Howker Ridge to Mt Madison

Event Organizer: Conor Rafferty 803 0811 in area code 908

This hike is considered ADVANCED because of distance, elevation gain and pace. Read the entire description before you RSVP to this event. If you underestimate the demands; overestimate your knowledge, experience, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself and others at risk. Consider this before you RSVP.

== What We're Doing ==

The road less traveled up Mt Madison. Howker Ridge has a series of small rocky bumps on the way to the summit, with great views. On the way there, the trail passes several cascades as well as views into "Devil's Kitchen" ravine. The trail will be rugged, 4200' elevation on a 7.5 mile round trip. It should take about 9 hours.

We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. This is intended as a conversational-pace hike. We're getting an early start to avoid parking congestion.

If you are interested in participating in this event sign up for the waiting list. I will add people that answer the questions that are part of the RSVP process.

The maximum group size for this trip will be 8 people.

Guests aren't permitted.

Dogs... probably are not a good idea on this one.

=== What to Bring ===

A good gear list is here. Also bring a sense of humor, a story and a smile. And don't forget a banjo.
• https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/outdoor-resources/three-season-hiking-and-backpacking-gear-list/

Do not rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or on the trail. You should know how to use all of your equipment - test it for fit prior to this trip.

=== Directions ===
Meet at the Randolph Trailhead (short distance east of Appalachia, about 10 cars capacity).

=== RSVP Instructions ===

RSVP Process: You will be asked one question after you click "YES" for this event - "Did you read the entire event description? Did you spot the silly item? What hikes have you done in the last three months? What is your cell number for last minute arrangements? " Stay under the 250 character limit, otherwise Meetup will drop your response and I won't know you are signed up. You can always direct message me for more info / questions. Meetup can take hours to forward messages, so SMS/text is much better for last minute hiccups.

=== Random Group of Hikers Disclaimer ===

As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hike Safe Responsibility Code (http://www.hikesafe.com/); the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.