“When you follow those strange trails, it’ll take you who knows where.”
Lord Huron
How STWA Started
As a solo woman hiker and backpacker, I would tell my friends and family members about my adventures and would hear things like; “That’s so cool but I could never do that”, “Aren't you scared?” or “ I wish I was that much of a bad ass.” I would think, but you can do these things.
I wanted to share my passion for finding beautiful places and the feeling of badassery that comes from being in the backcountry.
Strange Trails was born from the idea that we can all be badass women, we just need to have the skills to do so. STWA is not only offers a chance to explore in the mountains but to learn how to rough it so you can take those skills home with you.
Leslie is Wilderness First Responder Certified, Mental Health First Aid Certified and a Leave No Trace trainer
Leslie Neidermyer- Owner/Founder
Born and raised in rural Wisconsin, I spent the vast majority of my time outside. Girl Scouts of America allowed weekends spent in the woods camping, at summer camp or on back country canoe/kayak trips. I also owe a lot of my love of nature to my dad who took me on countless nature walks in the woods round our home and in northern Wisconsin. He had me immersed in nature before I could walk.
After moving to Colorado where the majesty of the Colorado Rockies constantly kept me in awe, I dove into hiking and backpacking like I never had before. Even if it meant I had to go solo. I often heard “I could never do that.” or “Aren’t you scared?” With these comments constantly echoing, I thought, if I can do it, anyone can.
It is my goal to share my knowledge and experiences with fellow adventure women.