Outdoors/Nature/Hiking clubs?

[MikeBickerson]

One of my adventuring buddies was talking about how he thought we should join a nature or hiking club, some sort of organization that goes group hikes, canoeing, camping, and that sort of thing. He assumed that I'd know something about them since I've been going out in the woods for ages. I told him that yes, I do, and it's called the Boy Scouts (which I've been part of for 18 years). Outside of that, I am clueless.

So does anyone know of a club or organizations around here like that? Sierra Club or the like?

 

[davensj]

Why join one? If you can get enough people just create you own club or group.

 

[Gerania]

Ocean County Parks- A lot of their walks are short(er) but they offer a longer one once in a while. Their holiday hike was 8+ miles. Just checked the schedule, some nice ones coming up.

Outdoor Club of South Jersey- They have quite a few walks and hikes on the schedule. They also offer canoeing, camping among other things.

Audubon Society- Yes, they're mostly about birds but sometimes they offer walks featuring native plants and such. They have an office over on Rancocas Road. BTW, thats a nice property to walk around.

Friends of the Wissahickon- I just checked their site for a hike schedule (and wondered if they went elsewhere) and found a calendar of events in that park sponsored by quite a variety of clubs: Appalachian Mountain Club, Batona Hiking Club, Philadelphia Trail Club, Sierra Club and more. Some of those clubs might have an offering that you like.

 

[GermanG]

Hmmmm, now that you mentioned it, I just led the 7 mile Ocean Country Parks hike on the Batona Trail this Sunday. While the County's program isn't really a club, we do get quite a few regulars and lasting friendships have been made, which have spilled over to hikes and outings outside of the county-led ones. They are a bargain too. For 6 bucks, you can be driven to the far corners of the state and get a guided walk on an unfamiliar trail. With today's gas prices, the transportation alone is worth it. Go to www.oceancountyparks.org and click on "programs" for a list of hikes and other programs we offer.

 

[LongIslandPiney]

Here on Long Island we have the Greenbelt organization, I go on some of their hikes. http://www.hike-ligreenbelt.com/page/page/952893.htm

Most of the time though you're on your own with transportation, but the hikes are free.

 

[MikeBickerson]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions, I'm going to start looking into these...

Dave, I'd love to start my own club, and I know enough people, but many of my friends are flakes. We did have a really nice canoe trip at the end of the summer (eight people went). I'm pushing for a camping trip in the spring when they are all less likely to die, as few of my friends have experience hiking/camping/canoeing... which means all sorts of fun with left handed smoke shifters and noises in the dark...