Q) What do I need to bring on a hike?
You should always carry extra food, water and clothes. Check the 10 Essentials for a complete list of items to bring. It is a good idea to get an accurate weather forecast for the area you will be hiking and plan accordingly. If the hike is exposed and it is a warm sunny day, plan on needing double your normal amount of water. Strenuous hikes will also require extra food and water.
You should also have comfortable footwear. Test them out on a short hike and see how they hold up. Tennis shoes maybe fine on dry flat terrain but your feet will be better off with some hiking boots on the uneven ground of some trails.
Q) What kind of shape do I need to be in for a hike?
Check the Hike Ratings to see the total miles, elevation gain and the rating of the hike. Ratings will range between 1 and 5 with 5 being the most difficult.
Q) How do we get there?
Each hikes information page will have the time to meet at the church parking lot. Sometimes the church vans will be available to carpool to and from the hike. If they are not then people will carpool using their vehicles. You also have the choice of meeting us at the trail head instead of carpooling together. Times will also be listed for this on the hikes information page. On the return trip the group will usually stop for dinner.
Q) Do I need gas money?
If you carpool on the church vans or with someone else, it is courteous to offer to help out with the cost of gas. This usually works out to about $5 to $8 per person.
Q) Do I need to sign in?
If you are meeting at the church parking lot, please sign in so we can make sure we account for everyone. Medical information will also be asked for in case of an emergency.
Q) How do I stay safe on a hike?
Carry the 10 Essentials. Have a map of the hike (these are available when meeting at the church.) If at all possible, do not hike alone. Keep others aware of your location. If you are turning back early, make sure people know you have done this.
The Mountaineers Hiking Basics is an excellent resource on how to stay safe when hiking.
More Questions?
Email us at hiker@mountainviewhiker.org
You may also call any of the following people with questions about a hike:
Dennis Caines: 352-5275
Allen Moore: 866-3823
Kelly Perkins: 273-8956
John Bennett: 402-6260
