Terms to Know

*SEPARATION: This is when men and women separate into two groups, with one group moving ahead on the trail.  Once separated, the two groups are free to relieve their physiological urges.  If you need an unofficial separation during the hike, make sure you tell someone so you don’t get left behind.

*SWEEP: A person assigned to stay at the end of the line of hikers, particularly on hikes with a lot of people. The leader knows that when he sees the sweep, everyone on the hike is accounted for, which is particularly important at trail junctions.

*BLAZE: A rectangular marking of paint fully visible on a tree or rock to mark a trail at somewhat regular intervals. The Appalachian Trail, for instance, is blazed in white.

*CAR SPOT (or Car Shuttle): When a hike is linear instead of circular, it doesn’t end where it began. Therefore, cars need to be at the end of the hike to provide transportation back to the cars at the beginning. Arranging the correct number of cars at each end can be a time consuming process.

*LNT: "Leave No Trace" is a program designed to minimize our impact on the environment through responsible use of the outdoors. See http://www.lnt.org/.

*DROPOUT POINT: A point on the hike where you can leave the hike and easily get back to your car. You must sign out if you leave a hike early. Many hikes do not have drop out points; contact the leader if you are unsure.

*BUSHWACKING: Hiking without the benefit of a blazed trail, or possibly any trail.

*AT: The Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia. Nearly 300 miles of the trail run through Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

*HOTLINE: An email service through which last-minute additions and changes to the activity schedule are posted. Information about select club events and opportunities are often posted here, as well.

*GORP: Good Old Raisins and Peanuts…or any mixture of dried fruit, nuts, grains and chocolate that can give you an extra energy boost on the trail. Be creative!

Hike Ratings

Hike ratings consist of a number-letter-number system indicating PACE–TERRAIN-MILEAGE

PACE

1 – Leisurely (nature walk)

2 – Moderate (steady, comfortable pace)

3 – Brisk (firm pace)

4 – Fast

5 – Extremely fast

TERRAIN

A – Solid pavement/sidewalk

B – Soft ground/sand/carriage trails

C – Hiking trails/gentle rolling hills

D – Steep hills, scrambling possible

E – Rough terrain/exposure/thick brush

F – Extremely difficult terrain/possible sustained exposure

MILEAGE

Estimated mileage, plus or minus 1 mile

Hike Rating Example: A very fast six-mile hike on a paved path would have a hike rating of 5A6.

How do I find out about hikes to go on? Members receive our chapter newsletter, Footnotes, which lists the scheduled activities for the quarter. Members also receive from the AMC the near-monthly magazine AMC Outdoors, which includes the activities of other chapters. Activities are also listed on our website, http://www.amcdv.org/. Members should sign up for the “hotline”, as well, where they receive e-mail notifications of new activities not listed in the printed materials.

How do I know which hikes will be within my ability? Use the hike rating system (see back of pamphlet) to determine which hikes appeal to you. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to contact the leader to discuss what the hike will be like, and if there are dropout points. It’s a good idea to start below where you think your ability is and work your way up.

How do I sign up for a particular hike? Many of our hikes are “show and go”. This means that the starting time and location are provided in the hike description, and you can just show up for the hike. Other hikes do not provide this information, or specifically say that you must register; simply contact the leader of the activity to find out about participation. You should always feel comfortable contacting the leader for more information.

Who will lead the hike? All leaders are AMC members who volunteer their time and skills to the club. Leadership training is available and most leaders are experienced hikers who know how to handle most trail situations. Always feel free to contact a leader before a hike.

What should I bring with me on the hike? You should bring water and a snack on every day hike you go on, more or less depending on the weather conditions and the length of the hike. Longer hikes may include a lunch break. You should also bring any medication that you may need (i.e. for bee sting allergies). Other items you might consider bringing are insect repellant, sunscreen, a personal first aid kit, a whistle, a flashlight, and a daypack to carry it all! Some terrain may call for walking sticks. When in doubt contact the leader.

What should I wear on the hike? The layered look is always in fashion in the AMC, particularly in colder weather, which also warrants a hat and gloves. Proper footwear is a must; if you are unsure if walking shoes or boots are best suited to your chosen hike, contact the leader. Sunglasses and a sun hat or rain gear may be appropriate, as well.

What happens when I arrive at the trailhead? You can usually spot the AMC by the friendly group of people at the meeting spot, passing around a clipboard. You will sign in on the liability waiver, then everyone will form a circle (“Let’s circle up!”). The leader will go over a few things, and everyone introduces himself or herself. Then the hike begins!

Do I have to sign the liability form? The liability form serves to protect our many volunteers, and to inform you of your responsibilities. You are required to sign it to participate in any activity with the AMC. When you leave an activity early, you must sign out by initialing the form next to where you signed in. You should familiarize yourself with the text by reading it in full.

What are hiker miles? The liability form also helps us track the miles you hike during the year. Anyone who hikes over 100 miles in a calendar year qualifies to earn an award at the annual activities social, and also recognition in Footnotes.

What else can I do with the AMC? A lot! Bike, backpack, canoe/kayak, snowshoe, trail work, volunteer your time, attend an educational meeting, participate in a workshop, attend social events, go on a trip, stay in a hut, camp, make new friends, meet great people, and so much more! Sounds great, doesn’t it?

I still have questions! You can find more information on-line at our chapter website, http://www.amcdv.org, and at the overall AMC website, http://www.outdoors.org. Feel free to contact any Chairperson, or drop us a line at info@amcdv.org. We’d love to hear from you!

The AMC looks like a great club, how do I join? Click on "Join now!" and fill out the online application. Membership includes both the overall AMC club membership and the local Delaware Valley chapter, and includes the magazine Outdoors, as well as our chapter newsletter, Footnotes.