What we’re about
FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM - P.S. Hikers
If you'd like to be apart of our DISCORD channel please text MERB at 704-224-8559
We are a community of experienced hikers who enjoy exploring trails that range from moderate to challenging levels. While we welcome hikers of all backgrounds, our group typically gravitates toward more advanced adventures that require a solid foundation of hiking experience, endurance, and preparedness.
To support a wide range of skill levels, our hikes and trips are clearly categorized as Beginner/Easy, Moderate, Hard, or Expert. We offer plenty of variety in our schedule, so even if a moderate or hard trip doesn’t align with your comfort level, there are still opportunities to join us on easier adventures and grow at your own pace. We believe it’s essential for every hiker to take personal responsibility for knowing their own abilities and limitations—and to choose trips accordingly. Safety, preparation, and respect for the trail and fellow hikers are our top priorities.
Please note: For Expert-level hikes or multi-day backpacking trips, our leadership team may reach out directly if we feel the level of difficulty may not be a safe or appropriate fit for someone signed up. These conversations come from a place of care and commitment to ensuring a positive and safe experience for all.
We love nature deeply and believe everyone should have the chance to experience the joy, healing, and adventure it offers. Through our hikes, we’re not just exploring trails—we’re building a strong, inclusive outdoor community where all people are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to connect with the natural world.
** Special Notice: This group is NOT run by certified or professional mountain guides. The group leaders, Merb and Food Lion, do have a combined experience of over 20 years in the woods and on trails but are not held liable for any incidents, accidents or issues while on trail. PLEASE make sure you are able to handle the walk and read the disclaimer on every post **
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Charlies Bunion via the AT - ModerateNeeds location
** Follow us on instagram and tiktok at P.S. Hikers. If you'd like to be added to our community discord please message me at 704-224-8559*
This absolute beautiful stretch of the AT in the Great Smoky Mountains will blow your mind. It's about 4 hours from downtown Charlotte but is a hike you don't want to miss.
Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail is a great day hike along the summit Great Smoky Mountains. The route traverses multiple peaks including Mount Ambler, Mount Kephart, Masa Knob and terminates at Charlie’s Bunion. In this group we may go an extra mile or two before heading back.
It is highly recommended to carpool as parking is limited! Anyone who is attending this hike and driving will need to buy a parking tag for the GSNP parking time. You can pre purchase your parking pass by clicking here.
This hike is led by Merb. If you've regularly hiked with us the "moderate" level on this is compared to hikes such as the chimneys and dragons tooth. Please note any appalachian trail hiking is not easy.
Trail: Charlies Bunion via Appalachian
Difficult: Moderate
Distance: 8 miles - but we will likely add 1-2 miles making this 10-12.
Type: Out and back
Elevation gain: 2200 with the other mileage
Estimated Time: 4-6 hours depending on or group.
Meet up time: 9am
Hike start time: 9:15am
Meet at Trailhead: Use link here to access the trail head.“By RSVP’ing to this event, you are agreeing to the following:
TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY I fully realize that this activity involves a risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss of my person or property. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and same for persons with whom are in my party, waive and release any claims or rights against P.S. Hikers, all of its owners and coordinators for any and all injury, damages or loss to my person or property incurred during this activity. I also understand that organizers are not required, nor should it be assumed that they are CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Survival Certified and I am responsible for my own personal safety. Your RSVP indicates release of liability as indicated in the TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY above.”
- Wilburn Ridge via Appalachian Trail - ModerateNeeds location
** Follow us on instagram and tiktok at P.S. Hikers. If you'd like to be added to our community discord please text MERB at 704-224-8559**
Check out the wild ponies at the most famous Grayson Highlands. We offer this hike at minimum four times a year but hitting it in spring is an absolute must! You will see wildflowers, greenery, mountain views AND ponies. If we are lucky in this trip we might see some new baby ponies.
There is a small fee for entrance into the state park however if you have your REI receipt you can get in for free. Please consider paying the small fee if you do not regularly give donations to our state parks.
Trail: Wilburn Ridge via Appalachian Trail
Difficult: Moderate
Distance: 4.4 miles
Type: Out and back
Elevation gain: 889
Estimated Time: 3 hours, we can add mileage if we want
Meet up time: 11am
Hike start time: 11:15am
Meet at Trailhead use link here to access the trail head.“By RSVP’ing to this event, you are agreeing to the following:
TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY I fully realize that this activity involves a risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss of my person or property. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and same for persons with whom are in my party, waive and release any claims or rights against P.S. Hikers, all of its owners and coordinators for any and all injury, damages or loss to my person or property incurred during this activity. I also understand that organizers are not required, nor should it be assumed that they are CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Survival Certified and I am responsible for my own personal safety. Your RSVP indicates release of liability as indicated in the TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY above.”
