Any tips for finding hiking partners?

[Jolt]

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?

[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.

[Jolt]

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.

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.

[Trek420]

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?

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

[Jolt]

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

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.

[Dianyla]

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

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.

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.

[Trek420]

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

The one thing that frustrates me in this sport, well two, everything starts so dang early in the morning 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.

[Jolt]

The one thing that frustrates me in this sport, well two, everything starts so dang early in the morning 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.

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.

[mimitabby]

The one thing that frustrates me in this sport, well two, everything starts so dang early in the morning 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.

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

[stittch]

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