There are several hiking clubs in the Baltimore area which allow members to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and into the fresh air on local or nearby hiking trails. Get fit and stay active while enjoying nature and camaraderie with your fellow club members. Many hiking clubs also sponsor additional activities such as canoeing and camping.
Club with Membership Dues
Pull on your hiking boots and join in one of the Mountain Club of Maryland's Wednesday or weekend hikes. The club organizes regular excursions throughout the year and all hikes are led by experienced hikers. Visit trails in local parks, national forests, state parks and national parks in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey and Delaware. Mountain Club of Maryland is the oldest hiking club in the state--it was established in 1934--and it is a volunteer association based in Baltimore. Hikers of all ages, skill and experience levels are welcome to join. Annual membership dues start at $13.33 per person as of 2010. Members volunteer to help maintain local trails as well as a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Additional club activities include tubing on local rivers, canoeing and camping.
Club with Free Membership
Hikers aged 18 and older are welcome to join the Maryland Outdoor Club. The club organizes approximately 100 different events each year with activities such as hiking, canoeing, tubing, climbing, running, spelunking, sailing and kayaking. Hikes vary in difficulty and are generally held in the state of Maryland. There are occasional trips to nearby areas. One of the club's excursions includes a strenuous hike in Shenandoah National Park, complete with rock climbing, steep elevations and walking along ledges. Other activities include biking along the 11-mile loop around BWI Airport, social events and more. The club is free to join.
Hiking Club for Dog Lovers
Whether you have a dog of your own or want to help shelter dogs in need of some exercise, consider joining the Maryland Sierra Club. The club sponsors a host of dog-friendly hikes such as evening hikes at the Baltimore SPCA--bring your dog or help the shelter exercise one of the dogs waiting to be adopted. According to the Maryland Sierra Club, dogs given regular exercise and socialization are more adoptable, making this an ideal opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to help a pooch in need.
Health Benefits of Hiking
If you enjoy what you're doing, you're more likely to engage in regular physical activity. According to the American Hiking Society, there are several health benefits associated with regular hiking. Joining a hiking club promotes going on regular excursions; which, in turn promotes weight loss, reduces the risk of heart diseases, lowers cholesterol and reduces blood pressure. Hiking also helps to increase your bone density, warding off osteoporosis.
Considerations
Always check with the club or hike's leader before bringing children or pets. Weather conditions can change at any time while you are hiking, particularly if you are on a day-long trip or hiking in higher altitudes, so dress accordingly. Most importantly, be sure to bring enough drinking water--a minimum of two quarts.
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