Welcome to the Hamilton & Area Hiking Meetup Group. Hamilton and the surrounding area is crisscrossed with many beautiful places - we'll find the best ones to return to.

Check out the links below:

http://www.brucetrail...
http://www.conservati...
http://www.conservati...


With the help of our Assistant Organizers, I hope to bring to you at least two scheduled events per month, and I will encourage all members to remain "active" by visiting our site often (see rules below). The Hamilton & Area Hiking Meetup Group was created so that everyone may share this wonderful outdoor passion - veterans and novices alike. Our focus is on local trails that vary in length and terrain, but every once in a while we may venture outside to new, far-away places.

Here are some new ground rules to follow while participating as members of the Hamilton & Area Hiking Meetup Group:

1. All pending new members must complete their profile questions, and list their first name and last initial only (for privacy reasons). The Organizer will then determine if a new member is approved into the group by sending an welcoming message.

2. Our calendar events will be posted by the Organizer and/or our Assistant Organizers. If you have a suggestion about a hiking trail or wish to start a general discussion, please post it on our message board. This is the place to communicate with our members in a RESPECTFUL fashion. Message board traffic will be monitored. You may also email members directly. Those who harass or abuse will be banned from this site.

2. All "inactive members" (those who haven't logged onto the site in over 3 months) will be removed from the site. Please join us, and then stay with us!


3. All scheduled events will ask for either a "yes" or "no" RVSP only. "Maybe" will no longer be an RSVSP option. If changes to an RSVP must occur, then each member must update within 4 DAYS of an event. This will help our Assistants, members, and outside agencies to coordinate activities. Please be respectful of this RSVP system, and remember that there others on a waiting list, ready to take your spot.

4. The Hamilton & Area Hiking Meetup Group does not require members to pay membership fees. However, we do have a "pay as you play" policy. Each event will cost $2 per person plus any applicable parking fees. Your toonie will pay for our website cost and then allow us to cover small expenses throughout the year...perhaps a summer BBQ, pub night, or seasonal party etc. Organizers will collect this amount at the beginning of each event. Please carpool and share gas/parking costs with any volunteer drivers.

5. Asssitants do their best to give you an accurate description of the kind of hike that you may sign up for. Please be honest about your level of health or personal circumstances, and remember that you participate in all Meetup activities AT YOUR OWN RISK. Read the posting carefully, and if you have any questions, please email the Assistant who is arranging the event.

6. Most of our hikes would not be suitable for children. Some Assistants will allow dogs on a hike, as long as they are well behaved and leashed where necessary (basically all the time in organized parks). City by-laws do exist. Remember that some people may have a fear of dogs, and we don't wish to ruin anyone's outdoor experience. Please speak to your carpool driver beforehand to see of dogs are welcomed in the car!

6. Most of the hikes that we offer will require sturdy trail shoes or boots, not flimsy running shoes. It is also highly recommended that all members carry some basic personal equipment when hiking: