What we’re about
The Bowling Green Hiking Club meetup is dedicated to providing opportunities for people to get outside and explore the wonderful outdoor activities in Kentucky and surrounding states. The Meetup was started in 2008 by Phil Lienesch who is a hiker, avid mountain biker, and biology professor at WKU. Depending on time of year we'll get together to hike, backpack, camp, kayak - enjoy just about any activity in the outdoors. The common thread among all the activities will be the chance to get some exercise while making friends and enjoying nature!
For identification purposes, please provide a valid photo of yourself when you join the meetup.
Activities will vary from beginner level to strenuous. Where would you like to hike? Are you interested in being a hike leader? Leave a message and let us know. You can also follow us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/21617553565...
Interested in paddling or cycling? Visit our sister sites: Bowling Green Canoe and Kayak Club Meetup and Bowling Green League of Cyclists. You'll meet some amazing people!
No Show Policy: Effective August 1, 2019, anyone who is a NO SHOW for three events (that means you RSVP'd "Yes" to go on an event, did not later change your RSVP to "Not Going" and did not contact the organizers in any way to let them know you were not going for three separate events) will be dropped from the meetup. We realize life happens and you are not always able to go on events, but please be considerate and let the event host or organizers know you are not going as soon as possible. Thank you.
Disclaimer: Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending any Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members can not be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for an event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.
Upcoming events
4
*Full* First Day Hike - Vernon-Douglas State Nature Preserve - Hardin County, KY
Vernon Douglas State Nature Preserve, 407 Audubon Trce, Elizabethtown, KY, USThursday, January 1, 2026
9:00 a.m. central time (10:00 a.m. eastern)
Approximately 4.5 miles. Uneven terrain, moderate to strenuous.
"Dedicated August 12, 1992, Vernon-Douglas State Nature Preserve is located within a rugged, steep, forested section of Hardin County (near Elizabethtown). This 730-acre preserve protects one of the most mature second-growth forests in the Knobs physiographic region. Hall Hollow, a north-facing valley in the preserve, supports a rich array of spring wildflowers. A trail system passes through the valley bottom to the dry ridges above Hall Hollow. A spur trail takes hikers onto a narrow point locally known as "the pinnacle," which provides a bird's-eye view of the Younger Creek valley." - Hall Hill/Vernon-Douglas State Nature Preserve - Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
Map here: VernonDouglasBrochure.indd (ky.gov)
Bring lunch, snacks and water. Dress in layers.
Sorry, no dogs are allowed in Kentucky nature preserves.
The 10 Essentials of Hiking - American Hiking Society
The 7 Principles - Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (lnt.org)
RSVP with integrity. If you RSVP'D "Yes" and discover you cannot go, please change your RSVP to "No" so others aren't standing around the parking waiting on you. Thanks!
Disclaimer: Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.22 attendees
Virgin Falls, TN State Natural Area - 9 mile strenuous in/out Hike
2080 Scotts Gulf Rd, Sparta, TN, USSaturday, January 3, 2026, 8:30 a.m. central
We'll descend Virgin Falls Trail in middle Tennessee with a stop at Martha’s Pretty Point Overlook, Big Branch Falls and cave, Sheep Cave and falls, and Virgin Falls—a 110-foot spectacular waterfall that exits a cave and plummets off a cliff and disappears! We will return via the main trail back up to the parking lot. https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-middle-region/middle-region/na-na-virgin-falls.html
Activity Time: Approximately 5-8 hours of hike time. Difficult, uphill all the way out.
Total Weekend Mileage: 9-10 miles
Hike Difficulty Rating: Strenuous. There is significant elevation gain and loss of ~900 feet from trailhead to gorge, intermittent rocky terrain, and a possible 'high' water crossing to negotiate.
Please bring PLENTY of WATER, snacks, lunch, and the 10 essentials to bring on every hike. The 10 Essentials of Hiking - American Hiking Society Dress in layers. Headlight required.
6:00 a.m. central
Carpool from Walmart in Glasgow, 2345 Happy Valley Road, Glasgow, KY. Please indicate in the comments if you plan to meet in Glasgow, otherwise, we won't stop there!!!!
8:30 a.m. central
Or meet us at the trailhead, 2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta, TN.
RSVP with integrity. If you RSVP'D "Yes" and discover you cannot go, please change your RSVP to "No" so others aren't standing around the parking waiting on you.
Disclaimer: Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.20 attendees
Past events
500
