What we’re about
FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM - P.S. Hikers
If you'd like to be apart of our DISCORD channel please text MERB at 704-224-8559
We are a community of experienced hikers who enjoy exploring trails that range from moderate to challenging levels. While we welcome hikers of all backgrounds, our group typically gravitates toward more advanced adventures that require a solid foundation of hiking experience, endurance, and preparedness.
To support a wide range of skill levels, our hikes and trips are clearly categorized as Beginner/Easy, Moderate, Hard, or Expert. We offer plenty of variety in our schedule, so even if a moderate or hard trip doesn’t align with your comfort level, there are still opportunities to join us on easier adventures and grow at your own pace. We believe it’s essential for every hiker to take personal responsibility for knowing their own abilities and limitations—and to choose trips accordingly. Safety, preparation, and respect for the trail and fellow hikers are our top priorities.
Please note: For Expert-level hikes or multi-day backpacking trips, our leadership team may reach out directly if we feel the level of difficulty may not be a safe or appropriate fit for someone signed up. These conversations come from a place of care and commitment to ensuring a positive and safe experience for all.
We love nature deeply and believe everyone should have the chance to experience the joy, healing, and adventure it offers. Through our hikes, we’re not just exploring trails—we’re building a strong, inclusive outdoor community where all people are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to connect with the natural world.
** Special Notice: This group is NOT run by certified or professional mountain guides. The group leaders, Merb and Food Lion, do have a combined experience of over 20 years in the woods and on trails but are not held liable for any incidents, accidents or issues while on trail. PLEASE make sure you are able to handle the walk and read the disclaimer on every post **
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- AT: Big Pine Mountain + WaterfallsNeeds location
** Follow us on instagram and tiktok at P.S. Hikers. If you'd like to be added to our community discord please message MERB at 704-224-8559*Details
Lets travel around Big Pine Mountain together chasing waterfalls and eating picnic like snacks. We will see Jones Falls and Mountaineer Falls. We will hike along the stream and eat a picnic. It will be hot but we will be staying cool with all of the water we will be surrounded by!
This hike will be lead by Food Lion and supported via MERB and is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from uptown Charlotte.
Trail: AT: Big Pine Mountain and Mountaineer Shelter
Difficult: Hard
Distance: 10.6 miles
Type: Out and back
Elevation gain: 2,076 ft
Estimated Time: 5-6 hours depending on hiking group
Meet up time: 8:15am
Hike start time: 8:30am
Meet at the start of the trail head. Carpooling recommended. Click here for the alltrails link“By RSVP’ing to this event, you are agreeing to the following:
TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY I fully realize that this activity involves a risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss of my person or property. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and same for persons with whom are in my party, waive and release any claims or rights against P.S. Hikers, all of its owners and coordinators for any and all injury, damages or loss to my person or property incurred during this activity. I also understand that organizers are not required, nor should it be assumed that they are CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Survival Certified and I am responsible for my own personal safety. Your RSVP indicates release of liability as indicated in the TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY above.”
- AT: Max Patch to Hot Springs - HARDNeeds location
** Follow us on instagram and tiktok at P.S. Hikers. If you'd like to be added to our community discord please message MERB at 704-224-8559**
Please note: Thanks to a collaborative effort of Granny, Acid and the squad we will NOT need to pay for a shuttle on this. We will shuttle ourselves. I may have to work that Satuday but we will drive up the night before this to camp somewhere before meeting everyone!
Interested in a nice long day hike through the higher country of NC? Lets walk with MERB from Max Patch (aka Maxie) to Hot Spring, NC. This is a 19.2 mile section that will blow your mind. We will pass through Lemon Gap where the trees demand your presence and through mountain laurel and other beautiful landscapes.
We will be doing 3-4 miles straight at a time and than stopping for 15 minute breaks. We will also have a leisurely lunch in the middle.
This is a point-to-point so we will meet in Hot Springs and be shuttled to Max Patch. We will have dinner of celebrations at the end. Please make sure you bring a water filter and plenty of protein/food for munching during the miles.
Rating Comparison: This is more difficult than Hanging Rock.
Trail: AT: Max Patch to Hot Springs
Difficult: Hard
Distance: 19.2
Type: Point to Point
Elevation gain: 6,161 ft
Estimated Time: 10-12 hours depending on hiking group
Meet up time: 7:45am
Hike start time: 9:00am
We will determine meet up location once we finalize the shuttle. That whould be before August 1. Check out the alltrails link here.“By RSVP’ing to this event, you are agreeing to the following:
TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY I fully realize that this activity involves a risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss of my person or property. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and same for persons with whom are in my party, waive and release any claims or rights against P.S. Hikers, all of its owners and coordinators for any and all injury, damages or loss to my person or property incurred during this activity. I also understand that organizers are not required, nor should it be assumed that they are CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Survival Certified and I am responsible for my own personal safety. Your RSVP indicates release of liability as indicated in the TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY above.”
