Hiking - Enchantment

Welcome to Hiking Enchantment! We are a diverse group of hikers who love adventure and exploring the outdoors together. Whether you’re new to hiking or already experienced, you’ll find opportunities to discover new places and enjoy the natural beauty all around us while building meaningful, lifelong connections along the way. See you on the trail!

Hiking Locations:

Most of our outings take place within 30 minutes of Amherst, including the Mt. Tom and Holyoke Range, Mt. Toby, Amethyst Brook, Mt. Sugarloaf, and more. We also venture into Southern Vermont and New Hampshire and the Berkshires for some longer, more challenging hikes.

Membership Dues:

In order to offset the costs of hosting a group on Meetup, there is a $10 lifetime membership fee required in order to be a member of this group. The first six months are completely free and after that everybody is expected to pay this fee. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Hiker Rules/Expectations:

● Know and understand the Hiker Responsibility Code.

● Come prepared with the appropriate essential gear and clothing. For winter hikes, all attendees are expected to be prepared for slippery conditions and should have adequate traction.

● Understand the physical requirements of the hike and difficulty.  If unsure, you must reach out to the event host.

● Show up on time and communicate! Please plan on arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of the hike. Hosts will not wait - especially if they haven't heard from you. Please update your RSVP and message the host if your plans change.

● Guests are allowed, but please no dogs/pets.

● Understand you can be turned away if you are unprepared.

If you would like to become an event host, please reach out to Justin, Stuart, or Tom. The expectation is that event hosts will host one event per year in order to stay active as a host. If you are newer to the group, we may ask that you co-host a few hikes with an experienced leader.

Event Host Rules/Expectations:

● Post length, total elevation, and general terrain along with approximate difficulty of the hike when creating events.

● Provide a link to AllTrails (or similar) with the expected route.

● Ensure the group stays together. For large groups someone should be assigned to stay behind the group and ensure nobody gets separated. The group MUST WAIT at all trail intersections for everybody in the group.

● At the discretion of the host (and only if everybody agrees) large groups may be split into smaller groups. At no time should any hikers be left solo hiking any portion of a hike.

● In the event of an injury disabling a hiker from continuing, the hike is assumed to be over, and the group should work together to get emergency help if necessary and return safely to the trailhead.

RISK DISCLAIMER:

Please remember meetups are social events and not professionally guided trips. By participating in an event, you agree not to hold anybody responsible for injuries or accidents. Always come prepared and properly equipped. In the event of an emergency, your fellow members will do their best for you, but there is no guarantee any of the participants will have medical or rescue training.

By participating in a Hiking Enchantment event, you also acknowledge that you understand the level of difficulty and are physically capable, properly attired and have the necessary gear and supplies required for participation in this activity.

An RSVP of “Yes” or “Maybe” by group members and their guests to an event indicates that they acknowledge and agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizers and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage or personal injury, including those arising from negligence or any other cause.

You also agree to assume all risk associated with each meetup you attend and agree to know and follow the Hiker Responsibility Code.