About Great Smokies Hiking & Adventure Group

The Great Smoky's Hiking & Adventure Group is a friendly, non-formal hiking group focused on getting out and exploring all that the trails offer: the scenic beauty of the mountains and the challenge of the hike. In addition to hikes, which range from easy to strenuous, we also have 'camp and hike' weekends and overnight back country adventures. Rock climbing, white water rafting and mountain biking along with CPR and First Aid training and certification. The aim of the group is to explore the natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains and it's surrounding areas and to develop a social network of people with like interests.

NEW AND PENDING MEMBERS: please read this section all the way to the bottom before you join our group.

How to Join Our Group
To join The Great Smoky's Hiking & Adventure Group, you'll need to join Meetup. Here are a few tips for filling out your profile:

First - Use your real name not an alpha-numeric tag or label. All we require is your first name unless there is another person with that first name in the group. Then add the first letter of your last name, such as with our Tim G. and Tim O. While they are a snappy idea, using aliases (anything but your real name) is not such a good idea because it makes it REALLY difficult to find you at an event.

Second - You must post a current photo of your smiling face on your Profile Page and list it as your 'Main Photo.' If you do not have a photo up ...your membership request will not be approved. You will be sent a request for photo email. Still no photo , I will send you a reminder about this request only once, then you will be voted off of the island! This is done as a courtesy to, and for the safety of, all of our members.

Third - Do not include any personal information (i.e. phone number or e-mail addresses) in your profile or in your RSVP comments. Our pages are not private so your profile information will be visible to everyone, including programs designed to capture e-mail addresses for spammers. You can always receive e-mail via the Meetup message system if you choose to activate it.

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Does this cost money?
The organizers pay the fees to Meetup.com to use this software, and we really couldn't manage this group without Meetup! Members can make donations to the group to cover costs and time; if you'd like to make a donation, FEED THE BEAR! The BEAR will be passed around before and after hikes to help off-set costs for the web site and for the prizes given out at events.

You can also donate prizes to be given away at specific events. Events that include contests and/or prizes will indicate such in the description, so read carefully. Contact the event coordinator to see what prizes may be needed and/or acceptable to donate for the event.

Remember, the organizers are all volunteers, there are no membership fees or dues to attend any of the events, and we work really hard to look for no-cost activities; however, occasionally some events have fees that are passed on at cost. See each meeting detail for information on any fees.

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How to Choose an Event
Our events are posted on the event board (on the "Welcome" page) and also on the calendar (use the link on the left side of your screen). There will always be a description of the trail given for every hike posted. Please READ each hike description to see if it's a good fit for you. This keeps you safe and keeps your fellow hikers happy. If you are a beloved newbie, please start out with one of our EASY hikes to see "where you are." Please do NOT come out on a hike that's too difficult for your condition on hike day or if you've had a really late night. Please be aware of your own physical condition and limitations. Also, do your homework about the event, read about the trail in as many places that you can; almost all can be found through Google. If you are new to hiking, read as much as you can so as not to be surprised when you get out onto the trails. We will always describe each trail and put up some links to other sources of information to better inform you. If you are just beginning to hike, then the 13 mile hike with the 3800 foot elevation change may not be the one for you, wait for the 4 or 6 mile hike, be smart...be prepared.

Before You RSVP
Although we love to have fun, we are first and foremost a hiking group. While we care a great deal about the safety of EVERYONE (not just you), it is YOUR responsibility to be safe while you are out on the trails with us.

This means that if you would like to join us on a hike, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to read the hike description and come prepared. This keeps all of us safe and happy.

Always read all the way to the bottom of each event page, new info is always at the bottom as it is added for the event.

The hike organizer is fully empowered to turn folks away at the trail head or to ask folks to turn back part-way through the hike for any reason.

Hike organizers are also fully empowered to bump anyone who regularly shows up unprepared or RSVPs "Yes" for a hike that's outside their ability. Hike organizers can edit the RSVP list.

Oh, and while we work hard to make sure things go smoothly at each event, please keep in mind that all the hike leads and organizers are volunteers. Don't be dumb and irritate them.

How to RSVP
If you want to attend, RSVP "Yes." Most events allow you to RSVP "Maybe" if you're not quite sure yet. If you are unable to attend or do not wish to attend, simply RSVP "NO." A 'no' is as good as a 'yes' in helping us to plan future events. There is a comment section should you want to leave any notes for the event organizer or other hikers.



WHY SOME EVENT ARE RSVPs LIMITED

How to Keep The Great Smoky's Hiking & Adventure Group Out of Ranger Jail
Our back country hikes are limited due to the number of permits that can be pulled for each location that we can stay at on the trail--we are not the only hikers in the Smoky's. If you see that one of the back country events are full but you would like to attend, contact the organizer. If you are a no-show for an event that has limited slots (and particularly if there were people on the wait list that could have taken your spot), the hike coordinator will move you to the back of the line for the next back country event.

Not all events will have an RSVP limit, but please understand that it is NOT OKAY to come to a limited event unless you have a "Yes" RSVP. Event limits are done to ensure that everyone has a good outdoor experience (not just us, but other hikers and visitors too). If you just show up for an event without a "Yes" RSVP, then the organizer can bump you from the event.

No matter how many people sign up for a particular event, we typically split up into smaller groups with different speeds. We naturally have fast hikers, moderate hikers, and casual hikers; don't let the group you fall into lessen your enjoyment of the hike! The scenery is what's important, not how fast you walk past it. More than anything, it allows us to have a smaller "footprint" at the park. This makes a big difference to other hikers on the trail. It also makes an enormous difference to the parks.

How to Bring Your Friends
If you'd like to bring guests, family members, spouses and friends to our events, please make sure the RSVP limit for each event allows this. If you have any questions, contact the event leader and ask if guests are okay.

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How to Carpool to a Hike
We often meet at a designated spot then carpool to a hike. Always offer your driver gas money. If you don't feel comfortable carpooling, then simply meet us at the trailhead .

DO NOT volunteer to drive if you can't read a map or follow directions.

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What If I Don't Know Anyone at the Hike?
We are a very friendly group. If it is your first time out with us, you may THINK that everyone at the hike knows each other (except for you). While easy to believe, this is actually not exactly accurate. Just start talking. It works every time.

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What Should I Wear/Pack/Bring on Hike Day?
There's a lot of information for each hike posted; so, please read full hike descriptions and do what it says.

On nearly all hikes, we stop for lunch/snacks but we do not necessarily stop at a half-way point in the hike. Bring food for most all hikes and plan on eating it.

Water is critical on all hikes, especially in hotter months. It's always better to bring too much water than to bring too little. Bottled water is perfectly fine; but as you get more serious, you might invest in one of the water reservoirs (CamelBak is a popular brand) that you wear on your back or are built into backpacks.

Speaking of backpacks, if you're a beginner, don't think you have to go out and spend a ton of money on a fancy designer backpack. The one you used in college or got for free at that last trade show should be fine. Like the water reservoirs, as you get more serious, look at investing in a good backpack designed for day hikes.

However, footwear is something you should not skimp on. Good walking/running shoes are okay for shorter hikes or on dirt and mulch trails but for longer hikes and especially for rocky or wet terrain, please invest in a good pair of hiking boots or shoes. We recommend that you do not wear cotton socks, invest in a pair of SmartWool socks or it's equivalent, there are many brands of wool hiking socks on the market . If your feet can not make the distance, neither will you! River Sports Outfitters on Sutherland Avenue is a local supplier of choice and they offer our members a 10% discount (provided you've given Kevin your contact info.) We also have Earth Traverse, Blue Ridge, and Dick's Sporting Goods all in the Knoxville area. In Gatlinburg, the Happy Hiker has a lot of stuff for hikers at prices comparable to those in Knoxville. And then, of course, you can go on-line and check places like REI and Campmor.

Finally, dress for the weather. If we've had a lot of rain, the trails will be muddy. If it's colder than dammit, dress in warm layers that can be removed if you warm up as you hike. Many hikes will still go on during rain/snow/ice but check the event description one more time before you head out the door to make sure it hasn't been canceled. If you're not comfortable with what you're seeing or feeling outside, then please change your RSVP to reflect that you won't be attending.

Please also see our informative "Pack Ten List" for essential items to carry on longer hikes. This list is not up yet, so in the mean time just use your common sense and bring whatever you think you might need. Don't forget your rain gear!

Mountain Bikers Just think of it as hiking without your feet touching the ground! Our bike shop of choice is " Harper Bike Shop', 118 Northshore Dr., 865-588-5744. This is in Knoxville on the corner of Kingston Pike and Northshore Dr.. When you go in ...ask for John and tell him you are with the GSH&AG and that Kevin and Emory sent you. Bikes, lights, helmets...whatever your biking needs, they will get you what you desire.

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What to Expect on Hike Day
Folks will gather at the trailhead around the start time. Somebody will have a sign; walk up to them and say hello and introduce yourself.

While we enjoy having a good time and hope that you'll enjoy hiking with us, what we care most about is safety. If you come to our events, you WILL listen to a description of the planned hike.



What if I'm Late?
We generally wait a bit for folks, however we do not wait for everyone who has signed up; please be on time or you will hike alone.

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Is All of This Safe?
Our hike leaders are volunteers and not paid professionals. While one of the group's goals is to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time on the trails (and at other events); your personal safety is your responsibility. Sometimes you'll be asked to sign a release waiver saying you won't sue if you get hurt. Even without a release form, be aware that Meetup.com's terms of service agreement specifically says that members join any and all meetups at their own risk and cannot hold meetup.com or its organizers and other members liable for damages.

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After an Event
Please rate the event and type in some comments. This helps us plan future events, but realize that your comments are available for public viewing. If you have a problem during an event and don't feel comfortable talking about it then, please email an organizer to pass on the information.

Please feel free to upload photos to each event page. Please keep in mind the organizers can remove photos that are deemed inappropriate.

This is a hiking group not a singles or dating group. You will not hassle, stalk, or bother our members with unwanted advances or comments or email. Any offenders will be deleted from the group and reported to Meetup. But if you do happen to meet someone here and there is a mutual attraction, good for the both of you! Just don't be creepy!

How to Suggest a Future Event
Any member with an idea for a hike can suggest plans with an organizer by clicking any one of the organizers' names in the left hand column of the page. Please include preferred dates, times and directions to the hike. We would be happy to organize the event for the group. You can also post a message by clicking the Messages link on the left and see how much interest your fellow members have in your idea. Be ready, you may only get 4 hikers and then again you might get 50!

What's Most Important?
Read and follow the instructions in the event descriptions. Have we said this enough? Check back on the event pages before you leave for a hike because information is often updated only on this site. Because we don't ask members to share email addresses and phone numbers, don't expect a personal call from an organizer if something changes.

We are really looking forward to seeing YOU out on the trail!

Sincerely,
Great Smoky's Hiking & Adventure Group


Thanks for the inspiration from the fine folks of Triangle Hiking & Outdoor Group; the Let's hike and maybe take a break if we get tired group from the SF Bay area; and the Nashville Hiking Group.