Join Triangle Hiking and Outdoors Group

You'll get invited to our Meetups as soon as they're scheduled!

About Triangle Hiking and Outdoors Group

Table of contents

NEW MEMBERS CLICK HERE

If you applied for membership and have not been approved as a member please send us an e-mail. Due to our group size, an occasional profile is missed!

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! We look forward to meeting you! Happy Trails!

Triangle Hiking and Outdoors Group (aka THOG) is the premier outdoor adventure group in central North Carolina. With over 2500+ members and 300+ events a year, we offer a comprehensive array of exciting adventures in the Carolinas and beyond! Membership is FREE and open to any adults over the age of 21 years old. Our members range in age from 21 to 70+ years old, although the majority of our members are in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Our membership base is diverse and includes members who are singled, married and partnered.

We are one of the largest and most active outdoors groups in the Carolinas. We are the original hiking and outdoors group on Meetup! Our event leaders have significant experience with outdoor activities and work very hard to make each event a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you are new to outdoor activities or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, we welcome you to THOG!

Our activities include:
Hiking, Walking, Backpacking, Kayaking, Canoeing, Camping, Trail Running, Horseback Riding, Whitewater Rafting, Snow skiing, Snowshoeing, Snow Hiking, Snowmobiling, Skydiving, Hang gliding, Moonlight Walks, Moonlight Paddling, and much more!

Group History

Timeline

August 28, 2005: First "official" THOG hike, Emma's first hike
October 8, 2005: First "overnight" aka camping trip, found out Stu is a good cook!
October 24, 2006: Second "overnight" aka camping trip. First whitewater rafting trip!
November 20, 2005: First "monthly" group hike, at Raven Rock State Park
December 10, 2005: First "weekend adventure" trip (Outer Banks/Jockey's Ridge), Hanggliding event!
January 7, 2006: First ski trip, First big adventure trip (to Colorado)
January 28, 2006: First cycling event at Umstead State Park
April 6, 2006: Second big adventure trip (to Colorado)
April 15, 2006: First group backpacking trip (Mt Leconte loop, GSMNP)
May 6, 2006: Our 100th event Disc Golf at Kentwood Park
May 12, 2006: Second whitewater rafting trip!
May 27, 2006: First kayaking and camping trip (Bear Island NC)
June 3, 2006: First horseback riding and camping trip (GSMNP)
June 16, 2006: Grayson Highlands Camping Trip
June 18, 2006: Canoe and Kayaking trip down the New River
June 24, 2006: First trail run
July 8, 2006: Whitewater Rafting on the James River
July 8, 2006: Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail
July 15, 2006: 15 group members climbed Mt Mitchell!
August 5, 2006: Brevard/Southern Mountains Camping Trip
August 5, 2006: Longest day hike completed by group: Cold Mountain 20.8 mile RT!
August 10, 2006: Group featured on the Life section of the News and Observer (http://www.newsobserv...)
August 15, 2006: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We are 1 year old!
August 19, 2006: 42 tubers floated down the Dan River
September 2, 2006: Camping and Hiking at Caesar's Head, SC
September 3, 2006: Whitewater Tubing on the Tuck
September 16, 2006: Camping at Chippokes State Park + Busch Gardens
September 30, 2006: Our second Bear Island Camping Trip
October 7, 2006: Our 200th event - Upper Gauley Whitewater
October 21, 2006: Simultaneous trips to Great Smokey Mountains, Stone Mountain SP and Julian Pice Park
October 21, 2006: 2nd annual fall folliage trip
October 28, 2006: Pisgah National Forest - Horsepasture Gorge hike
November 10, 2006: Camping and Canoeing at Merchant's Millpond
January 15, 2007: We now have 1200 members... and counting!
January 25, 2007: 2nd article written by the News and Observer on THOG (http://www.newsobserv...)
February, 2007 : 1300 members... and counting!
February, 2007 : Our 300th event
March, 2007 : 1400 members... and counting!
May, 2007 : 1500 members... and counting!
May 19, 2007: Whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River with USA Rafts!
June 16, 2007: Grayson Highlands Camping Weekend
June 17, 2007: Kayaking the South Fork of the New River
July 7, 2007: Brevard/Southern Mountains Camping Trip
July 7, 2007: Whitewater kayaking on the Nantahala River
July 8, 2007: Dupont State Forest hike (Hooker, Triple and High Falls)
August 3, 2007: Brevard/Southern Mountains Camping Trip (2nd trip)
September 17, 2007: Gauley Marathon!
October 20, 2007: Fall Folliage Trip (3rd annual)
October 20, 2007: Panthertown Valley
October 21, 2007: High Falls on the Thompson River
October 24, 2007: Moonlight/Night hike at Lake Crabtree
November 2, 2007: Grandfather Mountain Traverse
November 10, 2007: Zip lines! Part 2
November 11, 2007: Cedarock Park
November 18, 2007: Occoneechee Mountain
November 25, 2007: Croatan National Forest - Neusiok Trail (23 mile day hike)
December 2, 2007: Jordan Lake Hike
December 2, 2007: Haw River Hike
December 16, 2007: Blue Jay Point
December 22, 2007: Umstead Hike - Company Mill Trail
December 29, 2007: Morgan Creek Preserve
January 3, 2008: Meteor Shower Viewing
January 20, 2008: Animal Tracking!
January 20, 2008: Falls Lake Sectional Hike
January 27, 2008: Geocaching
February 9, 2008: Croatan National Forest - Weetock Trail
February 10, 2008: Goose Creek State Park
February 23, 2008: Emerald Mining!
March 1, 2008: Catawba Falls and South Mountains State Park
March 09, 2008: Pilot Mountain Hike
March 15, 2008: Nantahala Whitewater Adventure
March 18, 2008: Moonlight/Night hike at Lake Crabtree

Spring 2008 Highlights:
April 19: Hiking and Kayaking at Hanging Rock State Park
May 3: Children's Backpacking Trip at Eno River State Park
May 17: Hot Springs Camping Trip
May 24: Memorial Day Whitewater Bash!
May 31: Bald Head Island Day Trip

Summer 2008 Highlights:
June 13: Grayson Highlands Trip
June 20: Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail
July 16: Wilson Creek Backpacking Trip
August 2: Hanging Rock Day Trip
August 22-24: Brevard Camping Trip

Fall 2008 Highlights:
October 18-20: Fall Foliage IV: Big Creek/Cammerer
October 19-20: Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail

2009 Highlights:
Memorial Day Whitewater Weekend (2nd annual trip)
Grayson Highlands (4th annual trip) June 2009
Grandfather Mountain traverse, July 2009
Tuckaseegee River kayaking, July 2009
4th annual Brevard Camping Trip, August 2009
... and beyond!

Since we have over 30 events a month, we will only update this page every now and then! If you are really interested, please check out our past event list or our photo album, otherwise, what are you waiting for? Join us today!

Whitewater/River Adventures include...

Dan River (NC 89 to Hanging Rock State Park)
Dan River (Kibler Section)
Dan River (Seven Mile Bridge to Danbury) [TUBING]
Neuse River (Falls Dam to Buffaloe Road)
Neuse River (Old Milbournie Dam to Poole Road)
Tuckaseegee River
Deep Creek [TUBING]
Lower New River
Gauley River (fall release)
Nantahala River
Nolichucky River
South Fork New River
Merchant Millpond
Great Dismal Swamp
Chattooga Sec III
Black River (Three Sisters)

Here are some movies...

Our images and photo albums

Enhanced Photo Album (High quality, complete photo albums)
Meetup Photo Album (Photos of virtually all events, but lower quality)

Hiking Guide to the Triangle

Click here for park maps and trail maps!

Greenway Hikes (paved): Shelley Lake, Lake Lynn, Lake Johnson, American Tobacco Trail (Durham section), Bolin Creek, Black Creek Greenway, Apex Community Park

Easy Hikes: Umstead (Sal's Branch, Pott's Branch), Eno River (Buckquarter Loop), Occoneechee Mountain

Moderate Hikes: Umstead (Company Mill Trail, Sycamore Trail), Eno River (Cox Mountain Trail, Ridge Trail), Raven Rock (Raven Rock Loop, Campbell Creek Loop)

Difficult Hikes: Hanging Rock (Moore's Knob), Peaks of Otter (Flat Top), Tanawha Trail, Dutchman's Loop (Uwharrie)

Strenuous Hikes: Rock Castle Loop (VA), Mt Rogers Loop (Grayson Highlands)

Very Strenuous Hikes: Black Mountain Trail, Art Loeb Trail, Mt Cammerer (GSM)

FAQ

This site is intended to be a resource for our members. If you have any ideas, thoughts or feedback, please speak up! Post it!

Here are some answers to questions that new members may have about the group:

General Information:

Is there a fee to join this Group or participate in activities?
There will be NO FEE to join this group. Participants in carpools are requested to offer gas money for the driver.

Is there an age limit for this group?
There is no age limit. We are all here because we just like the outdoors.

May I bring my children to group events (ie hiking)?
Members are generally encouraged to bring their children. However, not all events are appropriate for children. Parents should use good judgement as to whether their child/children is capable of participating and if there are any questions, please contact the organizer of the event Factors to consider include the age of the child, the length of the hike and the level of difficulty of the hike.

May I bring my dog to group events (ie hiking)?
In general, yes, dogs are welcome! Please remember that for NC State Parks, dogs MUST be on a leash < 6 feet long. Park Rangers have been known to write tickets for violation of this rule. Some parks do not permit dogs, thus, for these hikes, dogs will not be permitted. Also, as with children, members should use good judgement whether their dog will be capable of participating, and if there are any questions, please contact the organizer of the event.

Some of our 4 legged hikers!

Parks that do NOT permit dogs:

Schenck Forest

Yates Mill Pond County Park

Questions related to Group Events:

When does the Group Meet?
Group events are scheduled all the time! During the summer (when it is hot and humid), hikes will generally be scheduled before 9AM or after 5PM. During the rest of the year, times will vary!

We try to schedule events on a weekly basis (pending work schedules). If I am not available or out of town, assistant organizers will lead the events. If the assistant organizers are also out of town, then there will be no event scheduled... UNLESS a member wants to lead the event. This is why we are always looking for members willing to contribute their time leading events!

What events have been done?
Hiking: Pretty much EVERYWHERE! You name it, its likely been done!
Outdoor activities: Kayaking, whitewater rafting, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing and MORE! Our Past Events List

I want to go to an event, but the event is "full." What now?
Since RSVP lists change on a regular basis, please check back frequently, as a spot may "open up." Also, depending on the event, the RSVP limit may be increased and you will have no problem signing up. You may also e-mail the organizer to be placed on the "waiting list" or reply "no" and place a comment indicating that you are still interested in participating.

Why do events have RSVP limits?
RSVP limits are not meant restrict participation. Rather certain events can only accomodate a limited number of participants.

I RSVPed "yes" but didn't get the directions. What now?
Often group e-mails end up in a "Junk Mail" or "Spam" folder. So, check your "Junk Mail" folder first, and if the message still isn't found, contact the organizer of the event and directions will be re-sent.

Questions involving Profiles and Group Membership:

What should I include on my profile?
The Profile is for us to get to know you better! Please include a picture and include a brief description about yourself! It is useful if you use a first name and last initial to identify yourself!

Message Boards:

Are there guidelines for the Message Board?
The message board is intended to be used as a resource for the hiking and outdoor community. If you are looking for climbing partners, need an extra for a backpacking trip, or just want to do an improptu hike, post it!

THOG requests that the message board be kept COMMERCIAL FREE. Absolutely no posts will be tolerated by FOR-PROFIT groups, unless it is OKed by me! Any such posts will be subjected to immediate removal. Non-profit groups and charity organizations are exempt. If in any doubt, just ask!

And in closing....

Any other tips?
Occasionally, you will notice open polls. These are intended to be fun and enjoyable. More importantly, the results assist the organizers in ways to improve the club and event planning! Have you voted?

If you have any other questions or comments, please contact us at http://hiking.meetup....