Just Hyke: For Women Who Are Ready to Hike Their Way to Strength, Confidence, and Adventure

Ten women, three countries, and seven days of spectacular views, challenging trails, and shared adventure.

In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, Wendy joins Melanie to share stories from a group hiking trip along sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland. With women ranging from their early 40s to mid-60s, the adventure brought together different hiking paces, experiences, and personalities.

As the lead organizer, Wendy shares insights into planning a self-guided trip with tour-company support and how the women worked together to navigate steep climbs, changing weather, transportation schedules, and an unexpected communication scare.

We talk about:

• Training for mountain trails when you live somewhere flat.
• Managing different hiking paces and sharing responsibility.
• Hotels, luggage transfers, and meals along the way.
• Rain-gear lessons learned during a thunderstorm.
• Ladders, rocky terrain, and finding energy for those final miles.
• Celebrating with tandem paragliding over Chamonix.

An honest, encouraging conversation about preparation, flexibility, friendship, and taking on new adventures together.

Explore more hiking adventures, books, and resources at justhyke.com.

Subscribe to Just Hyke and share this episode with a friend you’d love to adventure with!

#JustHyke #TourDuMontBlanc #WomenWhoHike #HikingOver40 #HikingAdventures

What if spending time in nature could help us feel safer, calmer and more connected?

In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, Melanie Michaelchuk talks with Elizabeth Browning, founder of Happy Camper Therapy. Elizabeth is a licensed professional counselor supervisor, registered play therapist supervisor and EMDR consultant who incorporates nature, movement and outdoor experiences into her work.

Elizabeth shares how Happy Camper Therapy began as a camper-themed mobile play-therapy practice and grew into a greater focus on nature-assisted therapy. We discuss why walking side by side can make conversation feel easier, how natural environments may support emotional well-being and the difference between forest bathing, walk-and-talk therapy and nature-assisted therapy.

Elizabeth also offers a simple nature reset: spend 20 minutes in a comfortable natural setting with nothing to accomplish. Pause and notice what you can see, hear, smell and feel.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story behind Happy Camper Therapy
• Why nature can help create a sense of safety and connection
• The benefits of walking and talking side by side
• Forest bathing versus walk-and-talk therapy
• What nature-assisted therapy means
• How movement may support the therapeutic process
• Connecting with nature without access to a forest
• A simple 20-minute nature reset
• Nature-assisted therapy training through the Happy Camper Institute

Connect with Elizabeth and Happy Camper Therapy

• Website: happycampertherapy.com
• Elizabeth’s story and approach: Learn more about Elizabeth
• Happy Camper Institute: Nature-assisted therapy training
• Facebook: Happy Camper Child and Family
• Instagram: @happycampertherapy

Connect with Just Hyke

Visit JustHyke.com for hiking inspiration, outdoor resources, books and opportunities designed to help women get outside, build confidence and experience the benefits of nature.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow the Just Hyke Podcast, share the episode with a friend and leave a review.

This episode is intended for general education and personal reflection. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health advice, diagnosis or treatment.

What does ultralight backpacking really mean, and why is reducing pack weight especially important for women? Solo backpacker Lee Warren shares practical ultralight backpacking tips for women over 40, including how to evaluate gear, reduce base weight and hike more comfortably.

In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, Melanie talks with Lee Warren, a 57-year-old solo backpacker, outdoor writer and creator of Gen X Outdoors. Lee began backpacking seriously in her 50s and has since taken on trails including the Cranberry Lake 50, Trans-Catalina Trail, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail and Colorado Trail.

Lee shares how a 28-pound backpack inspired her to start weighing every item, evaluating what she truly needed and gradually building a lighter backpacking setup. Her approach isn’t about chasing the lowest possible number it’s about carrying less weight so hiking feels safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Why ultralight backpacking can be especially valuable for women
• How pack weight affects the knees, ankles, back and shoulders
• Simple ways to lighten your backpack without replacing everything
• Why you should weigh and track your hiking gear
• How to decide which clothes and comfort items you really need
• Affordable ways to upgrade gear through sales and used marketplaces
• Backpacking food, calorie density and emergency cold-soak meals
• Camp shoes, puffy jackets and learning through experimentation
• Solo backpacking, confidence and making smart decisions on the trail
• Why it’s never too late to begin hiking or backpacking

Lee reminds us that there is no single perfect gear list. Start with what you have, learn from every trip and take time to discover what works best for your body and your adventures.

Resources from Lee

Lee’s Colorado Trail blog on The Trek: https://thetrek.co/author/lee-warren/

Why I Think Ultralight Is More Important for Women: https://thetrek.co/ultralight-is-more-important-for-women/

Free LighterPack tool for evaluating your pack weight: https://lighterpack.com/welcome

Lee’s Colorado Trail gear list on LighterPack: https://lighterpack.com/r/37jk5n

About the Just Hyke Podcast

The Just Hyke Podcast encourages women—especially women over 40—to get outside, explore more and build confidence through hiking and nature. We talk about trails, backpacking, outdoor gear, food, clothing, training, personal growth and the many benefits of spending time outside.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the Just Hyke Podcast, share it with a hiking friend and leave a review wherever you listen.

Meet the Women Behind Sweep: A Hiking App Built for Exploring

What happens when two hikers see a better way to help people navigate and explore parks?

In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, I sit down with Lauren and Katrina, co-founders of Sweep, a hiking app designed to put official park and trail information right at your fingertips.

We talk about how the idea for Sweep began, what it takes to turn an outdoor idea into an actual app, and what makes Sweep different in a world already filled with hiking technology.

Lauren and Katrina explain why they wanted to go beyond simply showing hikers a single trail. Sweep is designed to help you see the bigger picture of the park you're exploring—including trail networks and useful park features such as campsites, bathrooms, ranger stations, gift shops, and other points of interest.

We also talk about the importance of using official park maps, some of the features they're working toward, and where they hope to take Sweep in the future.

And because this is the Just Hyke Podcast, we couldn't talk about building a hiking app without also talking about hiking itself. We get into favorite trails, outdoor experiences, hiking gear, and the adventures that keep Lauren and Katrina wanting to explore.

You'll also hear the story behind the name Sweep a nod to the person at the back of a hiking group who helps make sure everyone gets where they're going.

And, in true podcast fashion, there's a little behind-the-scenes moment in this episode: I forgot to hit record! So we had to rewind and start our introductions all over again. Thankfully, Lauren and Katrina were great sports.

In This Episode

• How Lauren and Katrina became co-founders of Sweep
• Where the idea for the app came from
• Why official park maps are an important part of Sweep
• How Sweep differs from trail-focused hiking apps
• Helping hikers explore an entire park not just one trail
• The story behind the name Sweep
• Building technology for people who love being outdoors
• What's next for the Sweep app
• Lauren and Katrina's own hiking experiences and favorite trails
• A little hiking gear talk along the way

Connect with Sweep

Website: sweep-app.com

Instagram: @sweephikes Facebook: Sweep Hikes

Email: [email protected]

Sweep is available for Apple and Android, with more features and developments on the way.

About the Just Hyke Podcast

The Just Hyke Podcast is about hiking, adventure, and the people helping more of us get outside. Join me, Melanie Michaelchuk, for conversations with hikers, outdoor leaders, creators, entrepreneurs, and everyday adventurers who remind us that you don't have to be an elite athlete to explore somewhere new.

Get outside. Explore somewhere new. Just Hyke.

From First Backpacking Trips to Big Trail Adventures with Wanda

What happens when you say yes to an adventure, even when you’re not completely sure what you’re getting yourself into?

In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, I sit down with fellow hiker Wanda, whom I first met while backpacking on the Ouachita Trail. Wanda’s hiking journey has taken her from local trails and a Boy Scout backpacking adventure at Philmont to sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Ouachita Trail, Eagle Rock Loop, and her ongoing goal of completing the Ozark Highlands Trail.

Wanda shares some of the lessons she's learned along the way, including ambitious mileage plans, rocky trails, water challenges, changing plans when a hiking partner became ill, and even unexpectedly completing part of a backpacking trip solo.

We also talk about how hiking has changed as she's gotten older and more experienced. At 55, Wanda says strength training has become an important part of keeping her body capable of carrying a backpack and continuing to enjoy the trails she loves. For her, hiking has also become about resilience, adaptability, accomplishment, friendship, and connection with nature.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Wanda discovered backpacking through her sons and their Boy Scout experience at Philmont
• Meeting new hiking friends and finding community on the trail
• Hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail
• Lessons learned from the challenging Ouachita Trail
• Why knowing your water sources matters
• Dehydration, electrolytes and knowing when it's time to change the plan
• Wanda's unexpected experience backpacking solo
• Why she prefers small-group backpacking
• Her goal of completing the Ozark Highlands Trail
• Building strength to continue hiking as we get older
• Planning mileage around terrain and elevation instead of simply chasing miles
• The importance of leaving room for a Plan B
• Why Wanda's advice to women who want to start hiking is simply: “Just do it” but do your research and start smart.

And, of course, we get into a few of the really important trail questions—like Wanda's favorite hiking snack (a full-size Snickers!) and the lightweight piece of comfort she always makes room for in her backpack.

A little trail wisdom from Wanda

One of my favorite parts of our conversation comes near the end. Wanda describes hiking and backpacking as a way to quiet the noise of everyday life, enjoy nature, and discover beautiful places while remembering to do it safely.

Her story is a wonderful reminder that you don't have to start with the biggest adventure. Start where you are, learn as you go, find people who encourage you, and keep exploring.

Get outside. Take that first step. And see where the trail takes you.

Until next time, keep exploring and Just Hyke.

Kerry Turns the Tables: Snake Safety, Solo Hiking, Kilimanjaro & Women in the Outdoors

In this special episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, the tables are turned as outdoor educator and backpacker Kerry from Jet Girl Hikes takes over the microphone and interviews host Melanie Michaelchuk.

What starts as a casual conversation about snake safety quickly turns into a deep dive into solo hiking, women's self-defense, backpacking, trail leadership, wilderness emergencies, Kilimanjaro, personal growth, and the confidence that comes from spending time outdoors.

Whether you're a beginner hiker, experienced backpacker, or someone dreaming about your next adventure, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and lessons learned on the trail.

In This Episode

• Snake bite myths and what to do if you or your pet is bitten
• Why proper snake identification matters
• The hilarious truth about hognose snakes ("drama noodles")
• Women hiking alone and personal safety strategies
• Situational awareness and self-defense on the trail
• The realities of solo backpacking as a woman
• Building confidence through outdoor adventure
• Leading hiking groups and managing emergencies
• Wilderness first aid and heat-related incidents
• Melanie's experiences on Mount Kilimanjaro
• Dealing with self-doubt before big adventures
• The Woods Project and introducing youth to wilderness experiences
• Trail nutrition, hydration, and backpacking food
• Why hiking can be transformative at any age

Key Takeaways

• Confidence is built one step at a time.
• Preparation and awareness are essential for safe outdoor adventures.
• Women are capable of incredible things in the outdoors.
• Hiking offers benefits far beyond physical fitness.
• Every adventure teaches valuable lessons about resilience and self-reliance.

Resources Mentioned

• National Snakebite Support Facebook Group
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Training
• Lone Star Hiking Trail
• The Woods Project
• LMNT Electrolytes
• Garmin inReach

About Kerry

Kerry is an avid backpacker, outdoor educator, trail volunteer, and content creator who is passionate about helping people build confidence in the outdoors. Her practical approach to hiking, backpacking, safety, and outdoor skills has inspired countless adventurers to get outside and explore.

Follow Kerry (Jet Girl Hikes)

YouTube: Search "Jet Girl Hikes" Facebook: Search "Jet Girl Hikes" Instagram: Search "Jet Girl Hikes"

Kerry shares backpacking adventures, gear reviews, hiking tips, trail safety information, and outdoor education content designed to help hikers of all experience levels.

About Just Hyke

Just Hyke empowers women 40+ to hike, travel, and adventure with confidence through education, training, community, and inspiring stories from everyday adventurers.

Host: Melanie Michaelchuk Founder, Just Hyke NASM Certified Personal Trainer Outdoor Educator Author Hike Leader

Learn more at JustHyke.com

Enjoyed This Episode?

Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who loves hiking, backpacking, camping, travel, or outdoor adventure.

Happy Trails!

#JustHyke #JetGirlHikes #WomenWhoHike #Backpacking #HikingPodcast #TrailSafety #SoloHiking #SnakeSafety #Kilimanjaro #OutdoorAdventure #WomenInTheOutdoors #HikingCommunity #WildernessFirstAid #NatureConnection #HikingLife

Pennsylvania’s Hidden Outdoor Gems with Author Tory Mather | Just Hyke Podcast

Looking for the best hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania? In this episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, Melanie Michaelchuk sits down with outdoor creator, hiker, and author Tory Mather (Tory Talks Trails) to explore the natural beauty of Pennsylvania and the inspiration behind her new book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania.

Tory shares how hiking transformed her life, from discovering trails with her energetic rescue dog to becoming a trusted outdoor storyteller and advocate for conservation. She discusses her journey researching 84 incredible destinations across Pennsylvania, including waterfalls, caves, overlooks, state parks, and hidden gems that deserve more attention.

Whether you're planning a Pennsylvania hiking trip, looking for beginner-friendly outdoor adventures, or passionate about protecting public lands, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

In This Episode

• How Tory went from self-described "indoor book kid" to outdoor adventurer
• The story behind her book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania's most beautiful waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and outdoor destinations
• Why Ohiopyle State Park is one of the state's premier outdoor recreation areas
• Hidden gems in the Laurel Highlands and Delaware Water Gap regions
• Memorable wildlife encounters, including a special otter sighting
• The importance of Leave No Trace and responsible recreation
• How social media can both help and harm outdoor spaces
• Why Pennsylvania is one of America's most underrated outdoor destinations
• How volunteering can help new hikers build community and confidence
• Backpacking lessons that changed Tory's relationship with food and body image
• Conservation challenges facing public lands, including development and data centers
• How outdoor enthusiasts can become advocates for the places they love

Featured Locations Mentioned

• Ohiopyle State Park
• Laurel Highlands
• Delaware Water Gap
• Raymondskill Falls
• Ricketts Glen State Park
• Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve
• Laurel Caverns
• Raccoon Creek State Park
• Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
• Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail)

About Tory Mather

Tory Mather, known online as Tory Talks Trails, is a Pennsylvania-based outdoor creator, blogger, and author dedicated to helping people discover incredible hiking destinations throughout the Keystone State. Her book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania, features 84 carefully selected outdoor destinations, ranging from accessible roadside stops to challenging backcountry adventures.

Key Takeaway

"People can make a difference. As an outdoor community, we can preserve our land, protect our natural resources, and ensure these special places remain available for future generations." – Tory Mather

Connect with Tory Mather

Follow Tory Talks Trails on social media and learn more about her work exploring Pennsylvania's trails, waterfalls, and natural wonders.

Connect with Just Hyke

Just Hyke empowers women 40+ to hike, travel, and adventure with confidence through inspiring stories, practical training, and outdoor education.

Visit JustHyke.com for hiking resources, training plans, trail safety tips, and the Just Hyke Trailmate.

What happens when something you love, like walking or hiking is suddenly taken away?

In this powerful episode of the Just Hyke Podcast, Melanie sits down with author Jo Giese to share a story of resilience, recovery, and redefining what strength really looks like.

After a devastating Achilles injury and multiple surgeries, Jo was told she might never walk the same again. But instead of accepting that outcome, she chose a different path one built on determination, community, and the healing power of nature.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever:

• Faced an injury or setback
• Felt like they had to “start over”
• Wondered if they could ever get back to the trail

Because sometimes the journey forward isn’t about pushing harder… It’s about learning to walk differently.

What You’ll Learn

• How to rebuild strength after a major injury
• Why mindset matters more than physical ability
• The role of community in healing and recovery
• How nature supports both physical and emotional resilience
• Practical safety insights for hiking (especially in wildlife areas)

Key Moments from the Episode

The Turning Point

A simple fall led to a life-changing injury and a long road to recovery.

The Mindset Shift

“You don’t have to accept a limiting diagnosis.”

The Power of Purpose

Jo’s motivation: getting back to the trails and chasing waterfalls again.

The Role of Community

Healing wasn’t done alone. Support made the difference.

Trail Safety Reality Check

• Why preparation matters
• Wildlife awareness (including bear safety)
• Why hiking with others can be critical

Key Takeaway

You don’t have to go back to who you were before. You can become someone stronger, more aware, and more resilient.

Resources & Next Steps

• Read Jo’s book: You'll Never Walk Alone
• Explore more: Just Hyke
• Start your journey with tools and training designed for beginners

Subscribe & Share

If this episode inspired you, share it with someone who needs encouragement to take their next step no matter where they’re starting from.

Follow the Just Hyke Podcast for more stories, tips, and guidance to help you build strength, confidence, and connection outdoors.

About Your Host

Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM Founder of Just Hyke | Helping women go from sidewalk to summit

Start where you are. Keep moving forward. And trust that your path is still unfolding.

Think you’re too out of shape to start hiking? Think again.

In this final episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series, Melanie Michaelchuk breaks down exactly how to build trail strength from zero no gym, no pressure, no perfection required.

Whether you’re coming back after time off, navigating injury, or simply feeling unsure where to begin, this episode will show you how to start small, stay consistent, and build real strength for the trail.

Because you’re not starting over… You’re starting again and that’s powerful.

What You’ll Learn

• Why strength is built - not born
• The 3 foundations of beginner trail strength
• A simple Sidewalk to Summit progression plan
• How to overcome mental barriers and self-doubt
• Why small “micro-movements” create lasting change

The 3 Foundations of Trail Strength

1. Consistent Walking – Start with 5–10 minutes and build gradually
2. Leg + Core Stability – Simple bodyweight movements (step-ups, squats, balance)
3. Intentional Recovery – Rest, hydration, and sleep are part of training

Simple Beginner Progression

• Start with short daily movement (5–10 minutes)
• Add one easy nature walk
• Build up to 20 minutes of walking
• Introduce small hills or elevation
• Combine short weekday walks + one longer weekend walk

Consistency beats intensity every time.

What Trail Strength Really Means

Trail strength isn’t about speed or distance.

It’s about:

• Stability
• Breath control
• Confidence
• Endurance
• The ability to keep moving forward

The Power of Micro-Moments

On busy or low-energy days:

• Walk to the mailbox
• Do 10 step-ups
• March in place for 1 minute

Small actions → build momentum → create identity → build strength.

Mindset Shift

You are not behind. You are not too old. You are not starting over.

You are starting again.

And that’s where strength begins.

Resources & Next Steps

• Learn more: Sidewalk to Summit Training Plan
• Explore: Just Hyke
• Build your strength, confidence, and trail readiness step by step, Sidewalk to Summit Book Reviews

Subscribe & Continue the Journey

If this series inspired you, share it with a woman who’s ready to take her first step.

Follow the Just Hyke Podcast for more episodes on hiking, safety, strength, and mindset.

About Your Host

Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM Founder of Just Hyke | Helping women go from sidewalk to summit

Every strong hiker starts with a single step. Keep moving. Keep showing up. The trail is waiting.

Loving the outdoors means protecting it.

In this episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series, Melanie Michaelchuk breaks down Leave No Trace principles in a simple, beginner-friendly way so you can hike responsibly, confidently, and with intention.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to “leave no trace” without feeling overwhelmed, this episode will show you how small choices on the trail make a big impact.

Because hiking isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you show up.

What You’ll Learn

• What Leave No Trace really means (without the overwhelm)
• The 7 core principles, simplified for everyday hikers
• How your small actions protect trails, wildlife, and ecosystems
• Why preparation helps reduce environmental impact
• How to become a confident, responsible steward of the outdoors

The 7 Leave No Trace Principles (Simplified)

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare – Know your route, weather, and essentials
2. Stay on Durable Surfaces – Protect vegetation and trails
3. Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack it in, pack it out
4. Leave What You Find – Take photos, not souvenirs
5. Minimize Campfire Impact – Follow local guidelines
6. Respect Wildlife – Observe, don’t disturb
7. Be Considerate of Others – Share the trail with kindness

Simple Ways to Practice Leave No Trace

• Stay on marked trails—even when muddy
• Carry out all trash (yes, even fruit peels)
• Avoid picking plants or moving natural objects
• Keep a respectful distance from wildlife
• Use a simple system to stay organized and prepared

Why It Matters

When you practice Leave No Trace, you shift from being a visitor… to becoming a protector of the outdoors.

Your presence matters. Your choices matter. And your example influences others.

Key Takeaway

Leave No Trace isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention, awareness, and respect.

Resources & Next Steps

• Read: Sidewalk to Summit book found on Amazon
• Explore more: JustHyke.com/SUSCRIBE
• Learn tools and habits that support safe, responsible hiking

Subscribe & Share

If this episode inspired you to care for the trails in a new way, share it with a fellow hiker.

Follow the Just Hyke Podcast for more short, powerful episodes designed to help you build confidence, strength, and connection outdoors.

About Your Host

Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM Founder of Just Hyke | Helping women go from sidewalk to summit

Protect what you love. And leave the trail better than you found it.