In April 2024, Phil Michael invited me on WMBS Radio to chat about Adventures with Kelly. Phil sadly passed away shortly after our last conversation, and he is deeply missed.

Although I was just getting to know Phil, I quickly learned he and I shared a love for the local outdoors. Something that stuck with me from our last conversation on WMBS Radio was when Phil mentioned he would like to see more local hiking and biking groups/clubs form to help people get out and explore.

I agreed, as I’ve encountered many who have shared hesitations in getting out for various reasons. I’ve also found many people might be looking to meet people, want to start a new hobby, or are interested in building community.

While I’d like to see more groups form, our conversation inspired me to create a list of what might be in place locally, and I found there was more than I realized. So, in honor of Phil, I decided to create a list of local group recreation opportunities (indoor and outdoor) that might be helpful for people who are looking to get out and do something.

I’m not certain how active these groups are, but it might serve as a reference point to start. Feel free to help grow this list if you have other ideas. Additionally, if you see an opportunity to start a group or meetup, here is your encouragement to try something.

Please visit the PJM Foundation and consider participating in Phil’s 5K.

Outdoor Recreation

Fayette Trails Coalition – Sheepskin Trail Social Rides

Ohiopyle Biking Club – mountain biking

Yough River Trail Riders

Joy Riders: A Biking Program for Persons with Limited Mobility

Morgantown Social Rides

Morgantown Area Mountain Bike Alliance

Country Road Cyclists

Western Pennsylvania Bicycle Club

Fayette Living Well Coalition – Get Moving Fayette – group walks, bike rides, yoga, etc.

Connellsville Pickleball Club

Connellsville Running

Connellsville Kayak Club

Uniontown Ruck Club

Hiker Babes Southwest PA

Women’s Adventure Club of Western PA

Forest Friends (Laurel Highlands) – a group aimed at helping families with children get outdoors

Fayette Striders

Laurel Highlands Trail Running

OMBody – a local yoga studio that occasionally offers walking meditation with group walks

Indian Creek Valley Trail – hosts group walks and other activities

Ohiopyle State Park – hiking group, children’s education programs, etc.

4-H Fayette County

WELS Adventure – The Wilderness Experience Leadership & Service Program – youth program

Mountain Watershed Association – hosts group events like river floats, walks, fishing, etc.

Jacobs Creek Watershed Association – hosts some group events like fishing derbies or pop-up paddling

Laurel Hill State Park – group hikes, paddles, etc.

Riversport School of Paddling – youth adventure clubs

Mon Valley Ski Club

Morgantown Area Paddlers

Morgantown Mountain Goats – Disc Golf Club

Indoor Activities

Indoor Sports

Pickleball

Mountain Fellowship Center – volleyball, roller skating, other sports

Connellsville Soccer Club – adult soccer league

Group Fitness

Yoga

Art

Trivia

Dance

Line Dancing

Ballroom Dancing

Children’s Library Story Time

Misc

I hope you found this helpful. If you go out and try something, tag me on Instagram (@adventurewkelly) so I can see your adventures.