Hiking can be a great way to keep in shape, get plenty of fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature. For those just moving to a new area, or even those simply wanting to expand their social circle, joining a hiking club can be a very effective way to meet people of similar interests while spending time outdoors. The state of Georgia is the beginning point for the Appalachian Trail, a trail through the Appalachian Mountains that runs from Georgia to Maine. Because of the trail, Northeast Georgia hosts many hiking clubs.
North Georgia Mountain Outfitters
The North Georgia Mountain Outfitters club in East Ellijay, Georgia, is sponsored by the store of the same name, and hikes are free. Rather than host a formal club, the store basically holds hikes and camping trips as an informal group, though the number of hikers allowed may be limited on some trips, so they recommend calling to RSVP as soon as possible. All gear and food that may be needed for a trip is available for rent or purchase from the store.
Atlanta Outdoor Club
The Atlanta Outdoor Club offers a variety of outdoor options to encourage physical fitness, such as extended backpacking and hiking trips. Other outdoor activities--which may or may not involve hiking--include caving (also known as spelunking), what water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. The Atlanta Outdoor Club also sponsors pro-green "environmental support projects," wilderness survival classes and many other events. The club is run by volunteers and is completely free to members of all ages.
Benton MacKaye Trail Association
Named after one of the founders of the Appalachian Trail, Benton MacKaye, and formed in 1980, this club is dedicated to maintaining the section of the trail that is named after him. Because of this, the group not only gets together to hike, but also to do service projects on the trail, working to clear obstacles like fallen trees and maintain the path. Members can take heart in the fact that they are contributing to the environment while also taking a measure for their health.
There is only one service trip and one hike per month offered by the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, however, community events are also posted at the site; so there are plenty of opportunities to get to know other club members and plan other hikes and camping trips. Membership is available to families, college students and adults, at varying membership fees.
Hotlanta Adventures
Citing its main goal as "fun, fitness and friendships," the Hotlanta Adventures club is a group for adults 18 years of age and over, up to around 50 years of age. The group engages in all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking and backpacking. Basic members do not pay a fee, but there are "supporting memberships" available, as well as "sustaining memberships." Supporting members receive a discount on group hike fees, and sustaining members get the discount and a subscription to "Outside" magazine. Other activities include spelunking, horseback riding and bicycling
Atlanta-Outdoor Club South
The Atlanta-Outdoor Club South is a social network that meets in person and online. Membership is free to all ages; and even includes pet friendly activities. The group focuses on hiking and backpacking, but also participates in myriad other outdoor activities, including horseback riding, rafting, boating and road and mountain biking. Atlanta-Outdoor Club South is member run, and the skill levels of the members ranges from beginners to experts.
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