The Louisville Hiking Meetup (the “LHM”) exists to enable those interested in hiking the opportunity to do so in a group environment. Hiking (and traveling to and from the area) is often hazardous and can result in equipment damage, severe injury and even death. In order to facilitate the hiker who may not be familiar with an area the LHM relies on volunteer hike organizers. These organizers only organize the details of the events such as selecting the date and time of the event, directions and logistics. These organizers, it is emphasized, are volunteers and in no way intend to hold themselves out as professional guides.

Also see the Code of Conduct

You should understand that participating in our events that you are responsible your safety. This includes providing proper equipment (including food and water) and responsibility for your own physical health and conditioning. If you have any question as to my capacity to undertake a hike you should know it is your responsibility to not participate.

How to Choose an Event
Our events are posted on the event board (on the "Welcome" page) and also on the calendar (use the link Meetups / Calendar on the menu bar). Please READ each hike description to see if it's a good fit for you. This keeps you safe and keeps your fellow hikers happy. If you are new to hiking, please start out with one of our easy / Beginner hikes to see "where you are". Please do NOT come out on a hike that's too difficult for your condition on hike day.

Before You RSVP
Although we love to have fun, we are first and foremost a hiking group. While we care a great deal about the safety of EVERYONE (not just you), it is YOUR responsibility to be safe while you are out on the trails with us.

This means that if you would like to join us on a hike, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to read the hike description and come prepared. This keeps all of us safe and happy.

The hike organizer is fully empowered to turn folks away at the trail-head or to ask folks to turn back part-way through the hike for any reason. They are also fully empowered to bump anyone who regularly shows up unprepared or RSVPs "Yes" for a hike that's outside their ability. Hike organizers get to edit the RSVP list.



Respect your hike organziers and follow their rules
In the description of hikes and events some organizers may list rules that they ask be followed by all participants. Please make sure you read, understand, and are willing to abide by the rules that are listed. Failure to comply with the rules may result in removal from the group. Above all, treat the leaders with respect. They're taking time out of their busy lives to organize these events so they can share their love of nature with you. If you choose not to respect these volunteers, you will be removed from the group and be asked not to return.

How to RSVP
If you want to attend, RSVP "Yes." There isn't a "Maybe" option so if you're not sure please don't RSVP "Yes" just to hold your spot. If you are unable to attend or do not wish to attend, simply do nothing. You do not need to RSVP "No" unless you want to leave a comment for the event organizer or other hikers.

How to Carpool to a Hike
We often meet at a designated spot then carpool to a hike. Always offer your driver gas money. If you don't feel comfortable carpooling, then simply meet us at the trail-head and/or let the organizer know you'll be driving yourself only.

Why Some Event RSVPs are Limited
Usually, but not always, the hikes local to Louisville will allow more RSVPs because we all drive ourselves so we feel like the more the merrier. Regional hikes, such as those where we meet and carpool for one to two hours will almost definitely have a limit simply because it's more difficult to organize and keep a ton of people straight. Sometimes the hikes may be limited simply because of the impact on the trails. Just remember to update your RSVP if your plans change and NEVER show up for a hike if you don't have a confirmed slot. Not all events will have an RSVP limit, but please understand that it is NOT OKAY to come to a limited event unless you have a "Yes" RSVP. Event limits are done to ensure that everyone has a good outdoor experience (not just us, but other hikers and visitors too). If you just show up for an event without a "Yes" RSVP, then the organizer can bump you and even kick you out of the meetup.

Waitlist
If you RSVP for a limited hike and get placed on the waitlist you need to watch the posting carefully before the event as someone may drop off and you will be automatically be moved to a "Yes"... if you don't show after being moved to a "Yes" then you will count as a "No Show"... You shouldn't rely on an email notification but check the event you RSVP'ed for prior to the start time to verify if you have a spot or not.

RSVP's & Attendance Commitment
By RSVP'ing yes to an event you are making a commitment that you will attend the event. Especially when events are limited it's important for the organizers to have an accurate count of who is attending.
For this reason we will track all attendance infractions including No Shows, Changing RSVP after the deadline and not responding to emails with a coding system. The code will show up next to your name and remain until you have shown that your RSVP can be counted on.

The coding system is an X=No Show, E=No Response to E-mail, D=Changing RSVP to No after deadline and a $=Not Paying for an Event / Not Paying on Time.

After any of these marks are applied to your account you may be bumped from events that require a firm commitment and if you get three of any mark you may be removed from the group.




What Should I Wear/Pack/Bring on Hike Day?
There's a lot of information in each hike description so please read full descriptions and do what it says.

Bring food and plenty of snacks for longer hikes and plan on eating it. While it's not a part of the official hike, we have a bit of a tradition that includes stopping for lunch or dinner after the hike. T

Water is critical on longer hikes especially in hotter months. It's always better to bring too much water than to bring too little. Bottled water is perfectly fine but as you get more serious you might invest in one of the water reservoirs (CamelBak is a popular brand) that you wear on your back or are built into backpacks.

Speaking of backpacks, if you're a beginner, don't think you have to go out and spend a ton of money on a fancy designer backpack. The one you used in college or got for free at that last trade show should be fine. Like the water reservoirs, as you get more serious, look at investing in a good backpack designed for day hikes.

However, footwear is something you should not skimp on. Good walking/running shoes are fine for most hikes on dirt and mulch trails... for hikes on rocky or wet terrain, please consider a good pair of hiking shoes / boots. This is a personal preference because some very long distance hikers hike only in running shoes... use what fits your needs the best.

Finally, dress for the weather. If we've had a lot of rain, the trails will be muddy. If it's colder, dress in warm layers that can be removed as you warm up. Many hikes will still go on during rain/snow/ice but check the event description one more time before you head out the door to make sure it hasn't been canceled. If you're not comfortable with what you're seeing or feeling outside, then please alert the organizer that you won't be attending.



What to Expect on Hike Day
Folks will gather at the carpool location or trailhead around the start time. There's no sign, no welcome board, no nametags. Someone may come up and ask "Are you here with Meetup?"

While we enjoy having a good time, and hope that you will enjoy coming out on hikes with us, what we care most about is safety. If you come to our events, you WILL listen to a description of the planned hike.

We tend to take a bunch of photos at our events, so if you'd like to opt out of the group photo, please let the trip leader or individual photographer(s) know you would prefer to not be immortalized in pictures.

Is All of This Safe?
Our hike organizers are volunteers and not paid professionals, but one of the group's goals is to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time on the trails (and at other events). However, your personal safety is your responsibility. Sometimes you'll be asked to sign a release waiver saying you won't sue if you get hurt. Even without a release form, be aware that Meetup.com's terms of service agreement specifically says that members join any and all meetups at their own risk and cannot hold meetup.com or its organizers and other members liable for damages.

Is there anything I need to sign? I know some clubs have liability forms and such.
Please re-read meetup.com’s terms of service, especially section 6. You agreed to it in order to use this site. You may not have read it, but you had to check the box that said you did. In general, section 6 says if an organizer or any member places a event on the calendar and you get injured or something at it, it’s your own fault. If you can’t live with that, this group isn’t for you.

After an Event
Please return to this site and rate the event and if you feel like it type in some comments. This helps us plan future events, but realize that your comments are available for public viewing. If you have a problem during an event and don't feel comfortable talking about it then, please email an organizer to pass on the information.

Please feel free to upload photos to each event page but the organizers can remove photos that are inappropriate.

While hiking is the most important aspect of this group, let's not forget the social benefits! If you feel comfortable, do contact that new friend you met on the trail through the site but remember this isn't a dating group so don't be a creeper.



What's Most Important?
Read and follow the instructions in the event descriptions. Have we said this enough? Check back on the event pages before you leave for a hike because information is often updated only on this site. Because we don't ask members to share email addresses and phone numbers, don't expect a personal call from an organizer if something changes.