What we’re about
The Hikes: Hikes are most commonly scheduled on the weekends in Durham, Wake or Orange Counties. Trail hikes in the woods are generally limited to a smaller size group. About halfway through the hike, we'll spend 10 minutes or so walking without talking. This just gives everybody a chance to notice the surroundings and enjoy some quiet.
Skill Level: No one will be left behind, but in general, hikers should be at an intermediate fitness/hiking level for trails that are unpaved. If you are a true beginner and you really want to get into hiking, please reach out to me directly. If you are a more advanced hiker and you would like to help organize longer hikes, please talk with me in person after one of our meetups.
Other Active Outdoor Activities: When possible, a picnic or a jump in a swimming hole will be incorporated into a hike, but will always be optional. On occasion, non-hiking activities will be offered to provide the chance to still be active & outside - 5K run/walks, trash pick-ups, etc. In many cases, these will allow for larger attendance and may even require a separate sign-up. Directions will be provided & creative suggestions are welcome.
Purpose of this Group: To foster a welcoming community that enjoys hiking, being active, and has an appreciation for nature. It can be a challenge to coordinate schedules with multiple friends in our personal lives. This format makes that piece so much easier and is largely why this group was created. If you haven't participated in a similar group in the past, know that it may take about 3 hikes or so before you really start to feel part of the group.
Even More Things to Note:
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There are other local hiking meetup groups for ages 20s-mid 30s and a lot for 50+ so hopefully this group fills the gap. If you are close on either end of the age spectrum but just out of range, know that you're still welcome to join.
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Kind humans/BIPOC/LGBTQ+/married/single - all warmly welcomed
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This group practices Leave No Trace so please take any trash with you or dispose of in a trash/recycle bin.
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Dogs welcome if permitted at the location. Please only bring your pup if they are on a leash and completely awesome with people and other dogs.
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Dates/times may change due to weather, trail conditions or other random factors. Kindly review any events that you're attending for the latest updates.
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The group roster will be reviewed a few times a year. If you haven't attended a hike within the past 6 months or so, your membership will be ever so gently removed, but please know you are welcome to rejoin at any time.
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We value fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and safe. If you have any issues or concerns, please let the group organizer know immediately, and we will take appropriate action to address the situation.
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To be respectful of the group, after 3 no-shows (rsvp-ing yes but not attending), the member will be removed from the roster without the option to rejoin.
Disclaimer:
Durham-Raleigh Hikes+ group organizer(s) assume no liability; participate at your own risk. By being a member of Durham-Raleigh Hikes+ "the group" you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any and all group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Run or walk: The Big Run 5K (3.1 miles)Eno River Farmers Market, Hillsborough, NC
Separate, additional $ registration required to participate in the race, see below.
What to know: This is not a hike but rather a community 5K that will help with conditioning for longer hikes in the future. The Big Run 5K (3.1 miles) will take place in downtown Hillsborough, NC on Wednesday evening, June 4, 2025. 5K starts at 6:30pm. Note: there is a Kids Run at 6pm which is 1/2 mile and is free. This particular meetup will allow for you to bring guests.
Course Info: The 5K course will start and finish near the Eno River Farmers Market Pavilion in downtown Hillsborough, NC. It will follow the Riverwalk east towards the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Tract, follows the trail through the woods to the speedway, laps around the speedway and finishes at the Farmers Market.
Skill Level: You may walk, run/walk, or run the whole race. I will be walking it at a decent pace so if anyone wants to plan to walk with me, you are welcome.
Meet up time: Show up at the meeting spot anytime between 5:30pm-6:15pm. As everyone will probably be participating at various levels, we'll simply have a group home base that you can come and go from.
Meet up location: Will update this as soon as I arrive at the race on race day as it's difficult to know where a good spot will actually be. If anyone is familiar with this race and has a suggestion, let me know.
***You must register yourself for the 5k in order to participate in the race: https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/NC/Hillsborough/thebigruncarrborodurham
- $40.00 Run Fee + $3.40 SignUp Fee
Parking: Parking is available in the Hillsborough Public Parking Deck behind the Weaver Street Market (please do not park in the lot in front of Weaver Street Market). You can then walk over to the start line at the Eno River Farmer's Market Pavilion (144 E Margaret Lane).
