Hundreds join Peoria’s women-led hiking group

PEORIA (25 News Now) - ‘Hike it Like it’s Hot’ started around one year ago but has already amassed over 700 members. It started when the group’s founder, Tara Vornkahl, returned to Peoria after spending some years traveling. She’d become an avid hiker and was excited to hike alongside some women who also shared the same love for the hobby but was not able to find a group that catered to only women, so she made one herself. Vornkahl said the group allowed women to feel safe and encourage each other to try new trails.

“It was really my hope to give women the confidence to come out with other women and say, ‘Hey, I did this with other women, maybe I can come out here by myself now that I know the trail a little bit more’,” Vornkahl said.

Hike it Like it’s Hot meets every weekend and tries many local trails. They’re also open to new ideas and hiking styles like barefoot hiking. One group member said the group helped her keep in shape and form friendships.

“Knowing there is a group waiting for you and that will be happy to see you, that’s that extra motivation to get that fitness in and be able to go and move and socialize and get a good workout in,” Jessica Johnson said.

The group hopes to expand to hikes outside of the state as well as camping trips.

If you would like to join the group, click here.

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