With four mountain ranges inside state lines--Blue Ridge, Uwharrie, Great Smokies and Unicoi, the highest peak in the Eastern United States--Mount Mitchell, the Pisgah National Forest and countless county parks with well-maintained and marked trails, North Carolina understandably draws many hikers. Formal hiking groups arrange day and overnight hikes for singles, couples and families across the state, with some hikes being more challenging and requiring more equipment than others. Joining groups like these is a great way to meet others with similar interests.
Triad Hiking and Outdoors Group (T-HOG)
Join this group by going to Meetup.com, where you can read about where it has hiked in the past and hikes planned for the future. A rather adventurous group with members from Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, Asheboro and the Triangle, T-HOG plans camping tips, kayaking, backpacking, trail running and other activities besides hiking. Though many singles are involved in this group, couples and families attend some of the meetups as well. Each meetup description notes the skill level and special equipment--if any--required and suggests a minimum fitness level for attendees.
meetup.com/Triad-Hiking
Carolina Berg Wanderers
Since the 1970s, the Carolina Berg Wanderers group based in Charlotte, N.C., have been organizing outdoor activities for its members throughout the state. Though hiking and backpacking outings are common, members can also participate in canoeing/kayaking, biking, skiing and whitewater rafting. Past events have also included rock climbing and orienteering. Single people old and young, as well as couples and families, are encouraged to attend these berg, German for "mountain," wanderings.
meetup.com/hiking-323
Mountain High Hikers
For those living in North Carolina's Clay and Cherokee counties, the weekly hikes organized by the Mountain High Hikers may be just what you're looking for. The group's mission is to organize hikes in the Southern Appalachian area and encourage members to become involved in trail maintenance and forest conservation. Each hike description includes approximate mileage and a terrain/footing rating of 1-5, and all hikes include a lead group for faster, more experienced hikers and a trail group for slower, beginner hikers, each with a separate hike leader. All interested hikers are required to attend three "guest hikes" before officially joining the group.
mountainhighhikers.org
Outdoor Club South
If you live in or near Asheville, N.C., consider joining Outdoor Club South, or OCS. Formerly known as Outdoor Adventure Club South, this group is for anyone who appreciates being outside, being active and having a good time while getting to know one another and the Southeast. People of all ages, genders and marital statuses are welcome--some events even include pets. Though hiking events are offered regularly, so are backpacking trips, camping, climbing, caving, road biking, mountain biking, hang gliding and horseback riding, as well as occasional music and beer festivals.
oacs-asheville.com
Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club
About 400 individuals, couples and families from the Piedmont area of North Carolina are a part of this all-volunteer group, which was founded in 1982. Member-led outings are offered each weekend on county-park hiking trails, on mountain ranges, near lakes and in out-of-state parks. A two-mile walk on a local greenway after work may be offered at the same time a week-long backpacking trip on the Appalachian range is planned.
www.piedmonthikingandoutingclub.org
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