Transylvania alumna Megan (Messick) Hood ’09 has turned her lifelong love of the outdoors — rooted in her Kentucky upbringing — into a business that helps Philadelphia-area residents connect with nature.
Hood, a biology major with a classics minor at Transylvania, co-founded Hiking Hound Adventures in 2024 with her husband, Andy, a University of Kentucky forestry graduate. Based in suburban Philly, the company offers outdoor education, guided hikes, kayak and paddleboard rentals and family-friendly activities like storybook walks and ice cream-making.
Nature was an essential part of life for Hood, who grew up in Eastern Kentucky and took advantage of what the Lexington area had to offer in college. But after moving to Pennsylvania, where she works as a physician assistant manager at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, she found that many people felt disconnected from outdoor spaces — despite abundant parks.
“We really noticed that a lot of the folks just don’t get outside as much as what we are used to,” Hood said. That observation, combined with the couple’s surplus of outdoor gear, sparked the idea for a rental business that evolved into guided education focused on accessibility and joy.
Activities include beginner fishing, mindful hikes, “crochet walks” in nature and wilderness first aid classes, where Hood draws on her medical background. The company partners with local townships and follows “leave no trace” principles, emphasizing low-impact enjoyment.
Hood credits the Transylvania liberal arts education for shaping her approach. Her classics minor inspired her to incorporate storytelling and mythology into youth hikes to make learning engaging. And the university’s emphasis on critical thinking helps her understand diverse perspectives and tailor experiences to individual needs.
“That critical thinking piece really prepares you to think through why it matters to get outside and relate it to each person’s why,” Hood said. The small community atmosphere also taught her to value differing opinions, a skill she applies in building inclusive outdoor communities.
Nature’s health benefits drive much of Hood’s work. She cites studies showing outdoor time reduces anxiety, boosts mood, improves attention, lowers blood pressure and enhances sleep — even in wintry weather.
“One study showed a 25% improvement in attention and memory tasks after a 20-minute nature walk compared to an urban one,” Hood noted. And even if you’re not there mentally for a walk in the woods, your body will still benefit.
Hood, who stayed in Lexington for grad school, encourages current Transylvania students to integrate central Kentucky’s nature into daily life. Specifically, she visited Red River Gorge, Carter Caves and Cumberland Falls during college and growing up, along with local spots like the Kentucky Horse Park.
For on-campus or nearby options, she recommends studying outdoors between classes, visiting Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and UK’s Arboretum, or simply sitting or walking barefoot on a lawn for “grounding” benefits.
Take your laptop outside — hear the natural noises, Hood advised. Even 20 minutes without distractions can help you recalibrate.
In Philadelphia, Hood highlights hidden gems like Wissahickon Valley Park, a 2,000-acre wooded escape in the city.
Hiking Hound Adventures has expanded to include a nonprofit, The Abby Outdoor Initiative, which facilitates access to natural spaces for those facing barriers, such as lack of gear or transportation. She also partners with various community groups.
These projects are flourishing thanks to her deep roots in the Bluegrass.
“Kentucky is so biodiverse — you can explore caves, you can do rock climbing,” Hood said. “It spawned this lifelong interest in outdoor activities.”
