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Walks & Outings Committee

Walks Committee events offer a wide range of styles. At the easy end we sponsor neighborhood architecture strolls and nature walks in the countryside at a leisurely pace. At the high end, Walks leaders go over the same steep, rocky and muddy terrain used by Hike Committee leaders, but always at a moderate pace and with more frequent stops than a Hike Committee event, to rest and savor a view. We share the same Hike Codes with the Hikes Committee, so you should always pay attention to the Hike Codes for our events and select something appropriate for your physical conditioning. Don't expect a 2D8(W) to be a short flat stroll! That (W) means the event is sponsored by the Walks Committee, but that "8" means 8 miles, and that "D" means steep hills, scrambles possible.

We especially welcome new members who need to discover what level of activity is comfortable for them. If you haven't been out for a while, or are recovering from an injury, or just aren't in the mood to push yourself, you can probably find a Walk event that suits you. It's best to start with something that looks easy and work up. As an added incentive to begin using your new membership, we frequently schedule our events to start one hour later than the earliest departure times listed in the Transportation section of the Schedule.

Gear: Minimum equipment for any foray into the woods is a knapsack or fanny pack, lunch, water (two quarts on a hot day), a rainproof jacket, and extra socks in a waterproof bag in case you slip into water during a stream crossing. Additional handy supplies are high energy snacks, tissues, small plastic bags, bug spray, sunblock, bandaids, and a map. Your leader will carry more complete first aid supplies.

Clothing: Dressing for the weather is obvious. Always have a hat, for sun protection or for warmth. In winter, dress in layers and always pack extra clothing you can add to keep warm while sitting on a cold rock for thirty minutes during lunch, or in case you become injured and can't walk fast enough to keep warm. It's always better to have a bit more than you think you need, like extra gloves or warm mittens and scarf.

Footwear: Dress appropriately for the event. For an easy Walk at Pace 1 on Terrain A or B, sneakers or comfortable walking shoes are good enough. For Terrain C or higher, we recommend boots over the ankle with soles stiff enough to protect your feet from sharp rocks. Socks are a personal choice based on experience. Some hikers always wear thin wicking socks under heavier socks, while others change with the weather, using only one pair of wool or combo-fabric socks. Gaiters are essential in deep snow and desirable in rain or wet brush. Crampons, creepers, spikeys, stabil-icers, etc. all provide extra security in ice and snow, but only if you always take them along in winter!

Rating System: Hiking, Singles & Sociables, Walks & Outings, and Young Members Trips

All Hikes

The Hike Codex consists of four elements: PACE - TERRAIN - MILEAGE - COMMITTEE, [e.g., 4C12 (H)]. As described below:

Pace:
  1 - Leisurely (nature walk, window shopping pace)
  2 - Moderate (steady, comfortable pace)
  3 - Vigorous (brisk, firm pace)
  4 - Fast
  5 - Very Fast

Terrain:
  A - Solid pavement/sidewalk
  B - Soft ground/sand/carriage trails
  C - Hiking trails/gentle rolling hills
  D - Steep hills, scrambles possible
  E - Rough terrain/exposure and/or thick brush possible
  F - Extremely difficult terrain/possible sustained exposure
Note: Hikes in the Hudson Highlands (Breakneck), Ice Caves Mountain, White Mountains, Adirondacks, and parts of the Catskills are much steeper and more demanding than hikes in our other hiking range. Choose your hike accordingly.

Mileage:
  # - Estimated mileage, plus or minus 1 mile.

Committee:
  (H) - Hiking Committee
  (H+) - Hiking Committee - Overnight or multi-day
  (S) - Singles & Sociables Committee
      ~ Outings marked only (S) do not require any special skills.
      ~ Outings requiring skills basically use system defined by Activity Committee responsible for that activity; sometimes modified for our needs.
  (W) - Walks & Outings Committee
      ~ Outings marked only (W) do not require any special skills.
  (Y) - Young Members Committee
  (Y+) - Young Members Committee - Overnight or multi-day

The leader may modify or cancel a hike due to weather, trail conditions, or any other reason deemed prudent for the safety of the group.

Rating codes are intended as a general guide only. We strive for accuracy and consistency, but cannot guarantee them. If you have concerns relating to your safety or enjoyment, discuss them with the leader in advance.

Walks: Other Outings / Co-Sponsored Outings

Rating Systems defined by the responsible activity committees. As an example: If we co-sponsor a Walks Canoe & Kayak trip, it would be listed as BW (Brown Water), CL 1 (Class 1 whitewater), CL 2 (Class 2 whitewater) or other similar classification. If Walks Committee co-sponsors the event, the title will contain "Walks" or (W).

Join Us On Our Trips and Events

• To join us on our trips or for training you have to be a member or guest of the AMC. To request any membership option, get a copy of our online AMC Membership Application.
• The application form includes all the information that you need, but you can also read about the membership options.