Lauren Preskitt, founder of The Outdoor Moms, knows first hand the challenges that new motherhood can bring. After giving birth to her daughter in September 2023, Lauren struggled with postpartum isolation and mental health.
“I didn’t think it could happen to me,” Preskitt admits. “I thought it was something I could control.”
Her friends were at different stages in their lives, with older children, leaving her feeling disconnected. Desperate for support and companionship, Lauren’s partner encouraged her to seek out new friendships.
As an outdoor lover and avid hiker, Lauren decided to reach out to other moms through a local Facebook group. She posted about a hike she planned to take, and to her surprise, two other moms joined her.
“That hike was transformative. It showed me that I am not alone in what I was feeling and that moms need a supportive, uplifting community,” Lauren recalls.
From that initial hike, The Outdoor Moms was born. The group, which hikes every Thursday at 11 a.m. in North Georgia, includes a mental health check-in where moms share their weekly wins and struggles. This simple yet powerful practice has resonated deeply, helping the group grow from three moms to 1,500, with chapters all over Georgia and even into Alabama. Moms can join by following the group on Instagram and Facebook.
“I feel so proud of the response and I am extremely happy that moms have a place they can come and make friends, have a positive experience, and get their babies outside in nature,” Lauren says.
Jessica De Leo, a mom of one, joined The Outdoor Moms after moving to the Atlanta metro area and feeling isolated. “The first hike completely changed my life here,” she shares. “It’s allowed me to feel good about the season of life I’m in and make connections with other mothers who have and are struggling with similar circumstances,”
"I joined the group to deepen the relationship my children and I have with the outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment," adds Melissa Heim, mom of two. "It’s hard getting out of the house with kids, but knowing other moms will be around to help and there are other children my kids can play with is a win-win! I’ve gotten a piece of my own childhood back and received so much support on all things motherhood."
Looking ahead, Lauren envisions The Outdoor Moms expanding even further, with chapters in every state and possibly internationally. Her goal is to get 10,000 moms outside by 2025 and to partner with charities for their annual “International Mom’s Hiking Day” on October 12.
The Outdoor Moms is not just a hiking group; it’s a lifeline for many mothers seeking friendship, support, and a breath of fresh air.