The Northwest Georgia topography is made up of areas consisting of a series of broad, fertile valleys separated by ridges and narrow valleys and wooded ridges like Lookout Mountain. This type of land begs to be traveled by backpack and walking stick in the great outdoors. There are several hiking clubs in the area that offer the beginning hiker several options to go out yonder. The clubs, some of which are loose associations of friends, accept all levels of hiking ability.
Atlanta Single Hikers
Atlanta Single Hikers, or ASH, was created in 1995 for anyone 18 years or older, and aren't married and who want to enjoy and experience hiking. The club averages four hikes per month/12 people per weekend day hike. The group practices low-impact hiking, to minimize environmental damage and to enhance their enjoyment of the countryside.
The club does backpacking and overnight camping, along with whatever additional activities, such as canoeing, rafting, rock climbing, spelunking and mountain biking.
Atlanta Outdoor Club
The Atlanta Outdoor Club is another organization which likes to get back to nature. The group meets monthly to enjoy hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking and canoeing. There are 200 events a year hosted by the group and all activities are strictly voluntary. Members and non-members can also enjoy a monthly social to learn about club activities, upcoming events and meet and greet club officers.
Outdoor Adventure Club South
Some clubs offer day and night hikes, while others offer only day. The Outdoor Adventure Club South offers day and overnight hikes, road and mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing and other activities. Membership is free and anyone over the age of 21 can participate. The club holds monthly meetings where events are planned and club members can meet and greet.
Additional Information
The benefits of hiking clubs in Atlanta and north Georgia are better health, social interaction, outdoor adventure and membership within an organization of people whom share similar interests.
The networking aspect of the hiking clubs allows members to find out what similar clubs across the nation are doing and also to travel and interact with these clubs. The Atlanta Outdoors Club has links on its website to similar clubs in Toronto, Canada; Calgary, Canada and Maryland.
Atlanta Singles Hikers offers information on its planned hiking activities. It has a rating system to help hikers unfamiliar with trails. The ratings system lists trails as easy, moderate or strenuous.
Gear
Hiking doesn't have a high start-up costs. There are a few items that you will need when hiking. The Atlanta Outdoors Club has a checklist for hiking and other events. When hiking with the club members should have a daypack, sneakers for easy hikes or well-broken in hiking boots, snacks, whistle, canteens filled with water, flashlight, matches, wet weather gear, bear spray, insect repellent, first-aid kit, plastic garbage bag and toilet paper.
Atlanta Single Hikers and Outdoor Adventure Club South list similar hiking essential gear on their websites.
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