Discover the Spirit of Trail Mommas
Join our community of adventurous families dedicated to exploring the great outdoors and nurturing resilient, curious kids through unforgettable experiences.
Our Story
Trail Mommas began with a simple idea: to connect families, specifically moms who share a love for the outdoors. Our community thrives on the belief that nature is the best classroom, and every trail is an opportunity to learn and grow. We are passionate about creating a supportive network where families can share their adventures, inspire each other, and cultivate a love for the environment in their children. Our mission is to empower families to explore the world around them, fostering a sense of wonder and resilience in the next generation. Join us as we hike, adventure, and explore together, making memories that last a lifetime.
Our Journey
Explore the milestones that have shaped Trail Mommas into the vibrant community it is today.
2025
The Beginning
It all started with one mom — fueled by a love of adventure, a background in anthropology, geology and environmental studies, and a desire to raise wild-hearted kids — who wanted to share the magic of the natural world with her children. What began as family hikes and weekend outings quickly turned into something bigger: a growing community of moms who also craved connection, fresh air, and a chance to explore the trails together.
First Community Hike
We realized that there’s power in community — in sharing trail tips, gear recommendations, and the joy of watching our kids discover the world around them.
We’re here to inspire and empower moms (and their explorers!) to get outside more — not perfectly, but purposefully.
Expanding Horizons
Trail Mommas expanded its reach, hosting workshops and events in partnership with local organizations to educate families about outdoor safety and environmental stewardship and education.
We’re committed to walking the walk. Members of our leadership team have their environmental educator certification, so we can bring even more depth, knowledge, and intentionality to every adventure we offer.
Going Digital
In response to growing interest, we launched an online platform to connect families worldwide, offering digital learning resources, virtual events with environmental educators, interactive nature and adventure challenges and trail inspired merchandise to emphasize your love of the outdoors.
Our Core Values
At Trail Mommas, we believe in nurturing curiosity, fostering resilience, and embracing the great outdoors as a family. Our community thrives on shared adventures and the joy of discovery.
Curiosity
We encourage families to explore the world with wonder and inquisitiveness, sparking a lifelong love for learning and nature.
Resilience
Through outdoor challenges, we teach children to overcome obstacles, building strength and confidence for life’s journey.
Outdoor Adventures
Our adventures are more than just hikes; they’re opportunities to connect, grow, and create lasting memories together.
Community Spirit
We foster a supportive network of families who share experiences, advice, and encouragement, making every adventure a shared success.
Meet the Trail Momma Family
Our dedicated team is passionate about inspiring families to embrace the outdoors and create unforgettable experiences.
Katherine Frederick
Co Founder and Adventure Leader
Katie has a B.A. in Anthropology with a focus in Archaeology from Arizona State University and a M.A. in Liberal Studies with a focus in Environmental and Native Studies from the University of Maine- Orono. She is a mother to two nature loving boys, ages 6 and 5. She is a fulltime entrepreneur with specialties in sales, marketing, small business consulting and photography.
She has a love for the outdoors including curated travel and adventure experiences such as releasing baby Olive Ridley sea turtles to journeys inside of a glacier on decommissioned NATO trucks. She has visited ALL of the lower 48 and has visited over 20 different countries across North and South America and Europe. She is an avid wildlife and adventure photographer taking her camera everywhere. When she’s not shooting wildlife and now all the BIRDS, she and her husband are on the field doing sports photography or capturing precious family milestones.
She received her North Carolina Environmental Education certificate in 2026, in under a year, is an ambassador for a women’s hiking group of over 27,000 members, is certified in CPR and AED and is a background checked certified trail guide and volunteer for the Triangle Land Conservancy, North Carolina Arboretum’s ecoExplore program and a Level 2 volunteer with the Johnston County Public School System.
Nicholas Smithwick
Co Founder and Adventure Leader
Nick is a true Jack of All Trades and the ultimate MacGyver—able to fix just about anything with a little ingenuity and a lot of patience. While his love for travel and the outdoors came later in life, after meeting his wife Katie, he’s fully embraced the role of woodsman, lacing up his boots and diving headfirst into adventure.
Alongside Katie, Nicholas works in their family businesses as both an associate photographer and the technical mind behind their website development and small business consulting logistics. He’s currently pursuing his drone pilot certification, expanding his creative and technical skillset even further.
A passionate collector of knives and an avid range enthusiast, Nicholas also has a deep affinity for animals—especially wolves. Often called the Animal Whisperer, he has a natural way of earning the trust and affection of animals, whether at rescues or during travel and adventure encounters.
He is also a background checked Level 2 volunteer with the Johnston County Public School System.
Join Our Adventure Community
Become part of Trail Mommas and embark on exciting outdoor adventures with like-minded families. Together, we inspire curiosity and resilience in our children through shared experiences in nature. Let’s make unforgettable memories on the trails!