Any tips for finding hiking partners?

I am already a member of the local AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) chapter and go on their trips when they have things going on and I don't have other obligations, but would like to organize my own trips sometimes with one or two other people (and not be the only female in the group--that makes me nervous). However, my problem is that most of my friends aren't into hiking or are interested in just short hikes rather than sometimes going all day like I like to do, and I haven't even had many responses to my posting on the AMC Yahoo group. This is frustrating because it means I hardly ever get out lately. Does anyone have any other suggestions for finding local people who'd be interested in getting together to hike? I've seen people post things like this on craigslist but am not sure how safe that is; I don't want to get into any sketchy situations! What has worked for any of you who have looked for people to do activities with?

Guess I've always been a brazen fool and gone off on my own. Never let "no one to go with me" stop me. Figured if I waited for someone, I'd never get anywhere.

Is there a hiking/climbing store in your area? Hang a business card on the bulletin board - "Looking for Hiking buddy". Or see if there are other type cards on the bulletin board.

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Originally Posted by bmccasland

Guess I've always been a brazen fool and gone off on my own. Never let "no one to go with me" stop me. Figured if I waited for someone, I'd never get anywhere.

Is there a hiking/climbing store in your area? Hang a business card on the bulletin board - "Looking for Hiking buddy". Or see if there are other type cards on the bulletin board.

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I've thought about saying "the heck with it" and going on my own, but I just think it's safer to use the buddy system (not only because of possible weirdos but also just because of the possibility of falling down and getting injured). Plus, that policy avoids getting a bunch of grief from my parents. However, it does make things frustrating for the reason you mentioned "if I waited for someone I'd never get anywhere"--that is my problem. There are a couple of stores in the area (New England Backpacker and EMS) so that's an idea.

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Originally Posted by Jolt

Does anyone have any other suggestions for finding local people who'd be interested in getting together to hike? I've seen people post things like this on craigslist but am not sure how safe that is; I don't want to get into any sketchy situations! What has worked for any of you who have looked for people to do activities with?

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Why not post a hike here? Lots of us cross-train.

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Originally Posted by Trek420

Why not post a hike here? Lots of us cross-train.

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Good idea, maybe I should post a message to find out who else is around this area and would be interested in setting something up.

IMO, looking specifically for compatible activity partners is about as painful as dating. :o

I think that classes are a great way to meet people whether we're talking about activity partners, romantic interests, or whatever. A class creates an low-pressure environment where you work with your classmates and get to know them. If you find that you enjoy working with some of the people in your class you can continue to meet up with them afterwards. If you find that you don't like them, you don't have to see them ever again. :p

Maybe you could look around for clinics or community college classes for outdoor skills like wilderness first aid, etc. You'll have a good chance of meeting someone likeminded about hiking and then you can branch out from there. Worst case scenario - you'll walk away with more knowledge and experience. :)

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Originally Posted by Dianyla

IMO, looking specifically for compatible activity partners is about as painful as dating. :o

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The one thing that frustrates me in this sport, well two, everything starts so dang early in the morning :rolleyes: is the pace thing:

She rides 16-20 mph
I ride 13-15 mph
You like 20 mile rides
I like 30-50 but ...I have an injury so let's do a shorter ride but with hills
This one doesn't like hills
That one thinks if it's flat might as well not go and so on.

Finding an established group will be easier.

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Originally Posted by Trek420

The one thing that frustrates me in this sport, well two, everything starts so dang early in the morning :rolleyes: is the pace thing:

She rides 16-20 mph
I ride 13-15 mph
You like 20 mile rides
I like 30-50 but ...I have an injury so let's do a shorter ride but with hills
This one doesn't like hills
That one thinks if it's flat might as well not go and so on.

Finding an established group will be easier.

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Yeah, that is a problem when it comes to hiking too! Usually the group trips I go on tend to move more slowly and make more stops than I would like; it seems like a smaller group would have less of this issue if people are in decent shape.

Check with rangers or others involved the the areas you intend to hike in. Some of our state parks have volunteer associations tied to them (because the state can't afford to pay all the employees they need) that lead hikes where you could meet a hiking partner. Other groups that lead hikes are native plant societies, bird watching groups, and community colleges sometimes have classes that go in the field to study their subjects (usually, plant, animal or geology related).

Or, alternately, a hiking-specific website. I have had much good luck with a climbing forum in finding partners. Obviously you must use some caution, but it has worked out for me. You do have to look at it sort of like dating, though. You give someone a try, and they might not work out, but who knows, maybe the next will...

Jolt, if I remember, you belong to the Worcester AMC chapter. Why don't you check with the Boston chapter? I'd also second trying to post something at Eastern Mt. Sports or REI.
I'd hike with you, but I am a slow hiker and you'd be frustrated...

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Originally Posted by Robyn Maislin

Jolt, if I remember, you belong to the Worcester AMC chapter. Why don't you check with the Boston chapter? I'd also second trying to post something at Eastern Mt. Sports or REI.
I'd hike with you, but I am a slow hiker and you'd be frustrated...

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That's a good idea--I just need to find out how to get on their email list! They don't post their trips on the website anymore and the list in the Outdoors magazine isn't the most up-to-date.

I think they post their trips on the trip planner thing on the AMC site. It's very confusing to use, which is why the bike committee doesn't use it... could you switch your membership to the Boston Chapter? That way, you would get the MUD, which is a little more up to date than Outdoors, because the publication deadline is a month later than Outdoors. I've heard the HB trips fill up really fast. If you need a contact, you could try to email Chuck Cafarella. He used to be the chair of the bike committee and now he is very active in HB; tell him you are an aquaintance of mine. Also, the Boston YM group does lots of hikes.

Good luck!

Robyn

I am not a road cycler, but was online looking for a AT hiking partner and came across this thread. I am self-employed so when I see breaks in jobs, I love to do things outdoors. Right now I am in Florida and would love to hike the Georgia portion of the AT. I have a couple gaps in my work schedule between now and November. If anyone is interested - I do not want to hike alone. I also have a partner and she would be worried sick. She has a regular full-time job and can not take time off work to go.

I am 28 and in moderate shape, I would need to go slow at first - there are no hills here in Florida.

Sarah

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Originally Posted by Trek420

The one thing that frustrates me in this sport, well two, everything starts so dang early in the morning :rolleyes: is the pace thing:

She rides 16-20 mph
I ride 13-15 mph
You like 20 mile rides
I like 30-50 but ...I have an injury so let's do a shorter ride but with hills
This one doesn't like hills
That one thinks if it's flat might as well not go and so on.

Finding an established group will be easier.

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lol that sounds like the last TE ride i was on!
:D