About us
This group is for folks 40+ who are new or are returning to hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and camping. Absolutely no experience is required, and all hikes are easy to moderate. Our hope is to foster a love of nature, a passion for being outdoors, and a spirit of camaraderie with like minded friends. This isn't a "singles" group; we welcome married, single, partnered folks and we celebrate diversity by being open and accepting to persons of diverse backgrounds.
Please check the rating for each event listed. If you are a fast hiker (a "rabbit"), you will hike up front at your own pace. If you are an average/moderate hiker (a "turbit"), you will hike in the middle of the pack at your own pace. If you are a slower hiker (a "turtle"), you will hike in the back at your own pace with the hike leader. Some hikes are only designed for turtles. If you are a Turbit or Rabbit, you may get frustrated by the slow pace. Some hikes are designed for Turbits and Rabbits; please don't sign up for those if you are a Turtle. Check the listing, ask the hike leader, and be honest about your ability.
We are volunteers and are not liable for your health, poor planning, accidents, or, yikes, death. By hiking with us, you agree you are in control of your abilities. Hike leaders may ask you to sign a release waiver, but, even if they don't, registering for the hike means you are releasing the event leader and MeetUp from all liability, including injury and death.
Attendance is important in case of emergencies on an adventure. Being a "no-show" means that another person couldn't attend. 3 "no-shows" will result in being removed from the group.
Hike Leaders:
**We are always looking for hike leaders. Please email Beth if you are interested!
Beth "Squeak" RG is the hike leader for "Turtle" hikes. She is a long distance backpacker on the Appalachian Trail, a Girl Scout Leader & Outdoor Adventures trainer, bagpiper, and the creator/organizer/leader for PA Restart and Palmerton Outdoors. Previously, when she lived in NJ, she was the CO of Restart New Jersey for 10 years. She is a member of the ATC, AMC, Sierra Club and is a past Board member of the Appalachian Long Distance Hiker Association. She serves as an Outdoor Leadership Trainer for the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA and volunteers yearly at Harriman State Park. She has a passion for getting "unlikely" hikers out onto the trail. Her hikes are always designed with new hikers in mind. Her hikes tend to be short (~ 3 miles) and are reasonably flat with smaller inclines. She also offers backpacking, camping, snowshoeing, and flat and Class 1 Rapid paddle kayak activities.
Heather O. is the hike leader for "Turbit" and "Rabbit" hikes. She has hiked and backpacked all over the world. Her hikes tend to be a little longer and rugged, but well worth the effort! She also maintains the attendance rosters for hikes.
Melinda and Rob are experienced hikers who have hiked all over the world and key spots in the United States. They like to create varied hikes for turbit and rabbit hikers. They are also usually found camping with the group campout events and are known for shenanigans involving umbrellas.
Army Jen is a US Veteran and leads overnight shakedown backpacking trips and multi-day hikes. She is a brilliant hike leader, and is super helpful to new people wanting to learn about backpacking.
There are other hiker leaders that volunteer to lead events. Please read their descriptions carefully :-)
Upcoming events
5
Loyalsock Link Spring Backpacking Trip
Loyalsock Trailhead Dutchman Falls, Mead Rd, Dushore, PA, US*Note that date has changed to a spring 2026 trip*
This is an overnight variation of the Loyalsock Link trip that our group has done in the past. We will be taking our time and doing this hike at a turtle pace, going slow, and having plenty of stops for rest breaks, photographs and taking in the joys of nature and scenery along the way.
Saturday, Apr 25 - meet at 9:00am at the Loyalsock Link Dutchman Falls trailhead parking lot (by the bathrooms) off Mead Road.
This is an in-and-out hike. Saturday's hike will cover up to 4.78 miles (possibly less) with an elevation gain of 285 ft. We will be paralleling Loyalsock Creek along the former Williamsport and North Branch Railway grade before joining the Loyalsock Trail. After we pass Rock Run Rd, there are several options for a campsite along Loyalsock Creek within the last mile of the hike. Water resupply is available from the adjacent creek.
Sunday, Apr 26 - We will pack up after breakfast and return along the same route - Alltrails map. If anyone is interested, there is an also option along a short side trail (with some descent/ascent) to see Dutchman Falls, near the parking area where we will return.
Interactive map of Loyalsock Link trail area
Download pdf of trail map and guide
Pennsylvania state forest rules and regulations
Campfires are typically prohibited at this time of the year, but I will inquire whether we are permitted to have campfires. I am a dog owner and pet lover, but furry companions should be left at home for this trip.
Moderate/intermittent rain will not cancel this trip, but a forecast of heavy, sustained rain/thunderstorms/high winds will. If this happens, I will let the group know the previous day.
Please bring everything you will need for an overnight backpacking trip. Beginner backpackers: a good resource is this backpacking checklist from REI. Please bring appropriate clothing and sleep system for a spring backpacking trip.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. On your person (not in your pack), please carry identification, an emergency contact, a list of allergies, medications, and medical conditions. Please let me know if there are any medical concerns that I need to be aware of as the trip leader.
By signing up for this hike, you realize that hiking poses risks and you are taking all responsibility for yourself and will not hold me or Meetup financially or legally liable for your health and safety. Injuries, including death, are your sole responsibility.
10 attendees
Past events
177
