
Jennifer Michelle
Clip: Special | 1m 38sVideo has Closed Captions
Jennifer Michelle advocates for more women of color to explore outdoor spaces and trails.
Jennifer Michelle is an entrepreneur, model, coach and the founder of the Culture Queens, a local group that fosters opportunities for women of color to gather in cultural communities and outdoor spaces. Whether chasing waterfalls, hiking to ridgetop views or taking on a day hike close to town, Jennifer loves spending time outdoors. There aren’t many North Carolina trails she hasn’t yet tried.
Ten to Try is a local public television program presented by PBS NC
The series was produced in partnership with the Great Trails State Coalition for the NC Year of the Trail and with generous support from the SECU Foundation.

Jennifer Michelle
Clip: Special | 1m 38sVideo has Closed Captions
Jennifer Michelle is an entrepreneur, model, coach and the founder of the Culture Queens, a local group that fosters opportunities for women of color to gather in cultural communities and outdoor spaces. Whether chasing waterfalls, hiking to ridgetop views or taking on a day hike close to town, Jennifer loves spending time outdoors. There aren’t many North Carolina trails she hasn’t yet tried.
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[birds twitter] - My name is Jennifer Michelle.
I am the founder of Culture Queens Outdoors.
We are a group of women who love all things arts, culture and being outdoors.
I remember my first hiking trip was with my mom.
I loved everything about being outside.
I think I loved the experience even more 'cause I was able to do it with my mom and some other ladies.
As an adult, I started getting back into being outside, enjoying all things North Carolina trails, waterfalls, state parks.
I've been doing it heavily since 2019 with the group.
I just love it out here.
[light music] In 2019, I started the Culture Queens.
I didn't see women who looked like me in art museums and galleries.
When COVID hit and the art museums and institutions closed, I had to find another way to get some peace and mental health and that's when I started the Culture Queens Outdoors because I literally was hiking every day, every weekend.
My greatest moments, my happiest moments when I'm out with the ladies is seeing them, when they're afraid of heights, walk up to the ledge and take the picture or stand at the top of the mountain and take the picture.
I have a bucket list to visit every single state park in North Carolina, so if I'm not at the state park, I am out hiking a trail, chasing a waterfall, anything outdoors.
[light music]
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Cathy Meyer is a writer and naturalist who has walked the entire North Carolina shoreline. (1m 51s)
Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Grandfather Mountain
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Local river guide Heber Coltrain has been boating on the Roanoke River his whole life. (1m 42s)
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Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver is a nature lover who values our public outdoor spaces. (1m 34s)
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Charlotte native Kim Olige believes exercise can be an outlet to help kids learn and grow. (1m 46s)
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Laura Blythe and Jeremy Hyatt ride Fire Mountain’s Spearfinger Trail whenever they can. (1m 44s)
Little Sugar Creek Greenway, Charlotte
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Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Charlotte is wildly popular with outdoor lovers. (2m 12s)
Longleaf Pine Trail, Carvers Creek State Park
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The Longleaf Pine Trail is a wide, flat and shaded multiuse trail perfect for equestrians. (2m 19s)
Occoneechee Speedway Trail, Hillsborough
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The Occoneechee Speedway Trail offers a unique mix of nature, exercise and NASCAR history. (2m 14s)
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Paula Gillikin is site manager of the Rachel Carson Reserve and paddles there regularly. (1m 42s)
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North Carolina, “The Great Trails State,” offers unique trail experiences for everyone. (30s)
Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail, Beaufort
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The Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail explores coastal waters teeming with wildlife. (2m 19s)
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Photographer/author Randy Johnson helped build and manage Grandfather Mountain's trails. (1m 50s)
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The Roanoke River Paddle Trail features 16 unique camping platforms for multiday trips. (2m 31s)
Spearfinger at Fire Mountain Trails
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The Spearfinger Trail offers fun and flowy downhill mountain biking for all riding levels. (2m 27s)
Sugarloaf Trail, Carolina Beach State Park
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Take a walk along the sandy paths, riverbanks and boardwalks of the Sugarloaf Trail. (2m 17s)
Three Waterfalls Hike, DuPont State Forest
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The Three Waterfalls Hike at DuPont State Forest is a dream trail for waterfall chasers. (2m 23s)
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The Piedmont’s 30-mile Uwharrie Trail can be tackled in sections or from end to end. (2m 11s)
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Outdoor advocate Vivianette Ortiz Caraballo is the cofounder of a Latinx hiking club. (1m 35s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipTen to Try is a local public television program presented by PBS NC
The series was produced in partnership with the Great Trails State Coalition for the NC Year of the Trail and with generous support from the SECU Foundation.