About us
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.
Featured event
Black Friday Hike-Heritage and Green River Bluffs Trails at Mammoth Cave NP
Friday, November 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m. central (11:00 a.m. eastern)
Shopping not your thing? Need to burn off some of those extra calories you consumed on Thursday? Join us for a leisurely Black Friday Hike in Mammoth Cave National Park.
Meet at the kiosk in front of the visitor center. We'll check out the newly renovated Heritage Trail and visit the grave of reknown cave guide and explorer Stephen Bishop before winding our way down Sunset Point to where River Styx exits the cave. Then it's on to the River Bluffs Trail for a scenic overlook of the Green River and back to the visitor center. Approximately 2.5 miles. We can go farther if you like.
Your well-behaved dog on a leash is welcome.
Follow this link for a map of visitor center area trails: https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/maps.htm
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.
Upcoming events
4
Black Friday Hike-Heritage and Green River Bluffs Trails at Mammoth Cave NP
Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY, USFriday, November 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m. central (11:00 a.m. eastern)
Shopping not your thing? Need to burn off some of those extra calories you consumed on Thursday? Join us for a leisurely Black Friday Hike in Mammoth Cave National Park.
Meet at the kiosk in front of the visitor center. We'll check out the newly renovated Heritage Trail and visit the grave of reknown cave guide and explorer Stephen Bishop before winding our way down Sunset Point to where River Styx exits the cave. Then it's on to the River Bluffs Trail for a scenic overlook of the Green River and back to the visitor center. Approximately 2.5 miles. We can go farther if you like.
Your well-behaved dog on a leash is welcome.
Follow this link for a map of visitor center area trails: https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/maps.htm
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.
12 attendees
Return to Honey Creek Loop Trail, Big South Fork, TN
Honey Creek Loop Road, Honey Creek Loop Rd, Tennessee, TN, USSaturday, December 12, 2026. 8:00 a.m. central time (9:00 a.m. eastern)
Hike: We'll hike the Honey Creek Loop Trail in the Big South Fork National Recreational Area (BSF) in Tennessee. The National Park Service describes this trail as "the most challenging trail in Big South Fork. Along with the challenge come rewards for the hiker with the time and stamina to undertake the trip. The trail is 5.5 miles in length but requires extra time. Even experienced hikers should allow a minimumrenuous hike. Hazards include steep narrow trail sections, numerous creek crossings, slick boulders and confusing trail junctions. This hike is not recommended immediately following heavy rainfall..."
At one point the trail follows the creek by climbing through a small waterfall (depending on water levels). Wear hiking shoes and bring water shoes for creek crossings, a towel, and extra socks. It's a smart idea to have dry clothes in your vehicle that you can change into after the hike.
Distance: 5.5 challenging miles.
Meet: We will meet at 8:00 a.m. central time (9:00 eastern) at the Honey Creek Trailhead.
What to bring: Water, Lunch, and Snacks. Treat for ticks. If it's raining, bring rain gear. Carry a headlight or flashlight in your backpack just in case.
Dogs: Your well-behaved canine friends on a leash are welcome.
I plan to tent camp in the primitive Grassy area at RM Brooks General Store on the Thursday night before. Let them know you're with me. They will be open Wednesday to take your reservation.https://www.rmbrooksstore.com/?fbclid=IwVERDUASJNxtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6VlCjrnXL89FPNik7lch2arlBP4LSgdHPpxE5l9hXR_k0xi5BwmgjNiFfjcA_aem_rRvxUG8Lr6Yd6QiGeIUHzQ
Please RSVP with integrity. If you've signed up, then find you cannot attend, please change your RSVP to "No" so others may attend.
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 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 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.
19 attendees
Gentlemen's Swimming Hole and Meeting of the Waters Loop, Rugby, TN
Gentlemen's Swimming Hole TH, Robbins, TN, USSunday, December 13, 2026, 8:00 a.m. central (9:00 a.m. eastern).
If you are hiking Honey Creek and camping with us on Saturday, or even if you didn't, join us for a morning stroll along the Meeting of the Waters Loop and Gentlemen's Swimming Hole Trails in historic Rugby, Tennessee. We will begin at the trail head off Laurel Dale Cemetery Road and head counter-clockwise down to the meeting of the waters where White Oak Creek and Clear Fork River merge to form the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. The trail continues upstream along Clear Fork through thick mountain laurel and past rock formations to reach the Gentlemen's Swimming Hole where the early English gentlemen settlers of Rugby came to enjoy the cool waters of the river.
Rugby is a living Victorian village, originally founded in 1880 as the Rugby colony by British author Thomas Hughes. Come early and take a tour of Rugby starting at the Visitor Centre, Thursday through Saturday at 10, Noon, 2 & 4 and Sundays at 1 & 3 eastern time. Please call the office at (423) 628-2441 Ext. 1 before your visit to confirm cost and schedule. You might also enjoy staying at one of the restored homes or a meal from RM Brooks General Store (closed Sunday and Monday). Historic Rugby | A Living Victorian Village on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau
R. M. Brooks Store Today (rmbrooksstore.com)By committing to this event, you acknowledge you have read the following 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.
9 attendees
Past events
513
