Day Hikes
Day Hikes can be up to nine miles long, and the pace is usually moderate, but we have included leisurely hikes as well. See our Adventure Schedule for notes about the difficulty and pace of each hike.
Hiking is synonymous with rough, rocky and hilly, but this should not be considered onerous, as hiking up steep hills has many rewards. Anyone new to hiking should first try out easy hikes before graduating to moderate or strenuous ones.
Day Hikes are free. If you would like to "try before you join," please contact us to sign up for a test hike!
For a list of equipment needed for a Day Hike click here.
Please review our schedule for hike options.
Hike Rating Guidelines
Our event details on our Adventure Schedule will give you the difficulty and pace for each event. The chart below shows the guidelines we use, which is relative to your individual fitness level. For example, a minimum guideline for events rated “easy” is if you are able to walk for several hours at a pace of 2 miles an hour.
Our hike leaders may alter the hikes to adjust for variable conditions such as wet weather, temperature extremes and wind which can make a big difference in hiking difficulty.
Hike Rating Guideline chart
Backpacking
We aim to run about 4 backpacking trips per year, including a trip for beginner backpackers. The backpacking trips take place on the weekends.
Equipment is available for beginners to borrow.
For a list of equipment needed for a Backpacking event click here
Please review our schedule for details and registration deadlines.
Bike Rides
Bike Rides are easy-to-moderate one-day outings for members who would like to try cycling with a friendly, non-competitive group. These rides are moderately paced on generally flat or rolling, well-maintained bike trails or country roads. Generally, they will be from 10 AM to 2 PM, and average from 15 to 25 miles.
Each participant must bring a bike in good working order and must wear a standard biking helmet that fits.
Please review our schedule for details and registration deadlines.
City Paths
City Paths are our day excursions to the parks, museums and neighborhoods of our metropolitan areas. Led by AFW members and an experienced trip coordinator, City Paths are our “urban hikes.” A day of walking and sightseeing often includes a lunch or dinner in a local restaurant.
Please review our schedule for details and registration deadlines.
Paddling
Paddling are half-day or full-day outings on our local rivers. Trips will be from four to 12 miles long. Participants should be comfortable on and around the water and must wear an approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) at all times while on the water. Participants may bring their own boats or rentals will be available.
For a list of equipment needed for a Paddling Outing click here
Weekend Trips
Occasionally, we plan weekend trips. Most weekend trips include multiple days of hiking.
Please review our schedule for details and registration deadlines.
Workshops
Occasionally, we plan workshops for members. Some of our past workshops have been painting with water colors, Woodswomen 101, yoga, breathing and drumming.
Please review our schedule for details and registration deadlines.