Outdoors Together

At the Hoosier Chapter, connecting folks to the outdoors is an integral part of our mission.

A group of nine people stood outdoors on a trail in a woods. It is a sunny day and there are pine trees with green needles behind them. Everyone in the group is smiling.
Hikers on the trail at Green's Bluff. Photo: David Wildemann, April 2025. 


We believe that access to the outdoors is a human right, and that we can build community by getting outside together. By getting outside we can bond with others and meet new people, and it is great for our physical and mental health. In these times which are challenging in so many ways, we can find solace, strength, and belonging in nature. We hope you will join us!

Our outings program is led by our Outings Committee and our certified Outings Leaders. We have partnered with many groups locally, including Queer Indiana, Outdoor Afro Indianapolis, Indiana Phenology, Friends of Lake Monroe, and Artists for Environmental Restoration. We aim to foster inclusive, affirming, and welcoming spaces for all.

Join us outdoors!
 

A group of seven adults and children walking in the woods. They all have their backs to the camera and are concentrating on the trail and navigating the roots of the trees and observing the nature around them. It's a sunny day and dapples of sunlight are on the forest floor.
Young naturalists didn't miss a chance to investigate along the Griffy Nature Trail as they found caterpillars, slugs, mushrooms and even worm poop! Photo: Marilyn Bauchat, July 2025.


Our outings range from relaxing strolls in city parks, to rugged hikes on forest trails; from paddling on our waterways, to wrangling weeds.  Whatever your interests, we hope there’s something here for you!

You can find our upcoming hikes, as well all our other events and activities, here.

Read about some of our previous outings:
Embracing the Cold and Moving Beyond Coal hike in Evansville
Uplands Network partners with Queer Indiana for Green's Bluff hike 
World Water Day: A hike at the EcoLab 
Heartlands Group hikes Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve 
Paynetown SRA and Hoosier National Forest Pate Hollow Trail 

Become an Outings Leader!
 

A group of around 11 people outdoors in a forest. They are all standing or kneeling between the bases of two large fallen trees. They are all dressed for cooler weather. Some are wearing hats and glasses. They are all smiling.
Hikers on the Bluebird Trail. Photo: Robyn Skuya-Boss.


We welcome new folks who would like to join our team of Outings Leaders. No matter your background or experience, we’d love to hear from you. 

Outings Leadership Training (OLT) has eight modules which can be taken in your own time, or you can join a training cohort to learn with your peers. In addition to the online training course, there is a First Aid qualification requirement, and a qualification hike. To learn more, come to our Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter: Summer Outing Leader Training Orientation on May 11.

Curious to know more about the experience of becoming an Outings Leader? Read our November 2025 blog, Welcoming New Outings Leaders!

Stay in touch!

Sign up for our Chapter newsletters to receive our quarterly outings newsletter, as well as other timely newsletters and updates from the Chapter. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time.