It is not possible to guarantee when the group will return. Many factors can affect the return time - traffic delays, injuries, unexpectedly difficult trail conditions, car problems. The safety and well-being of the entire group is always of paramount importance, which can be incompatible with meeting a predetermined time schedule. If you really need to be back at a particular time, it's probably best not to go.
For all hikes, bring sturdy shoes (preferably hiking shoes or boots), lunch, energy snacks, at least two liters of water, a rain jacket, and an extra warm layer of clothing. It is highly recommended that you bring an extra pair of socks (if you wear two pair of socks, bring a complete second set) and two thin plastic produce bags. This will allow you to complete a hike with dry feet in case you end up with your feet & boots accidentally immersed in a stream.
For hikes in warm weather, bring additional liquids and a spare shirt to change into at lunchtime.
For hikes in colder weather, bring additional layers of synthetic (not cotton) clothing, additional food for energy, a hat and gloves, and something to insulate you from the ground when we stop for lunch. When wet, cotton clothing does not dry, will not keep you warm, and will rapidly accelerate hypothermia.
Some hikes are on very rough and rugged or snow-covered trails; for those hikes you will need water-resistant or waterproof hiking boots. This will be specified on the hike announcement.
I am new to hiking. How hard are the hikes?
The hike announcement gives an estimate of the difficulty of the hike. The difficulty is based on how many miles are hiked and how much elevation gain/loss the hike will cover. Many times the latter is the most important criteria, as climbing and descending are very energy-intensive and are the toughest for new hikers. If you are in good physical shape, you should be able to complete a hike that is described as easy or moderate. You should not attempt a hike that is described as strenuous until you have more hiking experience. If you have any questions, the hike leader will be glad to discuss whether a particular hike is appropriate for you.
How late can I show up and still go on the hike?
Please arrive at or before the advertised meeting time. The group will not wait for you, even if you have told the hike leader you are coming.
Can I meet up with the hike somewhere other than the specified meeting place?
Contact the hike leader to inquire if this option is available for the particular hike. This is usually rather difficult to arrange, but for some hikes it may be possible.
What should I contribute if I don't have a car?
For the typical hike to Shenandoah with a 1.5-2.0 hour drive, you should contribute $3 - $4 to the driver. Adjust this up and down for shorter and longer drives.
What is the difference between a National Park and a National Forest?
Both are publicly-owned lands. National Parks are to be protected and preserved "as is" for current and future generations. National Parks are more restrictive of permitted activities. Visitors must leave everything they find, and take away everything they bring (i.e. do not pick flowers, collect mushrooms, rocks, etc., or leave orange peels, eggshells, apple cores, etc.). National Parks are managed by the Department of the Interior, and are patrolled by Park Rangers. More visitor amenities (rest rooms, visitor centers, museums, overlooks) are present, and therefore more fellow visitors are usually also present. Check with National Park Staff for a list of regulations for the particular Park you are visiting. National Parks usually charge an entry fee.
National Forests are managed by the Department of Agriculture. They are used not only for recreation, but for logging, mining, and hunting. Few visitor amenities are present. They can be wonderfully secluded for hiking, but generally avoid them during hunting season. They are less restrictive of activities; more areas are open for camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, All-Terrain-Vehicle use, etc. National Forests are managed by very small staffs; expect to be completely self-reliant while visiting. The nearby National Forests are George Washington National Forest in Virginia & West Virginia, and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Nationwide, National Forests are beginning to charge entry fees, but the local Forests in our area have not yet started doing so.
The areas that we hike in are populated with American black bears, Ursus americanus. There are no grizzly (brown) bears. Black bears are unpredictable, but rarely are they dangerous. They are rarely seen. Consider yourself very lucky if you happen to have the experience of seeing a bear. If you see a bear, do not run away or approach the bear. Stay where you are or very slowly back away, and inform the hike leader.
I have a chronic medical condition but I am otherwise in good shape. Can I go on the hike?
Many hikers have diabetes, asthma, severe allergies, or other conditions. It is extremely important to let the hike leader know ahead of time. Discuss your condition and your medications with her/him. Carry your medications on the hike. Before the hike begins, privately show all the medicines to the hike leader. Tell her/him where you will be carrying them and how to administer them, in case you are unable to.
I am starting to {feel ill, get an irritated spot on my foot, have an aching joint, become dizzy/hot/cold}. Should I just keep going and "tough it out"?
You should stop the group immediately and inform the hike leader. These are all warning signs that something is wrong and should be dealt with right away. The hike leader will be grateful for informing her/him of a problem in an early, easily-treatable stage and not let it become serious.
I need to go off the trail to attend to the call of nature. Should I slip off and catch up with the group later?
Let the experienced hiker stationed in the very back of the group know you will be leaving the trail. He/she will wait for you and make sure you return safely from your errand.
Can
I bring my dog(s) on the hike?
You must check with the hike leader a few days prior to the hike.
Whether dogs are allowed on a hike or not depends on the regulations
in the particular place we are hiking, weather conditions, trail
obstacles, size of our group, age, medical condition, and temperament
of the dog, transportation issues, and ultimately the discretion
of the hike leader. Having a dog along on a hike can be fun, but
it introduces the potential for additional complexity for the
hike leader and the group. Even where leash laws are in effect,
many other visitors with dogs may not be obeying them. This increases
the risk of a canine confrontation far away from the nearest assistance.
It is also possible that several dog owners bring their dogs on
a hike, and the dogs do not get along with each other. In any
case, if the hike leader tells you that it is okay to bring a
dog on the hike, you will be asked to follow the regulations for
the area which we will be visiting. Please do all you can to ensure
that the dog's presence on the hike is positive (or at least innocuous)
for all other hikers, some of which may be intimidated by or uneasy
around dogs.
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Revised 1/3/03 by J&C