Outside Reading #3: Why Individuals Hike the Appalachian Trail

As a source for my paper, I read an academic journal article titled "Why Individuals Hike the Appalachian Trail: Qualitative Approach to Benefits." I would say it is quite apparent what the study entailed. Most of the discussion from the conclusion of this study reinforced the notion that hiking is therapeutic, both in the physical sense and the psychological sense. What really peaked my interest was the fact that 98% of the participants from this study was White, while one lonely African American was counted present. I need some answers as to why it appears that minorities do not hike. I, an African American woman, love hiking. I would assume that there are plenty of others similar to me that also enjoy outside activity, so why is it that every study and documentary that we watch primarily features Caucasian participants? Is it just a lack of diversity in the studies and in the films? Or is there something deeper going on? Perhaps there is a socioeconomic factor preventing minorities from having the leisure time to do long distance hikes. Perhaps there is some sort of stigma. I would really love to know the reason behind this huge deficit of diversity.