Hiker Man TEHCC Hike Leader Guidelines

Last Revised: March 08, 2007

Contents:

To offer a well-rounded program of outdoor activities, TEHCC depends on volunteers to lead outings - including dayhikes and backpacking trips. The purpose of this document is to provide a set of guidelines for hike leaders.

Club Schedule

Hikes can include wildflower hikes, easy dayhikes for families with small children, mountain bike trips, multi-day backpacking trips, hikes in other parts of the U.S. or foreign countries, work trips on the Club's section of the Appalachian Trail, and so on.

The hiking coordinator () keeps a list of potential hike leaders, and asks each to lead one or more scheduled hikes.  The Club cannot rely on the same hike leaders each time, so please volunteer if the coordinator contacts you!  The information needed includes the date of the hike, a one-line description (such as Wildflower Hike - Rock Creek Falls), distance, and rating of the hike (see the Hiking schedule for an explanation of the rating system), and the name and home telephone number of the leader.  When a hike leader is not yet sure of the description of a hike, a description such as "Leaders Choice" is acceptable.

Ideally, at least one hike is scheduled for each Saturday.  Hikes on Sundays and weekdays are also welcome.  Every attempt is made to meet the scheduling requests of hike leaders; but as the schedule fills up, requested dates may be taken, and the hike leader may be asked to choose another date.

The schedule is not "cast in concrete", and a hike leader can add, change, postpone, or cancel a hike through the Club's monthly newsletter if necessary.

Where To Go

The hike leader generally chooses where to go for the hike.  The choice may depend on the preferences of the leader, time of year (for example, for viewing wildflowers or fall colors), special events (for example, a hike in conjunction with A.T. Days in Damascus), and so on.

The hike coordinator () can help when the leader is unsure about where to go and wants some suggestions.  Hikes on the section of the A.T. (Appalachian Trail) the Club maintains are always welcome and popular.

Further details are available from the hiking coordinator.

Planning the Hike

At least two months before the hike, the hike leader should begin planning.  The planning process is outlined below; if the hike leader has recently been on the hike and is familiar with the area, some steps can be eliminated.

  • Obtain contour maps and trail guides, to determine hiking distance, elevation change, rate of change (steepness), and the location of the beginning and end points of the hike.  Locate suitable places to park cars.  Using a road map, determine the best route to and from the hike, and the driving distance and time.  Contour maps and trail guides can be checked out from our club librarian ().
  • Scout the trip ahead of time to find the beginning and end points of the hike, and the route to be followed. Get any permission needed to cross private land and to park cars at the beginning and end points.
  • Write a notice of the hike including: the date and time of departure and return, the name, home phone number, and email address of the leader, the meeting place, a description of the hike including rating, elevation changes, hiking and driving distances, and a list of what to bring - for example, water, food, raincoat, clothing suitable for the weather, and sturdy boots or shoes. If the number of hikers is limited, a reservation form should be included. Send the notice to the Club's newsletter editor () well before the deadline, which is the 15th of every month.

Leading the Hike

Leading a hike is not difficult - use your common sense and the entire group will enjoy the hike! Some key points:

  • Know your group. The leader should have some idea about the experience and physical abilities of group members, particularly for a difficult hike. Some hikes may be modified if the leader sees the need for it, or the leader can suggest that people judged not to be fit enough should stay home for this trip and try an easier hike at a later date. The leader should make sure everyone is properly equipped and clothed for the hike and the weather.
  • Know the hike.  This cannot be overemphasized.  The leader should carry maps, trail guides, and compass - and should know how to use them - unless the leader is very familiar with the area and the trail is well marked.  These items will also help the leader point out landmarks of interest, such as distant mountains.
  • At the meeting place, announce the estimated return time. If someone has a commitment later and wants the group to hike quickly so they can keep their commitment, they should be encouraged to drive separately or not go.  Get the names of all hikers, and make sure all hikers who are not Eastman employees have signed a Release Form.
  • Arrange any car shuttling needed.  This can take several forms, depending on the hike, the number of vehicles available, and the wishes of the group:
    1. A loop hike, in which the beginning and end points are the same, requires no shuttling.
    2. A car shuttle, in which one or more cars are left at the end point of the hike.  At the end of the hike, the cars left at the beginning point are retrieved.  This can be very time consuming.
    3. A key swap, in which the group is divided into two groups.  One group starts at one end and hikes towards the other group which starts at the other end.  In the middle, the two groups pass each other and drivers swap keys.  The two groups can agree to meet after completing the hike.  This reduces the amount of time required for car shuttling.  In this case the hike leader must appoint another leader for the other group.
  • When shuttling cars at the end of a hike, be considerate of hikers left waiting - they may be tired or wet or cold (or all three!), and anxiously looking forward to the return of the cars and a ride home. If a small group of hikers must be left waiting, encourage them to wait out of sight of the road crossing.
  • Drivers should be compensated for their mileage by the other people in their vehicle.
  • Keep the group together. A hike is not a race. Let the group set the pace, or specifically let the slowest person set the pace. The hike leader does not need to be in front if the group stays together. The hiker in the front should stop periodically to let the rest of the group catch up and anytime the route of the trail is unclear. The leader should designate a trail "sweep" to bring up the rear. The leader has the responsibility to keep the total distance in mind and set an appropriate time schedule.
  • Keep the objectives of the hike in mind. Many hikes don't have a specific objective except to walk from point A to point B and enjoy the scenery and fellowship. Other hikes may have specific purposes, such as observing wildflowers or blueberry picking. On a wildflower hike, the hike leader should bring a wildflower guidebook and allow ample time for picture taking.
  • Be considerate of the group. Allow time for rest and toilet stops, lunch, and a chance to look at special attractions.
  • Be aware of special features of the area. Some areas have a fascinating history, unusual geology, or other interesting features. A good hike leader who reads about the area ahead of time and relays some of this background to the group can turn a mediocre hike into an unforgettable experience.
  • Enjoy yourself and have fun!  If you volunteer to be a hike leader, you will be assured of enjoying at least one hike.  Don't let the same old leaders have all the fun!
  • Soon after the hike, send in a "For The Record" report describing the hike and listing the participants; the format shown in the Club's newsletter can be used as a guide.  Hike reports should be sent to the TEHCC newsletter editor ().

First Aid and Safety

See our First Aid and Safety page.

Environment and Education

Why do people want to hike? More often than not, it is to escape the stresses of everyday life, and seek out pristine natural areas for solitude and relaxation. Hike leaders should encourage responsible stewardship of our outdoor areas to keep them enjoyable for all. A few guidelines:

  • Group size should be limited to 10 or less in most cases.
  • The hike leader should carry a litter bag. Hikers should never litter.
  • Hikers should not stray off the trail - particularly in fragile areas or areas subject to erosion. Wildflowers and other flora should be left for others to enjoy.
  • Do not feed wildlife. On an overnight trip where bears may be present, ensure that food is stored safely away from where hikers are sleeping.
  • Occasionally a hiker wants to bring a dog with them. This is generally discouraged, since dogs tend to chase off wildlife and spoil the enjoyment of the group.
  • Firearms are NOT ALLOWED, and also are subject to federal, state, and local regulations. There is absolutely no need for anyone to bring a firearm with them.
  • Law enforcement problems - vandalism of cars, illegal use of land crossed by the trail, etc. should be reported to local law enforcement officials as quickly as possible.
  • Problems with the trail - erosion, poor marking, vandalism of signs, shelters, etc. should be reported to the local ranger or trail manager.

Suggested Hikes and Hiking Locations

Alum Cave Bluffs (Smokies)
Backbone Rock (near Damascus, Va.)
Bays Mountain Park trails
Beauty Spot
Big Bald
Big Butt (Greene County, Tenn.)
Breaks Interstate Park trails
Buckeye Falls (Greene County, Tenn.)
Buffalo Mountain Park trails
Cades Cove Bike Trip
Camp Creek Bald
Cave Spring Rec. Area (near Jonesville, Va.)
Chimney Top (Hawkins County, Tenn.)
Clifftop Hike (Warriors Path State Park)
Clinch Mtn Fire Tower (near Nickelsville, Va.)
Crabtree Falls (Blue Ridge Pkwy - Spruce Pine, N.C.)
Crevices (Clinch Mtn near Lebanon, Va.)
Devils Bathtub (near Ft. Blackmore, Va.)
Devils Nose (near Rogersville, Tenn.)
Doe River Gorge
Elrod Falls (near Sneedville, Tenn.)
Falls of Little Stoney (near Dungannon, Va.)
Glen Burnie Falls (Blowing Rock)
Grandfather Mountain
Grassy Ridge
Grayson Highlands State Park, Va.
Greenbelt (Kingsport)
Guest River Gorge (near Coeburn, Va.)
Hanging Rock (near Norton, Va.)
Hawksbill Mountain (Linville Gorge)
High Rock (on the A.T. near Spivey Gap, Tenn./N.C.)
Hiltons, Va. Fire Tower
Holston Mountain
Iron Mountain
Kingdom Come State Park, Ky.
Laurel Falls
Linville Falls
Linville Gorge
Lonesome Pine Trail Firetower (near Rogersville, Tenn.)
Looking Glass Rock (near Brevard, N.C.)
Marguerite Falls (near Greeneville, Tenn.)
Max Patch Mountain
Mount Cammerer
Mount LeConte
Mount Mitchell
Mount Rogers
Natural Tunnel
Nolichucky Overlook
Red Fork Falls
Roan Highlands
Rock Creek Falls (near Erwin, Tenn.)
Sand Cave (near Ewing, Va.)
Sandymush Bald (near Lake Junaluska, N.C.)
Shining Rock (near Canton, N.C.)
Stone Mountain (near Elkin, N.C.)
Table Rock (Linville Gorge)
Twisting Falls (near Elk Park, N.C.)
Unaka Mountain
Virgin Falls (near Crossville, Tenn.)
Virginia Creeper Trail
Warriors Path State Park, Tenn.
Wilburn Ridge

Emergency Instructions

Please see our Emergencies page.

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