North Carolina boasts four national forests with a total area of nearly 3 million acres. It also contains approximately 53 percent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If that isn't enough land for you, hike the 35 state parks, recreational areas and natural areas totaling 117,000 acres. With its rich and robust forests, lakes and beaches, North Carolina's hiking clubs encompass literally all walks of landscape.
Clubs
For the purists, join a hiking club with a sole focus on hiking. With at least 40 mountains in North Carolina and a number of mountain ranges that are part of the Appalachians, clubs take advantage of the higher elevations for their trips. The Pisgah Hikers is a small group with 100 members in Brevard, North Carolina. The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club based in Knoxville, Tennessee, hosts hikes in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. The oldest hiking club in western North Carolina is Carolina Mountain Club, based in Asheville. CMC organizes at least 175 hikes per year.
Social Clubs
If you're looking for a social club that also enjoys the outdoors and hiking, try Outdoor Adventure Club of the South or the Carolina Berg Wanderers. These two groups combine outdoor events such as kayaking, paddling, biking and skiing with social meetings such as dinner or a movie night to encourage members to stay active.
Try a female-only hiking club for women who enjoy the company of the same sex. The Charlotte Lady Hikers began in 2006. Mostly middle-aged women, the Charlotte Lady Hikers have three hiking groups within the club for various levels of fitness.
Challenges
Inspire yourself with one of the challenges set forth by hiking clubs in North Carolina. In order to join the Great Smoky Mountains 900 Miler Club, you must hike all Great Smoky Mountains National Park's maintained trails. Be warned, although it says 900 Miler Club, the average distance that most hikers hike to complete this challenge is around 1,500 miles. Upon completion of this challenge and after donating a small fee, you will receive a certificate, patch and a T-shirt transfer that says you made it.
Hike all 400 miles of the 120 maintained trails in the Pisgah District of the Pisgah National Forest alone or with a group and you will become a member of the Pisgah 400 Hiking Challenge. There is no time limit for completion, but you must log your hikes and mail them in to the Pisgah 400 program administrator to get recognition.
Nonprofit Organizations
Maintaining, conserving and preserving the trails in North Carolina ranks high on the agenda for nonprofit organizations, as well as many hiking clubs. It is imperative to retain the natural environment and to educate hikers on the importance of leaving no trace during their outdoor recreational activities. The Carolina Mountain Club advocates conservation of more than 400 miles worth of trails. Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy works on developing a regional network of continually protected farm, forest and natural land. Friends of North Carolina State Park contributes to keeping North Carolina state parks trails safe, as well as raising awareness to the importance of these natural areas. Other organizations include Friends of Dupont State Forest, Friends of the Smokies and Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail.
Warning
Be aware at all times during your hike. Know your fitness level. Dress appropriately in layers and wear long pants and high socks after July. Beware of stinging nettles, ticks, bears, poisonous snakes and slick spots. Stay with your hiking group.
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