Hiking groups run on different schedules. Some meet weekly, some monthly.
Meetup, Facebook Groups, your parks department and local community centers are the quickest places to look. The harder part is choosing a group whose pace and distance suit you, and knowing what to do if none does.
Why Hiking Groups Build Fitness and Friendships
A review of 42 walking-group studies with 1,843 participants found wide-ranging health benefits. No notable adverse side effects were reported.
A group with regular outings gives you company and a reason to go.
Where to Find Hiking Groups in Your Area
Start with the search boxes you already have, then widen out.
- Meetup: search “hiking” with your town or zip, then try “beginner hiking,” “easy hikes” and “50+ hiking.”
- Facebook: search Groups for “[your town] hiking,” then “[your town] walking group.”
- Parks and recreation: call your city or county parks department and ask whether it runs guided walks or hikes.
- Senior and community centers: ask the front desk which walking or hiking groups meet there.
- National groups with local chapters: look up your area’s Sierra Club chapter outings.
- State trail associations: some states have one. The Florida Trail Association is one example; it says each chapter hosts outdoor activities.
- Birding groups: the bird-watching guide covers how to find them.
If you’ve just moved, the parks department and a community center are the places to start.
Before you commit, ask to join one outing as a guest.
How to Pick a Group That Fits Your Pace
If you have a heart, lung or joint condition, check with your doctor before you sign up.
The NIA says older adults with no existing injury or chronic condition who build up gradually generally don’t need that check.
Pace is the main thing to settle before your first outing. Read the group’s posted description, then ask the organizer directly.
Useful questions:
- How many miles is the hike, and how much climbing is there?
- How fast does the group walk, and does anyone wait at the back?
- Is there a slower or beginner outing?
- How big is the group, and who leads it?
You want a pace where you can still talk comfortably. You can’t test that until you walk, so ask about the slowest outing and start there. The guide to pace and rest intervals explains the talk test.
If every group near you is too fast
Start with a walking group instead. Walk With A Doc runs walks led by local healthcare providers, open to people of all ages and abilities. It says you can walk at a pace and distance you’re comfortable with.
The American Volkssport Association is a national non-competitive walking organization. Its site lets you search for walks by state or by club.
You can also ask one slower friend or neighbor to walk with you weekly. If you’re newer to hiking, starting after 60 covers easy first routes.
What to Expect on Your First Hike With a Group
A group outing often mixes paces and skill levels.
The National Park Service notes it is safer to hike with a companion. Even in a group, carry your own water and snacks.
Ask the leader for the trailhead and trail name beforehand, so you can look up the route yourself.
Make sure your shoes suit the terrain. The footwear selection guide explains how to choose, and tips for a perfect hike lists what to bring.
Tell the leader early if you need to slow down. The NPS advises letting the slowest hiker set the pace.
Plan to stay with the group rather than drifting ahead or falling far behind. Skip a hike when the weather turns unsafe.
How to Build Real Connections With Your Group
Hours on the trail with the same people can build friendships. A few habits help.
- Speak up about pace, safety concerns and what you hope to get from the group.
- Join the optional post-hike meal or coffee.
- Ask about people’s hiking backgrounds and share what drew you to it.
You don’t need to be outgoing. Showing up regularly is how people get to know you.
Moving to a Longer Group Hike Later
Once a casual group feels comfortable, ask about longer or hillier outings in the same group or a nearby one. Read each description for distance, climbing and pace before you sign up.
Step up one factor at a time: first distance, then hills, never both at once.
Stay with the easier outings until the longer ones sound appealing rather than intimidating.