INFO FOR NEW HIKERS
New hikers and guests are welcome on all hikes. Persons interested in hiking with our club for the first time should call:
Joel Zabel (423) 631-6385
WHAT TO BRING ON HIKES:
Appropriate clothing w/ rain gear:
Weather high in the mountains can be unpredictable. Cold rain storms can occur on days that are warm and sunny at lower elevations. Even an inexpensive, light, plastic poncho can be a valuable addition to your gear on such days.
Temperatures high in the mountains can be significantly colder than at lower elevations. The difference can be 5.5 degrees F per 1000' gained. It could be a calm, 65F day in Johnson City, but 38F on Mt Mitchell (elevation 6683'). Add a 20 mph wind, not uncommon for the high mountains, and the wind chill makes it feel like 28F. It is wise to carry at least one light extra top layer more than you think you will likely need.
Water/drinks:
On very strenuous, hot hikes, you may need 1 quart or liter of water per hour to stay properly hydrated. Adding electrolytes to your water or buying beverages that contain them for such hikes can also prevent cramps and keep your muscles operating near peak efficiency. NO alcoholic beverages are allowed on hikes or at trailheads. Our hikes are an alcohol free activities.
Food:
We stop on the trail at about noon for lunch. For long and/or strenuous hikes, bring extra high energy foods to eat during the hike to maintain your energy levels throughout. The average person can metabolize about 250 calories per hour - roughly the same as most energy bars.
Gas money:
There are no fees or dues to hike with our club. There is, however, the expensive of driving to and from the trailheads. We carpool as much as is practical to save the expense and to occupy a minimum of parking spaces at the trailheads; some only have room for a few cars. Some hikers will volunteer to drive their vehicles and carry other riders. To compensate those volunteers for vehicle wear and tear and fuel expense, we suggest that the riders give them about $0.07/mile. For example, it would be appropriate to give the driver $7 if a trailhead is 50 miles away (100 miles round trip). It is the driver's responsibility to keep track of the distance driven. Riders can simply ask the driver what they owe after they return.
Joel Zabel (423) 631-6385
WHAT TO BRING ON HIKES:
Appropriate clothing w/ rain gear:
Weather high in the mountains can be unpredictable. Cold rain storms can occur on days that are warm and sunny at lower elevations. Even an inexpensive, light, plastic poncho can be a valuable addition to your gear on such days.
Temperatures high in the mountains can be significantly colder than at lower elevations. The difference can be 5.5 degrees F per 1000' gained. It could be a calm, 65F day in Johnson City, but 38F on Mt Mitchell (elevation 6683'). Add a 20 mph wind, not uncommon for the high mountains, and the wind chill makes it feel like 28F. It is wise to carry at least one light extra top layer more than you think you will likely need.
Water/drinks:
On very strenuous, hot hikes, you may need 1 quart or liter of water per hour to stay properly hydrated. Adding electrolytes to your water or buying beverages that contain them for such hikes can also prevent cramps and keep your muscles operating near peak efficiency. NO alcoholic beverages are allowed on hikes or at trailheads. Our hikes are an alcohol free activities.
Food:
We stop on the trail at about noon for lunch. For long and/or strenuous hikes, bring extra high energy foods to eat during the hike to maintain your energy levels throughout. The average person can metabolize about 250 calories per hour - roughly the same as most energy bars.
Gas money:
There are no fees or dues to hike with our club. There is, however, the expensive of driving to and from the trailheads. We carpool as much as is practical to save the expense and to occupy a minimum of parking spaces at the trailheads; some only have room for a few cars. Some hikers will volunteer to drive their vehicles and carry other riders. To compensate those volunteers for vehicle wear and tear and fuel expense, we suggest that the riders give them about $0.07/mile. For example, it would be appropriate to give the driver $7 if a trailhead is 50 miles away (100 miles round trip). It is the driver's responsibility to keep track of the distance driven. Riders can simply ask the driver what they owe after they return.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW:
Release/Hold Harmless Agreement (Liability waiver) and Weekly Sign-up Sheet:
The Johnson City Hiking Club is a nonprofit, volunteer organization. To protect our club from legal liability associated with the risks of hiking, we will ask that you sign our Release/Hold Harmless Agreement when you hike with us for the first time. You can read and sign the form when you come to your first hike, or print out, read and sign the PDF copy below and bring it with you. Before each hike, we also have all hikers sign the Weekly Sign-up Sheet, to reaffirm their release of the club and its members from liability.
Release/Hold Harmless Agreement (Liability waiver) and Weekly Sign-up Sheet:
The Johnson City Hiking Club is a nonprofit, volunteer organization. To protect our club from legal liability associated with the risks of hiking, we will ask that you sign our Release/Hold Harmless Agreement when you hike with us for the first time. You can read and sign the form when you come to your first hike, or print out, read and sign the PDF copy below and bring it with you. Before each hike, we also have all hikers sign the Weekly Sign-up Sheet, to reaffirm their release of the club and its members from liability.
Release/Hold Harmless Agreement:
jc_hiking_club_release_hold_harmless_agreement.pdf |