Independent Communities for Hikers

FAQ

What are hiking communities?

Communities for hikers at all levels, from trail day trips to thru-hikes of major long-distance routes. Facebook groups host active communities for families and trail enthusiasts, while more specialized platforms serve backpackers, ultralight hikers, and regional trail organizations.

How many Hiking independent communities are listed on Hive Index?

Hive Index lists 15 Hiking independent communities on Independent Platforms. Most listings with size data are gigantic groups (7%). This is a smaller slice of our database, so read trends as directional. The main Hiking topic page covers every platform we track for this topic.

What features do these independent communities include?

Forum is the most common (100%). Others that show up often include online/offline events. Use the feature filters above the list to narrow results.

Are there free hiking independent communities?

14 of 15 (93%) are free to join. The rest require payment, an application, or both.

Which hiking independent communities are most popular on Hive Index?

On Hive Index, the default Popular sort surfaces AllTrails, Backpacking Light, Washington Trails Association, and American Hiking Society first. Popularity reflects visitor interest in communities on the site, not a universal quality score. Use the sort menu for Ratings, Largest, or Newest.

How does Hive Index collect and rank listings?

Listings are submitted by community builders and researchers, reviewed for topic relevance, and updated with platform, feature, member, review, and traffic data where available. Member counts are approximate. Popular reflects visitor interest in communities on the site, with richer profiles breaking ties. Ratings, Largest, and Newest use review scores, reported member counts, and listing age instead.

When was this list last updated?

This page was last updated 4/26/2026, based on the most recent change to the topic or its listings. We refresh entries when communities are submitted, claimed, or reviewed, and we update member counts, features, and traffic data on an ongoing basis.