SUGGESTIONS FOR MEMBERS WHO ARE NEW AT LEADING OR CO-LEADING HIKES.
For simplicity, the term “hike” is used to reference a hike, ski, snowshoe, bike, or canoe/kayak.

1. Find an outing:

• Is there someplace you have previously hiked that you would like to suggest as an outing?
• Research Guidebooks or Hiking Maps.
• Research Websites such as cnyhiking.com
• Take a look at other hiking clubs ideas

2.  Determine the Date of the Outing.
Remember that the Hike Committee develops the schedule long before the month of the hike.
Submit hikes early:

• September for the December, January, February schedule
• December for the March, April, May schedule
• March for the June, July, August schedule
• June for the September, October, November schedule

3. Contact the Hike Chairperson for access to our Shared Schedule Form on Google Drive (must have a Google Account). Choose a date on the spreadsheet and fill in the required hike information: 

• Time:  This is the time you want people to be ready to leave the Meet up location
• Hike Number: Will be determined by the Hike Chairperson.
• Hike Distance: This is the roundtrip distance.
• Driving Distance: One-way distance to the trailhead (use Mapquest if necessary)
• Difficulty:  This is generally determined by the elevation change and the length of the outing, (under 5 easy, 5-7 moderate, 7+ difficult).
• Leader:  You, with your most accessible phone number.
• Co-leader:  If you have not recruited a co-leader, a volunteer will be found by the Hike Chairperson.
• Meet At: Frequently used locations are listed in the FAQ’s of our website, these are generally within 15 miles of Utica.
• Description: A brief description of the significant features of your hike.

4. Can I attend the Hike Committee Meeting?

Yes! The meeting is open to all members. Date, time, and location are in your schedule.

5. What next?

• In the future, you will automatically receive an email from now on stating that the next Schedule Spreadsheet is online so that you can continue to lead future hikes.
• For information on how to Lead or Co-lead a hike, you can review the Guidelines for Leaders and Co-leaders on this website.