What we’re about
This group is for folks 40+ who are new or are returning to hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and camping. Absolutely no experience is required, and all hikes are easy to moderate. Our hope is to foster a love of nature, a passion for being outdoors, and a spirit of camaraderie with like minded friends. This isn't a "singles" group; we welcome married, single, partnered folks and we celebrate diversity by being open and accepting to persons of diverse backgrounds.
Please check the rating for each event listed. If you are a fast hiker (a "rabbit"), you will hike up front at your own pace. If you are an average/moderate hiker (a "turbit"), you will hike in the middle of the pack at your own pace. If you are a slower hiker (a "turtle"), you will hike in the back at your own pace with the hike leader. Some hikes are only designed for turtles. If you are a Turbit or Rabbit, you may get frustrated by the slow pace. Some hikes are designed for Turbits and Rabbits; please don't sign up for those if you are a Turtle. Check the listing, ask the hike leader, and be honest about your ability.
We are volunteers and are not liable for your health, poor planning, accidents, or, yikes, death. By hiking with us, you agree you are in control of your abilities. Hike leaders may ask you to sign a release waiver, but, even if they don't, registering for the hike means you are releasing the event leader and MeetUp from all liability, including injury and death.
Attendance is important in case of emergencies on an adventure. Being a "no-show" means that another person couldn't attend. 3 "no-shows" will result in being removed from the group.
Hike Leaders:
**We are always looking for hike leaders. Please email Beth if you are interested!
Beth "Squeak" RG is the hike leader for "Turtle" hikes. She is a long distance backpacker on the Appalachian Trail, a Girl Scout Leader & Outdoor Adventures trainer, bagpiper, and the creator/organizer/leader for PA Restart and Palmerton Outdoors. Previously, when she lived in NJ, she was the CO of Restart New Jersey for 10 years. She is a member of the ATC, AMC, Sierra Club and is a past Board member of the Appalachian Long Distance Hiker Association. She serves as an Outdoor Leadership Trainer for the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA and volunteers yearly at Harriman State Park. She has a passion for getting "unlikely" hikers out onto the trail. Her hikes are always designed with new hikers in mind. Her hikes tend to be short (~ 3 miles) and are reasonably flat with smaller inclines. She also offers backpacking, camping, snowshoeing, and flat and Class 1 Rapid paddle kayak activities.
Heather O. is the hike leader for "Turbit" and "Rabbit" hikes. She has hiked and backpacked all over the world. Her hikes tend to be a little longer and rugged, but well worth the effort! She also maintains the attendance rosters for hikes.
There are other hiker leaders that volunteer to lead events. Please read their descriptions carefully :-)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Morning Madness @Sawmill Run: Turtle HikeSawmill Run Hiking Trail , Lehighton, PA
Mornings in nature are beautiful! Let's go check out some waterfalls, an ice cave, and see if we can hear any cool birds!
Where Are We Hiking?
We will be hiking the Sawmill Run Trail. It is a 1.7-mile loop and is considered easy, but there are some short, steep climbs (and we will take our time to get up them!).ReStart PA Guidelines:
This hike is for adult humans only. Sorry, no dogs, cats, giraffes, drop bears, or children. This group is for people over 40, but I don't card anyone, so if you are 20 and want to hear about the aches and pains of a bunch of middle-aged people, that's up to you.Please wear shoes meant for hiking, pack water, and light snacks. Bring trekking poles if you have them. Carry a notecard in a ziplock bag in your pocket (not your pack) listing your name, emergency contact, any medical conditions you might have, any allergies you might have, and any meds you are taking. Hopefully, I will never need to search your pocket to find this.
Turtles, Turbits, and Rabbits:
Are you a turtle? If you are slow, out of shape, overweight, underweight, out of breath, new to hiking, or returning after years of couch surfing...WE ARE YOUR PEOPLE! Turtle hikes are designed FOR YOU!If you are an experienced hiker and can whiz up and down the trail like a turbojet, this is not the hike for you. Please check out our other hikes rated "turbit" (semi-fast) or "rabbit" (super fast).
Your Hike Leader:
Beth Ritter-Guth, also known on the Appalachian Trail (AT) as Squeak, is an outdoor enthusiast, hiker, and AT Trail Angel from Palmerton, PA. She trains adult Girl Scout leaders on Outdoor Adventuring and is a member and past board member of the Appalachian Long Distance Hiker's Association (ALDHA). She volunteers for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), Sierra Club, Audubon, and Lehigh Gap Nature Preserve. She is certified in First Aid and CPR by the American Red Cross, where she serves as a Supervisor for the Carbon County's Disaster Response Team. Other Red Cross work includes Services to Armed Forces, Duty Officer (dispatch), National Disaster Response, International Disaster Recovery, and International Humanitarian Law and Advocacy for the International Red Cross/Red Crescent. During the day she is an Associate Dean of Virtual Services at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem where she was born and raised, an Adjunct English and Cybercrime professor at DeSales University, and a professional bagpiper. She's busy and hates talking on the phone, so always text first.The Fine Print:
By signing up for this hike and all other ReStart events, you are releasing Beth Ritter-Guth and any other hiker leaders of any liabilities related to this hike, as you are a grown adult who can make decisions for yourself.Not open
