At A Snails Pace Hiking Group

## Welcome to the At a Snails Pace Hiking Group! 🐌🌲

Our Philosophy: Slow, Steady, and Safe.
If you love the outdoors but feel frustrated by fast-paced hiking groups, you’ve found your group! Like the snail, we keep a steady pace and always get there in the end. We focus on enjoying the journey, usually covering distances between 3-6 miles at a comfortable pace of 1.0 to 1.5 mph. Elevation gains will vary depending on the trail.
Whether you are a beginner looking to build confidence or an experienced hiker who just prefers to take it slow, you are welcome here.

### ⚠️ Safety First: Our Gear Requirements

To ensure everyone's safety, proper preparation is non-negotiable. Too many times, unprepared hikers have jeopardized their own safety and the safety of the entire group. Because of this, all new members are initially placed on a waitlist and must complete a one-time questionnaire regarding their gear and experience.
To hike with us, you must bring the following mandatory equipment:

• Footwear & Support: Proper hiking boots and trekking poles (recommended but not required).
• Apparel: Weather-appropriate layers. STRICTLY NO COTTON CLOTHING (cotton traps moisture and causes hypothermia risk).
• The Pack: A reliable backpack containing:
  • Ample water and trail snacks/food
  • A working headlamp or flashlight
  • A basic first-aid kit
  • A fire starter
  • Any other personal seasonal essentials
  • The ten essentials

> 💡 New Hikers: If you are unsure about your gear or have any questions, please reach out! We are happy to help you learn, but we need you to ask before we hit the trail.

### Group Community & Dues

We pride ourselves on being a supportive community. Every hiker in this group is capable of handling the planned route and will always have your back in a time of need.

• Trial Period: Enjoy a 1-month free trial to see if our group is a good fit for you.
• Annual Dues: Just $5.00 per year after your trial to help cover the costs of running the group.

We look forward to hitting the trails with you—at a beautifully civilized pace!