Welcome to the hiking group for positive, kind, happy hiking adventurers, where we will wander in wonder, get muddy and wet, laugh, inspire, and help each other enjoy our time in the woods.
Hikes in this group can be used as training hikes for Backpacking Western N.C.(etc) - our associate meetup group.
Hikers who wish to hike in this group are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to know their hiking abilities. All our hike descriptions will include the "level of hiking fitness." Please read below to understand yours.
Advanced Novice: A person new to hiking and still unfamiliar with different types of terrain or elevation gains. They may have experienced hikes of a few hours with small levels of inclines of 500-1000 feet. An advanced novice hiker generally hikes at an easy pace and may have to take breaks more frequently as the distance or elevation of the hike increases.
Moderate: This type of hiker hikes on a more regular basis. This person may also partake in more frequent types of exercise in other aspects of their life. Hikes can last for half a day and have elevation gains of a few thousand feet. A moderate hiker will be able to hike at a faster pace and be able to handle longer inclines without feeling exhausted. At this stage, a moderate hiker has also started venturing out into hikes with different weather conditions that require more planning.
Advanced Moderate: This person has experience with many hikes lasting at least half a day. This type of hiker is able to handle elevation gains of several thousand feet. Hiking takes place at a moderate pace but the hiker also has enough experience of when to slow the pace to conserve energy. Hikes can last all day. An advanced moderate hiker also has experience hiking in different weather conditions and has a general idea of what to prepare for in colder and hot conditions.
Expert: This type of hiker has had much experience with day hikes and hiking in different weather conditions. At this point, the hiker is prepared to be out there throughout the night, has the knowledge of when to hike at a fast pace, at a slow pace to conserve energy, and when to rest. This type of hiker will be able to plan hikes of up to a few days and how to plan accordingly.
🥾Hikers in this group must be adaptable to unpredictable weather and trail conditions.
🥾Encouraged to know the 11 essentials to carry in their pack
🥾Encouraged to know the basics of hiking etiquette
🥾Encouraged to know that Google is our friend and helpful information can be found about all aspects of hiking; including but not limited to: trail descriptions, what to wear, how much water to bring, hiking snacks, 11 hiking essentials, hiking etiquette, maps, and directions to trailheads🙂
After reading the planned hike itinerary, make sure to re-read MILEAGE, ELEVATION GAIN, PACE, AND LEADER’S NOTES TO ENSURE THE HIKE IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU🙂
Happy Hiking! ☮️ ❤️🥾
