follow us, you’re a member,” Tracy said. And the numbers speak volumes: over 100 hikers on most outings, a 19-person leadership team in Atlanta, and an eight-person team in North Carolina.

For anyone searching for outdoor clubs in Atlanta that center joy, safety, and community for Black people who hike, BLK Hiking Club stands out.

From waterfall treks to mountain summits, every hike is designed to offer space, support, and flexibility. “We group up naturally—some people want to go fast, some want to mingle, and others just want to take it all in. Everyone gets to hike their own hike.”

The result? Deep bonds. “We’ve had best friends meet on hikes, even couples. It’s not just hiking—it’s a family.”

Lessons in leadership: What Tracy wants new leaders to know

Tracy didn’t set out to be a leader. He just wanted to make space for Black hikers to feel safe, welcome, and seen. But he became a leader by listening—to his instincts, to his community, and to the people who kept showing up.

Here’s what he’s learned:

1. Trust your vision—even if others don’t see it yet

Not everyone will understand your idea at first. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing.

“Nobody can tell you what your vision is supposed to be like. It was given to you for a reason.”

2. Focus on people, not numbers

Whether five people show up or fifty, every single person deserves your full attention and care.

“Whether it’s one person or a hundred, they all deserve the same experience.”

3. Show up, even when it’s hard

Leadership isn’t always easy—but showing up consistently builds trust and community over time.

“Some Saturdays I’m tired, but I think about that one person who needed this today. That’s why I keep going.”

4. Let the doubters fuel you

Not everyone will support your work, and some may even challenge your identity or mission. Keep going anyway.

“I’ve had companies tell me they didn’t like the name BLK Hiking Club. That just makes me go harder. If you don’t want to support one of the largest Black-led hiking groups in the country because of our name, that’s your loss.”

5. Keep the heart, even as you grow

For Tracy, connection is still the priority—even as his group expands.

“People want to know that someone’s listening. That someone cares. That’s what we offer. A place to laugh, cry, shout, and just be. That’s what community is.”

Using Heylo to stay connected—without losing the personal touch

Before Heylo, Tracy texted each hiker individually—up to 100 people per event. “It was all manual,” he laughed. “But I liked the personal connection.”

When Tracy connected with Heylo co-founder Eric, he was hesitant to switch. But after two seasons, he’s all in.

“Leadership doesn’t have to be hard. Heylo makes it easier for me and my team to communicate, update hikes, and connect with the community—all in one place.”

Tracy still stays close with his hikers. But now he—and his 19 co-leaders—can manage events, share last-minute changes, and lead hikes more effectively.

Looking ahead: New trails and new chapters

Today, BLK Hiking Club operates chapters in Georgia and North Carolina. But Tracy has a vision for more.

“I’d love to see chapters in L.A., Denver, Seattle. The West Coast is ready for this.”

And as more Black-led outdoor groups emerge across the country, Tracy is cheering them on.

“Let’s keep starting groups. Let’s keep having people who are influencers and advocates for this space and getting more people who are Black outside so that they can see the true benefits of hiking and camping and kayaking and so on.”

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