How Brandi Aulston Built A Safe Haven for Movement, Connection, and Representation

by Claire Brennan, FOW Communications Coordinator

A community where you feel welcome can be hard to find. For many, finding one where you also feel represented and safe can feel next to impossible. 

Brandi Aulston, founder of Hike+Heal, is in the business of creating community. With third places quickly disappearing and so much of our socializing taking place through a screen, she’s cultivated a real-world refuge: bringing together more than 3,000 Hunnies, attendees of Hike+Heal’s programming, to a Hive of wellness-focused women and families.

What started as a casual hiking group nearly seven years ago, is now a thriving community across Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. This sisterhood spanning the region was built out of Brandi’s own desire for movement and connection.  

“I was looking for more, but at the time, there weren’t a lot of opportunities for wellness activities, especially not like we have now,” said Brandi. “You either had a gym, or you had a yoga studio—there wasn’t much in between. After a while, I ended up creating what I felt like was missing.” 

In Search Of: Hiking Buddy 

For many students, entering college can mean hanging up the cleats. When Brandi began pursuing her passion for community health as an undergrad, she left behind dance, cheerleading, and soccer.  

Craving movement, she began taking yoga, Zumba, and spinning classes. Her instructors took note of the ease with which she mastered routines, thanks to her years of cheer and dance, as well as her natural leadership skills, and encouraged her to become an instructor herself.  

But it wasn’t until a chance encounter with hiking that Brandi’s vision of Hike+Heal became clear.  

Though it wasn’t an “instant love affair,” as Brandi puts it, a trip to Colorado for a friend’s birthday sparked a curiosity for hiking that followed her back to the East Coast.  

Brandi returned with a fresh perspective and new hiking boots she was sure she’d put to good use—but they gathered dust while she worked full-time and hammered away at her dual-master’s degree. 

Almost done with her program, the memory of Colorado resurfaced, “You’ve got these boots you’ve never used—after two whole years, let’s find a hiking group,” Brandi told herself. “I couldn’t find what I was looking for. So, I created one.”  

There’s Space for You Here 

Photo by Stacey Gray

The barriers to access the outdoors can stop a perspective hiker in their tracks long before they even step foot on a trail: limited proximity to green spaces, unreliable or non-existent public transportation, expensive gear and entry fees, lack of accessible trails, and unclear signage. 

Hike+Heal was built to break down these barriers, especially for women, particularly women of color.  

Brandi thoughtfully curates programs across the city and region to meet people where they are. Hot Hunny Walks in downtown Philadelphia, stroller-friendly hikes in Wissahickon Valley Park, and Sunset Slow Flow hatha yoga by the Philadelphia Museum of Art for relaxation and balance. 

“Initially, I just wanted to inspire people to get outside,” said Brandi. “The mission really developed when I started seeing who was showing up. It was mainly black and brown women that felt like I was representing them outdoors and in the wellness space.” 

“I always want it to be open to everyone and remain a diverse group, but I do see the importance that we hold for black women specifically.” 

Brandi is more than the founder of the organization; she’s a friendly face in an unfamiliar place fostering a sense of belonging at the ground level. 

What’s Next for the Hive 

Unfortunately, Hike+Heal is among the many organizations experiencing the impacts of federal budget cuts, evolving grant requirements, and shifting political priorities.  

That’s why right after the New Year, Hike+Heal made a big announcement: Going forward, the organization will be leaning more intentionally into a membership model. 

“I think a lot of people respect that the landscape is changing, and it’s very hard for a small business to grow when we’ve lost funding,” said Brandi.  

Membership is open for 2026, offering supporters a way to invest directly into the future of the Hive. Brandi’s hopes this shift will foster a stronger base of support and a deeper, more connected Hive.  

“If you want community, you have to commit and pour into community, and this is the way that we see fit,” said Brandi. 

If you’d like to get a taste of Hike+Heal’s programming, be sure to keep an eye out for one of our free partner hikes with Friends of the Wissahickon’s in Wissahickon Valley Park, or through Brandi’s other support-funded projects!  

Along with enabling the hikes and mindfulness activities the Hunnies have known and loved to continue, the membership model will make way for expanded retreats and overnight experiences. Last year, the group went to Joshua Tree National Park for their annual retreat. This year, in a full-circle moment, they’ll return to the place Hike+Heal had their first ever overnight—right here in Philadelphia.  Reserve your spot for the Hive’s upcoming restorative retreat to Greece this October. It’s open to non-members and space is limited! 

With spring still nowhere in sight, the Hive is staying warm and connecting with members with its book club. 

Friends of the Wissahickon is proud to partner with Hike+Heal on free hikes in the Wissahickon. She serves as FOW’s wellness consultant, enriching our programming and sharing her unique perspective with the Wissahickon community via Instagram. 

Cover photo courtesy of Stacey Gray