Who are you?  What do you Do?

We are not a club. We do not have a charter. We're not a legal entity. We're just a bunch of people that like to get together and share the enjoyment of being out in nature when we can. If you decide to attend a trip, you should understand the risks involved. If you get hurt we will help you out as best we can, but we are not responsible. (i.e. don't sue me) 

We do trips to various destinations a minimum of once a month. Most trips are weekend backpacking, but we do day hikes as well. Of course members are free to go whenever they like and are free to use the website and mailing list to promote their trip. This is your resource.

All georgiahikes trips are family friendly - which means that if you have kids that are prepared for the trail, they are welcome. Obviously, you make the call based on the trail length and difficulty as to how prepared they are. We will sometimes have trips specifically with kids in mind. Family friendly also means that we're not jerks. We show consideration for the other people that happen to be on the trip.

On trips, we have fun. That's important. This isn't the military and there is no one-upmanship (if that's even a word). If blisters are your merit badges, and you think that hiking should remind you of boot camp... this might not be the place for you.

On trips, we practice the "leave no trace" ethic to a reasonable extent. We pack out all trash we bring in and then some. We split up into small groups if there are several of us. We have campfires, not bonfires. You get the idea.. see http://www.lnt.org for more info.

Can I drink?
We don't beer camp. We're not opposed to an occasional adult beverage around the campfire, but let's be considerate of others. If your idea of camping involves being a loud and obnoxious drunk, being out of control, or falling asleep in your own vomit... this might not be the place for you.

What about Pets?
Pets are welcome, but under the following conditions.

• They are handled in accordance to the regulations of where we will be going. In most places, this just means they have to be on a lead. Check ahead of time.
• They play nice with other people, pets, and children
• You don't mind dealing with their poop. This usually means burying it as you would your own, but some areas have additional regulations. Again, check ahead of time.

On trips, we are prepared. We have the proper gear, level of fitness, and first aid supplies. We have a plan and we tell someone about it. Biting off much more than you can chew on a backpacking trip will not only make you miserable and increase the chance of injury, but you probably won't make too many friends that weekend.

When is the next hike?
The email list here is fairly quiet. It's used mostly for announcements about upcoming trips, website changes, etc. The bulk of the action is in the website forum. Stop by and introduce yourself.  Hikes are also posted on the main page above the trail talk poll, as well as on the calendar.

That's about it. Hope to see you on the trail.

-Brian