Join A Hiking Club
Hiking is a great way to get moving with the added benefit of spending time in nature. The Louisville Hiking Club invites people to get outside and explore with a group of friends. Founded more than 95 years ago, the club meets each Saturday year-round to hike a local or regional trail and enjoy a meal after the hike.
“Our purpose is to have people enjoy nature while getting physical activity and enjoying each other’s company,” says Cindy Vaughan, a Louisville Hiking Club board member.
You can see what hikes are coming up on the club’s website, then you can just show up. When you join a hike, you’ll follow a hike leader who guides the group. Hikes are generally 5 to 6 miles long, but the group often offers a shorter version of each hike. After you complete two hikes with the group, you can opt to become a member. Members get weekly emails with information about upcoming hikes and events, invitations to weekend hiking trips that include an overnight stay, and invitations to special events such as the annual holiday party and Derby Day hike at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, Indiana.
Anyone is welcome to join a hike. “We are a very welcoming group,” Cindy says. “We watch out for new hikers and make sure they have everything they need to enjoy a hike with us.” Hiking gives you an opportunity to talk with others and to develop new friendships. “It is such a great opportunity to meet like-minded people,” Cindy continues. “When I think about it, a majority of my friends are from the Louisville Hiking Club.”
By Tami Pyles | Photo by Tim Foster
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