What we’re about
If you like doing things outdoors and getting a cold beer afterwards this group is for you! Much more than merely limiting the scope of what we do to “going on hikes and happy hours” (although don’t worry, we will do plenty of those things!) think of the name as a guiding philosophy meant to unite like minded people (if hakuna matata comes to mind, you are on the right track!).
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The goals of this group, which are closely inspired by the goals of the former “Hiking For Brews (Baltimore)” group, are bringing people together who share the common interest of loving the outdoors, to help form lasting friendships. We believe that while happy hours and similar events are great ways of meeting people, true friendships are formed through sharing common activities, and quite importantly, through sharing a common struggle. We will struggle together (okay, some hikes will be as easy as a "walk in the park") and we will celebrate afterwards!
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Our group places a strong emphasis on being inclusive of people of all fitness levels and welcoming newcomers. However, every now and then, we may go on more strenuous hikes that may not be appropriate for beginners, and we encourage you to consider your skill level and the event description before attending. However, regardless of your skill level, all are welcome!
Before attending any events, please make sure you read and understand our member rules / requirements listed below, so that everyone has a fun and safe time! We look forward to seeing you out there!
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Membership rules/Requirements
1) Prior Experience: This group is open to all fitness and prior experience levels. However, safety is of the utmost importance, and we require that all participants are medically and physically able to safely perform the activity in events which they participate in. You are responsible for knowing your own limits. The organizers and members of this group are just friends who love nature and a cold beer. We are not experts in any events which we host, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
2) Dog Policy: This is a dog-friendly group. We love puppies! However, some places we go to may not, so please refer to the specific event posting for information on whether dogs are allowed there.
3) Required Equipment: Participants should always bring along enough water and snacks as appropriate for the event, and wear the proper gear, which includes but is not limited to boots, sunscreen, etc. Don’t be that person who shows up in flip flops to a long hike! :)
4) Always Drink Responsibly
5) Follow our COVID 19 Guidelines posted below.
6) By participating and/or attending any of our events, your are adhering and agreeing to the rules described above along with our Legal Disclaimer and Release of Liability Statement:
LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
“Hiking and Happy Hours Baltimore” group and its event/assistant organizers (the "Organizers") are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. COVID 19 is dangerous. With any group activity there is a risk of contracting COVID 19. “Hiking and Happy Hours Baltimore” group of Meetup.com doesn't certify the expertise of the Organizers. The Organizers in this Meetup.com group are volunteers. You are solely responsible for yourself and your own safety. By participating in any event, you are representing that you are in an adequate state of health for the event, as determined by your physician, and will stop participating if you are no longer able to safely do so. Further, by participating in any of the group’s events, you agree to release “Hiking and Happy Hours Baltimore” group of Meetup.com and its Organizers from ANY responsibility, liability or claim in law or in equity. YOU AGREE NOT TO SUE AND TO RELEASE, DISCHARGE, WAIVE, HOLD HARMLESS AND TO INDEMNIFY “Hiking and Happy Hours Baltimore” GROUP OF MEETUP.COM AND THEIR ORGANIZERS FROM AND AGAINST ALL LIABILITIES, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, SUITS AND PROCEEDINGS, REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE, INCLUDING THE NEGLIGENCE OR CARELESSNESS OF ANY RELEASE, ARISING OR RESULTING FROM YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THESE EVENTS.
If you DON'T agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup group or attend any events of this group.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES
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- If you don't feel well, have a cough or cold, or may have been exposed to any type of flu in the last 14 days, please stay home.
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- Please maintain social distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart from each other at all times.
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- Please bring something to cover your face in case you are unable to maintain social distance such as passing on the trail, or there is an emergency, or you start coughing, etc.
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- Please follow all other guidelines recommended by the CDC for dealing with COVID 19
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- If you have any problem with the guidelines, please don't come.
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Thank you for your cooperation and please be safe!
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Old Rag Mountain Loop (Very Difficult) / Barking Rose Brewery2577 Nethers Rd, Etlan, VA
Sing it with me boys and girls: I will buy my day use ticket before the day of this event!! I'll explain below :). Anyway, this will be a 9.5 mile loop that has 2700 ft of elevation gain, so I'm rating this hike as "Painfully Awesome". The All Trails description includes the words "brutally awesome" so I promise I'm not making this up! Here is the link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/old-rag-mountain-loop-trail. Afterwards, we'll stop at Barking Rose Brewery for our much deserved after hike refreshment / pain relief: https://www.barkingrose.com/.
Because this is a more intense hike, please carefully read these notes below:
- This hike is about 2.5 hours away from Baltimore and 1 hour away from D.C, so please take this into account in your planning.
- Although this is far away, I am not going to organize a group car pool out of safety concerns. I won't stop people from organizing ride shares in the comments, but I highly encourage you to only ride with people whom you've met on previous hikes!
- This is a national park, so there is a $30 admittance fee, unless you have one of the year passes. The entrance pass may be purchased online at https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm or purchased at the entrance gate.
- In addition to the entrance fee, you must also buy a $1 Day Use ticket. For those of you not familiar, this is a program that the National Park Service started to help control the crowds at Old Rag and select trails in its vicinity. This must be purchased in advance and cannot be purchased in person. The same link provided for purchasing the entrance passes also contains a link for the Day Use ticket. Make sure that you either download a digital copy that is stored to your phone or print a paper copy, as the cellphone signal is spotty near Old Rag. Note that you may be required by a park ranger to show your confirmation of purchase along with I.D.
- Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
- We will only go on this hike if they weather is VERY good. Keep a careful eye on the comments before hand for weather related updates. If the weather is questionable, I will likely reschedule.
- There will be a rock scramble for a portion of it, so BOOTS ARE ESSENTIAL for this one. I also recommend gloves for the scrambles as well.
- Bring plenty of water and food (sandwiches, energy bars, fruit, etc). We'll stop and eat lunch at the summit.
- If it hasn't already been made clear, I want to emphasize that prior hiking experience is required to come on this hike. In general, I want this group to be a combination of easy hikes that are accessible to newbies as well as more strenuous ones for more advanced hikers. If you fall under the first category, please come to some of our easier hikes first before attempting this one!
POP QUIZ: What do you need to buy before the day of the event? I'll give you a hint, it rhymes with "Grey Goose Ticket".
RULES AND DISCLAIMER: If you attend this event, you must must agree to follow all of our rules on the main page and agree to the release of liability. The organizers in this group are not professionals and have no expert knowledge with regard to leading outdoor activities. Outdoor activities are inherently risky: hike at your own risk. Always drink responsibly!
