Any tips for finding hiking partners?

[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.

[Deanna]

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).

[Kimmyt]

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...

[Crankin]

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...

[Jolt]

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...

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.

[Crankin]

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