Inspirational Outdoor Women You Should Be Following On Instagram

This blog was written by Kaitlyn Fortier  of Expedition Education Blog

All too often I find myself lost in one of those Instagram holes; following only the coolest accounts living the lives you aspire to just seems like the best way to waste time. For me, these accounts are almost always outdoor or travel based and are often ran by women. If you’re looking for outdoor inspiring badass women you wish you could be friends with in real life, you are in the right place! This list has been curated by the Mtn Chicks team to bring you some of the most inspirational women on “the Gram”. Give them a follow when you get a chance! What inspiration women do you follow? Let us know in the comments!

​Mo Beck
@mo.in.mountains
Paraclimbing champion and East Coast native Maureen Beck looks to motivate those around her through her social media platforms. Born without her left hand but with a whole lot of heart, Mo has never taken no for an answer and never lets anything hold her back. Inspiring differently abled people to reach their full potential is what Mo hopes to motivate in others.

Jennifer Bonfanti
@j_bono
An outdoor enthusiast local to the North Eastern United States. If Jen isn’t in the classroom, chances are she’s in the Adirondack Park hiking to raise money and awareness for mental illness through @46climbs. She’s climbed 40,000 ft. in total elevation while raising over $1,500. Her photos show the true beauty of the Adirondack Mountains and those who hike their trails and the vision they can inspire.

Katie Boué
@katieboue
Katie runs social media over at Outdoor Industry Association. An activist that is transparent and constantly willing to grow and learn from others is the kind of person I want fighting for my public lands and beyond! If you’re looking to laugh, learn and be inspired, be sure to tune into Boué’s Instagram stories. You might be lucky enough to meet Spaghetti, the dirtiest adventure noodle around!  

Abbi Hearne
@abbihearne
A traveling adventure photographer specializing in elopements and engagement sessions. This van-lifer, now living in a sweet rig, shows not only the inside scoop on her shoots, but also her personal adventures and friendships that come along with them! Gorgeous shots of Alaska, Moab, Patagonia, Yosemite and beyond are matched with meaningful memoirs throughout her feed; Abbi’s trials and tribulations share her fear of heights, love for photography,  and adventures with Callen and Charlie!

Karen Kana
@chocolaty_prints
This stunning global citizen will have you itching for bright, luscious landscapes! Karen is a Uganda local with a love for nature and international relations; she gives the best information on Uganda and Rwanda and strives to share experiences she finds unique and exciting.

Brianna Madia
@briannamadia
This desert-dwelling storyteller and her close-knit family of 5 will make you laugh, cry and long for adventure. Bri, her husband Keith, their fur children Bucket and Dagwood and their orange home on wheels, Bertha, live each day with intention. If your heart feels most at home on the road then you will appreciate this beautifully raw glimpse into van life via her rust hued stories and eloquently composed posts.

Ashley Manning
@ashleysadventure
Breaking stereotypes by guiding rafting trips and leading hiking expeditions as a Plus Size Outdoor Influencer, Ashley is one badass chick you cannot possibly pass up on the follow. As someone who prides herself on breaking stereotypes, Ashley is out there to prove that people of all sizes can be outdoorsy.

Kerri Domohowski
@kerrisayss
Kerri is a High School wellness teacher and Adventurer of the New England Area. Lover of mountains, yoga and warm weather, following Kerri’s local adventures is on my list each time I find myself in a ‘scrolling mood’. Enjoy the raw beauty of the North East through Kerri’s feed.   

Farran Manuel
@farranweezy
With the motto, “collect moments, not things”, Farran provides stunning travel journals of places like Hawaii, New Zealand, The American Southwest and beyond. Gorgeous photos that will inspire you to visit beautiful outdoor places and cities alike; from sandy beaches to red rock and snowy mountains you will want to explore the world with Farran’s gallery as a guide.   

Rachel Pohl
@rachel.pohl
Rachel is a Montana based artist known not only for her vibrant landscapes, but for her dedication to living life outside. As an environmentalist and humanitarian, Pohl promotes the welfare and protection of both people and the wild places they love. If you scroll through her feed you will find bright landscapes, both created by and visited by Rachel, adventure photos and an infectious smile.

Karen Ramos
@naturechola
Karen is the founder of Get Out, Stay Out, an organization that connects indigenous-migrant children with the outdoors through hikes, camping trips and multi-day backpacking adventures. As the daughter of migrant workers herself, Karen embodies the true spirit of adventure and is committed to increasing diversity and representation in the outdoors.

Erin Sullivan
@erinoutdoors
Photographer of the natural world who shares some of the most gnarly photos of wildlife and wild places on her feed. Follow her adventurous life through her stories OR join her on one of the many photography trips she hosts abroad! Erin’s feed showcases pristine photos of her adventures and her story features the down to earth chick behind the camera.

Sometimes we need inspiration to get outside or plan our next adventure, and other times we require an outlet from the not so outdoorsy parts of our lives. It’s easy to find these outlets through social media, and sometimes, you even learn a thing or two while you’re scrolling! Be sure to follow these Mountain Chicks to get your outdoor fix.