Heart of Carolina Hiking Group

If you're looking for an active crew that loves mixing hiking, biking, and outdoor adventure, you've found your trail! We're open to anyone {18 years} of age or older. Before lacing up your boots, please be sure to read and agree to follow our group rules and policies. Let the adventure begin!

🧭 1. Membership & Conduct Rules

• Profile Photo: Your profile must have a clear, recognizable, close-up photo of JUST YOU. No sunglasses, hats pulled low, or items blocking your face.
• Respectful Conduct: Treat all members with respect. Threatening, harassing, or disrespectful behavior of any kind (sexual or otherwise) will result in immediate removal from the group.
• Inclusivity: All members are welcome and wanted. Keep conversations tolerant and respectful of others' personal boundaries and privacy.
• Active Membership: Members who have not visited the group page in 6 months will be messaged about removal to keep the roster current, but you are always welcome to rejoin.
• Safety Removals: The leader reserves the right to remove any member whose behavior is deemed detrimental to the safety or overall well-being of the group. Banned members may not attend as guests.

🤧 2. Health & Attendance Policies
Health Policy

• Illness Policy: Do not attend any event if you are sick, recovering, or have symptoms of a contagious illness (COVID, Flu, Cold, etc.).
• COVID-19: If you have symptoms, test positive, or have had close contact, please refrain from attending until you are cleared and symptoms have fully resolved.

Event Sign-ups and Cancellations

• Show Up: If you RSVP 'Attending,' please honor your commitment and show up.
• Cancellation Notice: Change your RSVP to 'Not Going' at least 24 hours before regular events and 48 hours before special events. Exceptions should be rare.
• No-Show Rule: Accumulating 3 'No Shows' (failure to change RSVP or show up) will result in removal from the group.
• Waitlist: If you get promoted from the waitlist and can't attend, change your RSVP immediately to allow the next person in.

🚶 3. Hike Safety & Etiquette

• Stay Behind the Leader: Do not pass the designated hike leader. The entire group must stay together for safety.
• Check Out: If you must leave the trail or event early, you must inform the hike leader first.

🍃 4. Leave No Trace Policy

• Pack It In, Pack It Out: Everything you bring must be carried back out and deposited in a trash can. This includes all food waste like fruit peels and nutshells.
• Leave Only Footprints: Take nothing but memories and pictures. Our hikes are strictly Leave No Trace.

🐶 5. Dogs, Kids, & Costs

• Dogs: Generally welcome unless specified otherwise, but must be people-friendly and calm around other dogs.
• Dogs must be up-to-date on shots and wear a rabies tag.
• Use a leash no longer than 6 feet.
• Owners must clean up after their dogs.
• Kids: Not all events are kid-friendly; those that are will be clearly identified.
• Costs: Any associated event costs will be clearly indicated in the event description.

⚖️ 6. Liability Waiver
Participation is at your own risk. By joining and attending events, you waive any claims against, and agree to hold harmless, the Heart of Carolina Hiking Group, its organizers, and affiliates from all claims of liability for injury, death, or property damage related to your participation. This applies to you and any party who accompanies you.