OutdoorFest Productions

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The Best LGBTQ Outdoors Groups in NYC

Wondering which organizations are by and for LGBT adventurers in New York City? Here's our quick list - if you have more to add please comment below! 

GOAT: Get Outdoors and Trek

Get Out And Trek (GOAT) hosts outdoor trips, built by and for LGBT adventurists and their friends that make escaping the ordinary and breaking free from the everyday easier.

GOAT brings people together that like to get out and trek, bike, hike, skydive, climb, raft, kayak, camp, backpack and more.

CRUX Climbing

CRUX Climbing Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rock climbing organization dedicated to expanding access to the sport of rock climbing and outdoor recreation for LGBTQ communities in the New York metropolitan area and eastern New York.

Through climbing, CRUX aims to build community, support physical and emotional well-being, and offer leadership opportunities to LGBTQ individuals, while providing education and visibility within the greater climbing community. Join  CRUX for their new climber night coming up every First Friday of the month. 

OutCycling

Another non-profit, OutCycling is dedicated to providing bicycling activities for members and promote bicycling as a means of recreation, companionship, fitness, and transportation. Their motto is: Fun, Fitness and Friendship for all.  

The club is made up of cyclists of all levels and abilities. Membership is open to anyone regardless of race, creed, gender or sexual orientation. Members consist of all levels of cyclists - from beginners to lifelong cyclists. They are friendly, interesting people from all walks of life. 

BLAZE >> Backpacking Gay Men of NYC

BLAZE>> is a group for gay men in NYC that crave being outdoors and are passionate about backpacking and backcountry camping. New to backpacking? No worries, our members range from beginner trekkers with lots of enthusiasm to seasoned adventurers with years of experience to share. We are committed to challenging ourselves by trekking to isolated places of remarkable beauty, but our trips are as much about the journey as they are about being an über athlete.

Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society 

Founded in 1980, Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society is a not-for-profit, community-based organization for LGBT people in the NY-NJ-CT tri-state region who enjoy participating in non-competitive outdoor activities. The purpose of the club is to organize various outdoor and cultural activities and to enjoy the great outdoors with each other!

The Village Dive Club

The Gay and Lesbian Scuba Diving Club of the NYC Metropolitan Area! The Village Dive Club is a non-profit gay and lesbian club for anyone with a passion for scuba diving - from experienced divers to new divers to those considering becoming a diver.

Front Runners New York

Front Runners New York (FRNY) is a running club for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) and those who are LGBT allies.  FRNY draws a wide variety of athletes. Some FRNY members race on a weekly basis—others never race at all. We train track sprinters, middle distance runners, ultra marathoners, walkers, swimmers, and triathletes.

Ski Bums

NYC-based Ski Bums hosts social events and groups to all the best ski resorts for LGBT skiers and snowboards of all skill levels.

Knickerbocker Sailing Association

Knickbocker Sailing Association, a non-profit gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender boating club which, encourages members who support diversity and enjoy getting out on the water of the greater New York area. They welcome adventurers of all levels and will teach the basics of sailing, boating and boat safety. 


On April 30th, OutdoorFest is teaming up with new LGBT adventure organization GOAT to host a night dedicated to charity bike rides that help fight AIDS. We'll be chatting about how to gear up, train, and fundraise as well as highlight a few awesome organizations that everyone can personally get involved in. Sign up for free here.