about us

Outdoor adventure + community for gay and gay-friendly men in the Northeast. Find trips, make friends, and get outside together.

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Who We Are

GayOutdoors is a volunteer-powered community for gay and gay-friendly men who want to explore the outdoors, meet people, and build real friendships through shared adventure.

  • Friendly trips across a range of ability levels
  • A welcoming community on the trail and beyond
  • Connection in the real world (not just online)

What We Do

Members organize and join activities year-round, everything from casual walks to big adventures.

  • Hiking & winter hiking (microspikes/snowshoes when needed)
  • Backpacking & camping
  • Paddling, biking, climbing, skiing & snowshoeing
  • Social events, Pride hikes, and community meet-ups
  • Trail maintenance and stewardship projects

How GayOutdoors Works

1

Join. Guest membership is free, and membership is open to anyone 18+.

2

Choose a trip. Browse the calendar and sign up for what fits your interests and pace.

3

Connect. Use trip message boards and social events to meet GOers before and after trips.

4

Prepare. Trip leaders share details, updates, and recommended gear.

5

Show up and enjoy. Be on time, be respectful, and if plans change, please cancel on the trip page.

Our Story

GayOutdoors began in 1999 to create a visible gay and gay-friendly men's outdoor community. Since then, it has grown through the energy, leadership, and kindness of members who plan trips, welcome newcomers, and build friendships that last. Find outdoor activities nearest you and get outside. We are proud of who we are and promote our visibility by getting involved with Pride Events , make presentations, run "Pride Hikes", and wear rainbow patches during our adventures. Something incredible happens when you join gay and gay friendly men on an adventure. You bond. Quickly. Our club has launched hundreds of new friendships...and a few marriages.

Ready to meet new outdoor buddies and join an upcoming adventure?

Founders Jon Normand and Mike Boisvert outdoors
Founders Jon Normand and Mike Boisvert. Mike Boisvert has been building community through adventure since 1999.
GayOutdoors members on a backpacking trip in New England
Trips range from easy strolls to bigger adventures; always with good company.
Group hike with GayOutdoors members
New here? Start with an easier trip and get to know people along the way.
Besides our outdoor activities, we serve the gay outdoorzy community with the largest registry of gay outdoorzy men throughout the United States.

New to Hiking?

You are not alone. Many members start with low-stress outings and build confidence over time. Look for beginner-friendly trips and ask questions, people are happy to help. All events are rated by difficulty so look for those rated "easy" or "easy to moderate".

Find a Beginner-Friendly Trip