How Do I Lead a Hike?

Once you're a member of Wisconsin Go Hiking Club you may begin leading hikes! It's fun and we are always looking for leaders with new trails and adventures to share! Leading a hike is a great way to share a favorite trail, park, neighborhood, or destination with fellow club members.  Consider leading a hike with a friend or partner- it's fun and a great experience! You don't need to be an expert hike leader.  A little advance planning and a clear description of the hike will help everyone arrive prepared and ready to enjoy the day. 

Reference hike announcements you have received for a guide to formatting your announcement.  When your hike announcement is completed send a message to other club members through Groups.io.  Your announcement will be uploaded to the Calendar of Hikes.  If you ever have questions any club officer, hike leader or experienced club member will be happy to help you!

 

 

Planning Your Hike

 

Before announcing your hike, think through the route, meeting location, approximate distance, terrain, and any special conditions hikers should know about.  Whenever possible, the hike leader should be familiar with the route ahead of time.

​

Choose a meeting location that is easy to identify and provide enough information so that someone who has never been there before can find the group.

​

Information to Include in Your Hike Announcement

​

          Date and Meeting Time

Give the exact date and starting time of the hike.

​

          Meeting Location and Parking Instructions

​

Be as specific as possible.  Include the complete street address as well as details about where within

the location hikers should meet.  Whenever possible, try to avoid private parking lots such as restaurants and stores.  For example, instead of saying "Meet at Whitnall Park", indicate the particular parking lot, entrance, landmark or other identifying feature.  If an entrance or parking area is difficult to find, include brief driving or parking instructions.

​

          Approximate Distance

 

Let hikers know the expected mileage.  If a shorter option will be available, include that information as well.

​

          Hike Rating

 

Please include the rating that best describes the expected terrain:

Rambler - Leisurely

1 - Paved

2 - Level Path

3 - Hilly Path

4 - Bush-whacking - may include mud, brush, steep hills, or other challenging terrain

If the hike includes a combination of conditions, a range may be used - for example, Rating 2 - 3

 

Restrooms

 

If known, let hikers know whether restrooms are available at the meeting location or along the route.  If there are no facilities that information is also helpful.

 

Description of the Hike

​

Give members a general idea of where you'll be hiking and what they can expect to see. Mention interesting features such as lakes, rivers, woods, prairie, historic sites, scenic overlooks, unusual neighborhoods, wildlife areas, or other points of interest.

Also include anything hikers may need to prepare for, such as wet or muddy trails, steep hills, beach walking, water crossings or the need for sturdy footwear.

​

Hike Cancellations

​

The Hike Leader is responsible for deciding whether a hike should be cancelled.  When a hike is cancelled, a cancellation notice will normally be posted to club messages as soon as possible so members are notified.  Whenever practical, the Hike Leader should also go to the announced meet location to inform anyone who may arrive without having seen the cancellation notice.

Safety comes first. If severe weather or hazardous conditions make travel unsafe, the Hike Leader is not expected to risk travel to the meet location.

​

Most Important - Have Fun!

​

​

​

​

​

​