cute thread. I'm new, 60, in VA. I just married my sweetie in Nov; we've been backpacking together, and mostly day-hiking for several years. I'm the historical backpacker, she's done a lot of hiking but didn't start backpacking until me. We love to dawdle during berry season, stuffing ourselves with wild blueberries, raspberries, and whatnot. I carry the bulk of logistics - tent, cook stove, water filter, first aid kit, repair kit, map stuff - she carries the cookware and her own personals. Works out well. We also enjoy car camping and day-hiking around the neighborhood.
One of my favorite treks in Dolly Sods Wilderness in WV; I see a LOT of women there, I would almost say 50/50. It seems to be popular for women's and youth groups. It's refreshing to see. I also see a lot of families backpacking together. It's a beautiful wilderness area that is easily accessible.