
What weโre about
### ๐ฅพ Welcome to Our Purpose-Driven Hiking Club
We organize private, curated hikes, walks, and adventures organized by trained trail organizers โ built just for verified members. Events are shaped around groups of (3โ12 participants), with options for couples, families (including kids), seniors, and travelers in the club. One-on-one hikes are also available by request for members needing private pacing, mentoring, or recovery support. We hike with purpose not crowds.
๐This is a private club โ ๐not a public RSVP group. All hikes or walks adventures etc. are arranged directly through message-based coordination and an attendance request form not RSVP's.
No crowds. No party scenes. No swiping. Just structure, peace, and connection โ rooted in safety and respect for nature.
โ
Group hikes (3โ12 verified members) โ built for couples, friends, or travelers within the club โ all guided and custom
โ
One-on-one hikes available by request โ for private pacing, mentoring, or recovery support
โ
Veteran-Led, Community-Open Outdoors & Music Spaces
Led by active-duty military and combat veterans, this community is open to the general public and welcomes people of all backgrounds. We are veteran-supportive, faith-friendly, beginner-welcoming, and inclusive of seniors, families, and children. No military experience is required โ just respect, presence, and a willingness to participate with care.
โ
Training and mentorship opportunities for all levels
โ
Leave No Trace aligned + permit-compliant
โ
Quiet scenic loops, beach walks, and reflective trail resets
โ
Experienced hikers and newcomers alike โ structured outings without crowds or chaos
### ๐งญ Areas Covered (Based on Travel Time)
๐บ๏ธ Weโve mapped out some great spots, well-scouted by our club, categorized by how far members are willing to travel:
Local (15โ30 minutes) โ Moorestown, Rancocas Woods, Pennsauken trails, Palmyra Cove Nature Park
Mid-range (1โ2 hours) โ South & Central NJ, Wharton State Forest, Wissahickon Valley (PA), Avalon/Stone Harbor beach walks, Batsto Village, Valley Forge
Extended range (2.5โ4 hours) โ Delaware Water Gap, Poconos, Catskills, northern PA ridgelines, Black Rock Forest State Park NY, Harriman State Park NY, Hudson Highlands State Park NY, Storm King State Park NY major NJ/NY/PA scenic routes and state parks
โจ And many more depending on season, interest, or request
โก๏ธ View Additional Hiking & Nature Spots (continuously updated)
๐ Timing
Totally flexible depending on weather and interest
Hikes can range from quick 1-hour walks to full-day adventures
Open to weekday or weekend meetups
***
### ๐ Logistics
Open to carpooling or meeting at the location.
Happy to recommend what to bring or how to prep for trail conditions.
Transit Access:
We offer multiple carpool options. One hub is directly connected to the River Line Light Rail station, River Line Light Rail, making public transportation a smooth option for those arriving by public transportation, others are available as well.
- River Line Light Rail: Local NJ rail line that serves many nearby trail areas
- PATCO Speedline: High-speed rail from Philadelphia to South Jersey โ connects at the Broadway/Rand Transportation Center (also a River Line station)
- Amtrak: National rail service โ connect with River Line at Trenton Transit Center for long-distance coordination
- NJ Transit Trip Planner: Plan your full route using rail, bus, and transfers across NJ and into PA/NY
๐Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
- Philadelphia subway, trolley, and Regional Rail network
https://www.septa.org
PATCO Speedline
Direct Philadelphia โ South Jersey rail access
https://www.ridepatco.org
Amtrak
Intercity rail via Philadelphia 30th Street Station and NJ hubs
https://www.amtrak.com
๐ New York Park Access (Train-Supported Hikes)
- Metro-North Railroad โ Hudson Line
https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad
Serves Beacon, Cold Spring, and Garrison
โ Primary access for Hudson Highlands State Park, Storm King State Park, and nearby Black Rock Forest trail connections
- NJ Transit / Metro-North โ Port Jervis Line
https://www.njtransit.com/port-jervis-line
Serves Tuxedo, Sloatsburg, and Suffern
โ Direct rail access to the west side of Harriman State Park
Let us know if youโre arriving by public transit โ weโll coordinate the meetup, timing, and trailhead accordingly.
***
๐ How It Works:
We donโt post public RSVP events. Every walk, hike, adventure etc., or event is customized and pre-arranged. We donโt use RSVPs. All coordination runs through our Universal Request Form.
๐ https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7
Use the form to request or offer:
- ๐ Carpool seats or a pickup point
- ๐ Lodging or shared cabin options
- ๐ฅพ Hikes, training, or adventure ideas
- โ๏ธ Gear support, safety help, or coโhosting
- โ๏ธ And anything else
We shape events around the members who show up and been identified and verifiedโ not a fixed calendar or RSVP's.
โก๏ธ Learn how to join a hike:
Welcome & How It Works Guide
โก๏ธ Review required safety rules and disclaimer:
Safety Policy & Trail Conduct
๐งญ Start Here: Orientation & Safety Materials
Before your first hike or training, all members must review the following:
๐ Welcome to the Hiking Club
๐ Hiking Safety & Gear Checklist
โ
Pre-Hike Checklist
๐ข Hiking Essentials & Emergency Whistle Guide
๐ชจ**Cairns & Trail Markers โ What They Are and Why They Matter**
๐ Trail Club Lodging, Hotel, and Ride Policy
๐ ๐ซ No Alcohol or Substance Use Policy
๐ ๐ซ Activism & Political Endorsement Policy
๐ Member Verification Policy & Zoom Check-In Form
1๏ธโฃ Fill Out the Verification Form
This step confirms basic identity & health/safety info so we can ensure a safe & aligned experience for everyone.
๐ Hiking Club Verification Form
https://forms.gle/g1YCxq6REtby9v1m7
Link not working ๐ Hiking Club Verification Form:
Copy & paste into your browser โ https://forms.gle/g1YCxq6REtby9v1m7
๐ Donโt Have a Google Account?
Youโll need one to access the verification form linked above.
Create one here (free and quick):
https://accounts.google.com/signup
If you need help setting up an account, message us โ weโre happy to assist.
๐ Note: Youโll need to sign in with a Google account to access this form.
If you donโt have one, create one here: https://accounts.google.com/signup
Link not working ๐ Create a Google account :
Copy & paste into your browser โ https://accounts.google.com/signup
( If you need help making an account let us know)
This helps us protect the space, verify submissions, & match you to the right trail circles.
๐ Prefer Paper? You Can Now Print & Email Your Verification Form
Some members have asked for an offline option โ so here it is:
You can now download, print, and fill out the New Member Verification Form by hand and email it back to us. ( No google sign in required)
โ
Hereโs How:
Download the printable form here:
๐https://docs.google.com/document/d/10lRlggkSOmspOS2rusYTr6PhYLXOowRQ/export?format=doc
2๏ธโฃ๐ Required Form: Trail Energy & Safety Intake Form ( No google sign in required)
๐ Must be completed before attending any hike, event, or training.
๐ No login needed โ open to all.
๐ Fill out the form (10โ15 min)
๐ Prefer paper? Email the printable version to:
hikingexpeditionadventures@gmail.com**
๐ Link not working
๐ Required Form: Trail Energy & Safety Intake Form
Copy & paste into your browser โ https://forms.gle/9k9ddFKMouBv7KtP8
๐ Prefer Paper? You Can Now Print & Email Your Trail Energy & Safety Intake Form
Some members have asked for an offline option โ so here it is:
You can now download, print, and fill out the Trail Energy & Safety Intake Form by hand and email it back to us. ( No google sign in required)
โ
Hereโs How:
Download the printable form here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gIb3ELqEWKVJKZck_45sXs86NRKYoCGK/view?usp=sharing
๐ Need help scanning or emailing it? Just message us โ weโve got you.
๐ A quick Zoom check-in will still follow once your form is reviewed.
๐ง Having trouble with a link?
DM the admin or email us at hikingexpeditionadventures@gmail.com** to report a broken link or get direct access.
3๏ธโฃSchedule a Quiet Zoom Check-In
A short 1-on-1 chat (under 15 minutes) to ask about what youโre looking for, what kind of support feels right, and where youโd feel most at home.
No pressure. No performance. Just space to be seen.
You can also send what youโre looking for, what kind of support feels right, and where youโd feel most at home. Thatโs okay too, however a zoom meeting is required prior to attendance โ just let us know and weโll work with you quietly.
These links explain our trail process, safety expectations, gear requirements, and how we match people with the right trail energy.
๐ช We hike with preparation, not performance. Show up ready โ and at peace.
๐ Want to understand how and why we operate this way?
Read the Strategic Operations Brief to learn about our structure, our choice to avoid open RSVPs, and the values behind how we build trust, safety, and leadership on the trail. Itโs not just hiking โ itโs protection, clarity, and peace.
***
๐งญ Want to Hike?
### ๐ We donโt build a static calendar and expect you to squeeze in.
We shape each step around our members.
We donโt post-and-hope or guess whoโll show up โ we verify identity, review intake forms, and coordinate based on what you share.
We customize each step based on what members share in their intake forms.
Thatโs how we shape safer hikes, pace, events, and circles etc., โ built with Presence & Purpose.
To participate in any private hike, trail session, or adventure:
- Complete the Two Required Forms
๐ก Hiking Club Verification Form
๐ฅพ Trail Energy + Travel Intake โ Member Check-In
(Printable versions available โ just ask.)
2. Schedule a Brief Zoom Check-In
This helps us align pace, goals, and trail circles based on your form responses.
3. Fill Out the Universal Request Form
๐ https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7
๐ Already completed Steps 1 & 2?
Skip straight to Step 3 โ just use the Universal Request Form to request or coordinate your next hike, event, or session.
We donโt build around RSVPs โ we build around you.
***
### Weโll coordinate tailored to your vibe, not the crowd.
***
๐ซ Note to Visitors
We cap RSVPs to protect event quality and ensure purposeful coordination.
If youโve been waitlisted, complete the Universal Request Form ๐ https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7 with your trail goals or adventures. Weโll connect you directly if aligned.
(Forms and steps above must be completed first.)
Upcoming events
116

๐ ๐ฅพWe donโt wait until they show up to find out โ we verify and vet first.๐ก๏ธ
Location not specified yet๐๏ธ โ No RSVP required ๐ This is not a live event โ itโs an announcement drop for all members
This isnโt a casual RSVP group โ and we donโt wait until someone shows up to find out who they are.
Every member is verified and vetted before joining our private hikes, adventures, events, overnight outings, training, lodging etc., or co-hosting circles.
No RSVPs โ all requests go through the Universal Request Form
๐ https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7
We shape events around the members who show up and been identified and verified ๐ก๏ธโ not a fixed calendar or RSVP's.
๐ This is a private club โ not a public RSVP group.
All hikes and walks are arranged through direct coordination and our request form, not RSVPs.
No crowds. No party scenes. No swiping. Just structure, peace, and connection โ rooted in safety and respect for nature.
โ Group hikes (3โ12 participants) โ for couples, friends, or travelers visiting the region โ all guided and custom
โ One-on-one hikes also available for members needing private pacing, mentoring, or recovery support
โ Training & mentorship available
โ Leave No Trace + permit-aligned
โ Quiet hikes, scenic loops, or beach walks
โ Active Duty and Combat Veteran leadership - Veteran-supportive, faith-friendly, and beginner-welcoming
โ Experienced hikers looking for structured outings without Meetup chaos
***
### โ Step 1 โ Fill Out the Verification Form
๐ https://forms.gle/Ego2xMZP5mFyjo2Z7
๐ Youโll need to sign in with a Google account.
๐ Donโt have one? Create one here
Need help? DM the Scheduling Admin โ weโll walk you through it, no pressure.
๐ Prefer Paper?
๐ Download Printable Version (No Login)
๐ฅพ This helps us protect the space and match you to the right trail circles.
***
### ๐ Required Form: Trail Energy & Safety Intake
๐ Must be completed before attending any hike, training, or overnight event.
๐ No login needed โ open to all. Takes 10โ15 minutes.
๐ Complete Online (No Login)
๐ Download Printable Version
๐ง Email your completed form to:
hikingexpeditionadventures@gmail.com
Having trouble with a link or upload? Just message us.
We'll get you through it โ or send a direct copy.
***
### โ Step 2 โ Zoom Check-In (Under 15 Minutes)
This is a quick conversation to understand:
- Your goals
- Pacing & trail comfort
- Any support needs (gear, travel, etc.)
๐ฅ Itโs not a test โ itโs how we match you to the right outing or group.
If you're not able to speak live, you may send info first โ but a Zoom check-in is still required before joining hikes.
***
### ๐งพ Already Verified?
If youโve hiked with us or checked in recently, you might already be good to go.
โ Look for a Verified badge, DM confirmation, or note in the group post or event details.
๐๐ก๏ธ Badge confirms weโve got basic safety info and alignment in place. ( Members that been verified it will be noted in discussion's and when they are mentioned a verified badge will occur. ) For example Mary ๐ก๏ธ West Berlin, NJ Joined Meetup on Sep 2006. , Will Washburn ๐ก๏ธCentralia, IL Joined Meetup on Oct 2018, ๐ก๏ธJim New York, NY Joined Meetup on Feb 2016, ๐ก๏ธJoseph Caruso Allentown, NJ Joined Meetup on Dec 2021 etc.
( Note: These are just a few example's)
Not sure? Just ask.
***
### ๐ฉ Ready to Begin?
1๏ธโฃ Submit both forms
2๏ธโฃ Message Me or the Scheduling Admin by DM:
> โIโm ready for my check-in.โ
Weโll take it from there.
***
### ๐ฏ Presence Over Pressure
Thatโs the promise โ and these steps help us keep it strong, clean, and safe.
No chaos. No guessing games.
We donโt post hikes and hope. We shape them around those who step forward.2 attendees
๐ก๏ธ Verified Hiking Club โ Safer, Cleaner, Private Hikes
Location not specified yet### Most groups let anyone click RSVP. We donโt.
Thatโs how strangers, drama, and unsafe people slip in.
We verify every member ๐ก๏ธ
โ so when you hike, you know exactly whoโs beside you.
No chaos. No guessing. No clout-chasing. Just organized, grounded hikes shaped around you.
โ Group hikes (3โ12 verified members) โ built for couples, friends, or travelers within the club โ all guided and custom
โ One-on-one hikes available by request โ for private pacing, mentoring, or recovery support
โ Veteran-Led, Community-Open Outdoors & Music Spaces
Led by active-duty military and combat veterans, this community is open to the general public and welcomes people of all backgrounds. We are veteran-supportive, faith-friendly, beginner-welcoming, and inclusive of seniors, families, and children. No military experience is required โ just respect, presence, and a willingness to participate with care.
โ Training and mentorship opportunities for all levels
โ Leave No Trace aligned + permit-compliant
โ Quiet scenic loops, beach walks, and reflective trail resets
โ Experienced hikers and newcomers alike โ structured outings without crowds or chaos
๐บ๏ธ Weโve mapped out some great spots, well-scouted by our club, categorized by how far members are willing to travel:
Local (15โ30 minutes) โ Moorestown, Rancocas Woods, Pennsauken trails, Palmyra Cove Nature Park
Mid-range (1โ2 hours) โ South & Central NJ, Wharton State Forest, Wissahickon Valley (PA), Avalon/Stone Harbor beach walks, Batsto Village, Valley Forge
Extended range (2.5โ4 hours) โ Delaware Water Gap, Poconos, Catskills, northern PA ridgelines, Black Rock Forest State Park NY, Harriman State Park NY, Hudson Highlands State Park NY, Storm King State Park NY major NJ/NY/PA scenic routes and state parks
โจ And many more depending on season, interest, or request
โก๏ธ View Additional Hiking & Nature Spots (continuously updated)
๐ Timing
Totally flexible depending on weather and interest
Hikes can range from quick 1-hour walks to full-day adventures
Open to weekday or weekend meetups
***
### ๐ Logistics
Open to carpooling or meeting at the location.
Happy to recommend what to bring or how to prep for trail conditions.
Transit Access:
We offer multiple carpool options. One hub is directly connected to the River Line Light Rail station, River Line Light Rail, making public transportation a smooth option for those arriving by public transportation, others are available as well.
- River Line Light Rail: Local NJ rail line that serves many nearby trail areas
- PATCO Speedline: High-speed rail from Philadelphia to South Jersey โ connects at the Broadway/Rand Transportation Center (also a River Line station)
- Amtrak: National rail service โ connect with River Line at Trenton Transit Center for long-distance coordination
- NJ Transit Trip Planner: Plan your full route using rail, bus, and transfers across NJ and into PA/NY
### ๐ New York Park Access (Train-Supported Hikes)
- Metro-North Railroad โ Hudson Line
https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad
Serves Beacon, Cold Spring, and Garrison
โ Primary access for Hudson Highlands State Park, Storm King State Park, and nearby Black Rock Forest trail connections
- NJ Transit / Metro-North โ Port Jervis Line
https://www.njtransit.com/port-jervis-line
Serves Tuxedo, Sloatsburg, and Suffern
โ Direct rail access to the west side of Harriman State Park
Let us know if youโre arriving by public transit โ weโll coordinate the meetup, timing, and trailhead accordingly.
Let us know if youโre arriving by public transit โ weโll coordinate your hike meetup accordingly.
โ ๏ธ Due to the overwhelming number of new member requests and the time required to carefully verify each one, we are limiting new memberships to 2โ3 per week. Once these spots are filled, requests roll over to the next intake.
๐ This Is a Private Club Anchor โ Not an RSVP Event.
RSVP alone does not confirm access.
๐ Apply here โ https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7
We hike with purpose โ not crowds. ๐ฃ2 attendees
๐ธ Trail Reflections & Photo Circle (Recurring Post)This is an ongoing space for
Location not specified yetThis is an ongoing space for members to share:
- ๐ฅพ Photos from hikes (with our club or on your own)
- ๐ฒ Reflections, stories, or trail notes
- ๐ Favorite spots youโve explored recently
Itโs not an RSVP hike โ think of it as our clubโs bulletin board for memories, inspiration, and check-ins.
### ๐ฌ How to Share
- Comments โ Scroll down to the โDiscussionโ section under this event. Type your reflection or story and hit Post.
- Photos โ Click the camera ๐ท icon or Add Photo button in the discussion area. You can upload trail pictures directly from your phone or computer.
- Replies โ Want to respond to someone else? Hit Reply under their comment to keep the thread organized.
๐ Tip: Keep locations general (no exact trailheads or personal info). This is a safe circle, not a public log.
***
โ ๏ธ Important Note
- Members are welcome to share photos or reflections from hikes theyโve done with other groups or friends.
- This is not an endorsement nor does our club endorses or verify groups or their members.
- Our verification ๐ก๏ธ applies just within this Hiking Club.
***
๐ Reminder
To request or join private hikes, resets, or training sessions Etc., please use the Universal Request Form:
๐ https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7
***
โ Verified members ๐ก๏ธ may also share from private hikes inside our circle โ just keep locations safe and respectful.
This is about presence, not performance. One photo, one story, or one honest reflection at a time keeps the trail energy purposfull. ๐2 attendees
โขOnline๐ Member ID Verification Required
OnlineThis is not a hike or outing โ this is a weekly club announcement to keep all members informed about how participation works.
Some Meetup groups do not require ID verification. This club requires full ID verification and alignment screening before participation in private hikes, training sessions, overnight events, or any co-host role. This standard supports safety, trust, and clear coordination.
โ ๏ธ Why We Do This
Meetup does not verify members. Anyone can click to join. Thatโs why we use our own system โ to keep this circle safer, grounded, and trustworthy.
๐ Required Steps for All Members
1๏ธโฃ Hiking Club Verification Form โ https://forms.gle/g1YCxq6REtby9v1m7
2๏ธโฃ Trail Energy + Travel Intake โ Member Check-In โ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IpBD2Jjvf1GuWA_ZRQLEbVI-97zaX9xT3kXbn2vDyNg/edit
3๏ธโฃ Quick Zoom check-in (5โ10 min)
๐ After that, all hikes, training, and sessions are requested through the Universal Request Form โ https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7
๐ Grace Period
- Existing members who have not completed the process will also receive a final cut-off date.
๐ฟ Why It Matters
We donโt build things around random RSVPs on an appโ we build everything including hikes and training around verified, aligned members. This keeps the club safer, clean, and purpose-driven.
As the organizer, Iโm responsible for keeping this space clearer, more consistent, and safer for everyone. I went through the full verification process myself โ including providing my Social Security number โ but members do not have to provide theirs. Our forms confirm identity and alignment without requiring sensitive details like SSNs, so the process makes the club safer, fair, and more trustworthy for all involved.
๐ Note: No Social Security number is required. Our forms just confirm identity and alignment to help make the club safer for everyone.
โ ๏ธ We donโt guess whoโs showing up โ we verify it.
๐ Reminder on Process & Verification
Meetup has verified us as organizers, but people who RSVP through Meetup are not verified by default placing us and others at risk.
Even if Meetup had screening in place, they do not share that with organizers โ therefore in most cases, there is no verification happening on their end at all.
Thatโs why we use our own system: required Verification Forms and the Request Forms for everything we are doing. This way, events are shaped around trusted members, not just open RSVPs on some app.
๐ This Is a Private Club โ Not an RSVP Group
Thank you for your presence and commitment ๐
โ Joey De ๐ฟ
Organizer โ Hiking Club2 attendees
Past events
1531
