When Nasrieen Habib launched a hiking group for Muslim women in 2022, she didn’t know if anyone would show up.

Nine women responded to her initial social media post. “And we’ve never stopped since,” Habib said.

In the two years since, Hiking Hijabie — and a family-friendly offshoot, Hiking Ummah — have become a local force, attracting more than 870 participants for outdoor activities including hiking, camping, kayaking and even snow tubing. The mantra is “rain or shine, we’re hiking,” Habib said.

The energetic mother of two from Minneapolis launched an umbrella organization, Amanah recreational projectsto channel social and outdoor activities for Muslims incl Hijabie HikeUmmah, EcoJariyah and Chai and Chat treks.

She said her goal is to create a safe space for Muslim families and the entire community to spend time outdoors. Habib said adjusting to the cold weather can be challenging or even overwhelming for many newcomers, especially those from warmer places like Somalia.

“Winter activities are actually pretty fun,” Habib said. “I want to make sure my community feels safe and comfortable in their environment, where they can engage in physical activity and enjoy the outdoors.”

The idea of ​​women hiking alone is also unusual in the Somali community, so the group is pushing new boundaries.

Habib, 38, spent his early years in Somalia and Uganda, then grew up in the subtropical temperatures of Houston, Texas.