Huckleberry Hiking Makes All Trails Accessible

Families with mobility challenges no longer have to choose between outdoor adventures and accessibility, thanks to Huckleberry Hiking.

Founded in 2019 by LJ Wilde, the company began as a personal mission to give his daughter Luci the freedom to explore the great outdoors despite a rare genetic condition. Now, it has grown into a community-driven business dedicated to empowering families to hit the trails together.

The inspiration for Huckleberry Hiking came during a family hike in the spring of 2019. Seven-year-old Luci, who had always been carried in a backpack on hikes, had outgrown her backpack. Faced with the tough decision to either leave Luci behind or stop hiking as a family, Wilde turned to his skills as a design engineer to create a solution.

“I knew there had to be another option,” Wilde said. “I wanted Luci to experience the beauty of nature alongside us, not apart from us. So, I started designing something that would allow her to join us on the trails.”

What began as a personal project quickly caught the attention of fellow hikers, who often stopped Wilde and his family on trails, asking where they could get a similar device. It became clear that the Wildes weren’t the only ones facing such a dilemma. Wilde decided to take the leap, leaving behind stable employment to turn his innovative concept into a business.

Between family support, tapping into home equity, and a strong belief in the product’s potential, Huckleberry Hiking was born.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. During its launch, Huckleberry Hiking sold an impressive 734 units, but supply chain delays threatened the company’s ability to fulfill orders. Despite these obstacles, Wilde credits his customers’ patience and the heroic efforts of local suppliers for helping the company regain its footing.

“Our customers kept encouraging us, which was the motivation we needed,” Wilde said. “And thanks to our incredible local manufacturing partners, we were able to meet demand and stay true to our values.” Huckleberry Hiking’s components are manufactured within 60 miles of Cache Valley, reflecting the company’s commitment to local craftsmanship. Yet, what truly sets the company apart is the focus on making outdoor adventures accessible.

“We’ve been told we should charge more for our product,” Wilde said. “But our goal is to change the game for as many families as possible, not to charge more.”

The SBDC played a pivotal role in Huckleberry Hiking’s success. Introduced to the SBDC by Jason Yerka, Wilde worked closely with counselor Mike Young, whose guidance proved invaluable. “Mike helped me focus on the critical needs of the business and gave me peace of mind as a new entrepreneur,” said Wilde.

Families across the country feel the impact of Huckleberry Hiking. Customers frequently describe the product as a “game-changer,” enabling children and adults with mobility challenges to experience hiking for the first time. “To see the light on kids’ faces and hear them say things like, ‘I feel like a king!’—that’s what fuels our fire,” Wilde said.