Georgia hiking group helps refugee and immigrant women find their place outdoors

rwn hiking group
A group of hikers with the Refugee Women's Network at Tallulah Gorge in 2021. (Photo courtesy of RWN)

On a cool, overcast Saturday morning just north of Atlanta, a group of hikers trekked along Vickery Creek trail chatting in a handful of languages. 

Atlanta-based Refugee Women’s Network and the Georgia Conservancy partnered to form the refugee women’s hiking group. It started in 2021 as COVID-19 impacted physical and mental health outcomes for refugee and immigrant populations.

The hiking group has become a safe place for women to find community, get some exercise, take a moment away from family and work and break through the barriers of enjoying the outdoors in a new place.