Help with hiking, maybe a guide or a group?

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L a N

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How do you find a hiking guide for hire? Or groups that show you the ropes? Mainly in the southeastern part of the US.

I know I can do research on it, but I tend to learn better with hands on approach.

Someone suggested guides at national parks, but where do you look and under what?

Thanks so much :O)
 
Most National Parks in the US offer Ranger led programs. They include easy hikes such as Interpretive Hikes that may only cover a mile or so, but last 3 hours to longer day hikes that involve exploring canyons, old-growth forests, etc, etc. Each park is different as are the hikes. If that's the route you want to go, look up the specific National Park's website and go from there.

If you are total beginner, the best thing to do is to join a hiking club near where you live and attend the courses offered by that club. Many hiking clubs offer seminars and workshops for free or a nominal fee to members. You'll pick up valuable info on trip planning, gear selection, and safe hiking practices. Other hikers in the club may have hiked in different places you wish to visit and can offer information to help you plan your own trip.

Lastly, hit the bookstore of public library and get some books about the areas you wish to visit. Falcon Guidebooks publishes a guide for just about everywhere and maps and trip planning advice is available through the Department of the Interior (for National Parks) and th Department of Agriculture (for National Forests.)
 
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