Here are some answers compiled from questions sent via email to the Omaha Hiking Club (OHC). It is impossible to respond to each individual inquiry, so the OHC hopes that this page offers some answers and insights to questions that you may have. The OHC is not affiliated any other local hiking/walking groups. The OHC is an independent non-profit organization for hikers. We welcome all interested hikers from beginners to advanced trekkers. Come on out and hit the trail with us!
We need Hike Leaders and Outdoor Event Coordinators! Gather up a group of friends and go hiking or plan an outdoor event: contact us and we will help you spread the word!
Question: Do I have to register or let someone know I will be attending an OHC hike?
Answer: OHC events are free, but limited to adult participants. All you need to do to enjoy an OHC event, is to show up, unless an RSVP requirement is indicated in the hike/event summary posted on the schedule page of this website. Any additional registration requirements will be contained within each individual event posted on the website. Of course, if you would like to make sure the hike leader knows you are coming to a hike, especially if it is your first time joining us, you are welcome to send an email and let the OHC know that you plan to attend.
Question: What do I need to bring on a hike?
Answer: The OHC hike leaders ask that you always bring with you an adequate supply of water to drink when participating on OHC hikes. The use of sunscreen and bug spray is also highly recommended to all of our hikers. Additionally, OHC hike leaders recommend that you carry any and all additional supplies that you personally might need or feel comfortable bringing, while out on the trail, and that includes, but is not limited to:
hiking poles or walking stick, sun protective clothing and snacks to meet any nutritional needs. Hiking poles and walking sticks are not required. Please remember that hike leaders do not carry first aid kits and are not trained in any medical or trail rescue procedures.
Question: What kind of shoes should I wear?
Answer: The OHC does not make any specific recommendations on footwear, but it is very important to always wear footwear with appropriate support when out on the trail. Please keep in mind that your footwear needs may be different when hiking on muddy or hilly terrain than it is when hiking flat or paved trails. Each hike leader tries to add a few trail specifics for each event posted on the OHC website to help individual hikers to gauge their footwear requirements.
Most of our regular attendees wear shoes, boots or sandals specifically designed for hiking.
Question: How fast do you go on an OHC hike?
Answer: It is cited that most humans walk at a pace between 2 and 4 mph and walking speed is dependant on many variables including height, weight, age and fitness level. Hiking speed is also dependent on additional factors such as altitude, trail and weather conditions. Setting the pace of an OHC hike is up to each individual hike leader, and the OHC neither records nor makes any statement to guarantee the pace of any hike, so expect some variance. The hiking pace is generally around 3 to 3.2 mph (with some hikes being faster, but not usually slower) which has been a comfortable speed for most folks, including beginners. Individual hike leaders try to indicate either the speed or level of rigor for their individual hikes. The OHC has not held any trail running or speed hiking events to date.
Question: How many people come on OHC hikes or other events?
Answer: The number of participants varies. We have had as few as 3 persons in attendance and as many as 24. Most of our hikes/events have 8-15 attendees.
Question: Can I bring my dog on a leash?
Answer: Pets are prohibited at most of our hiking destinations. But even if leashed pets are permitted on the trail, the OHC asks that leave your dog at home.
Question: How do I find out more about upcoming events?
Answer: The schedule page on the OHC website, our page on Facebook and subscribing to the hike update newsletter via email are the best ways to keep up with current OHC happenings. You can receive the list of current events and other trail notes sent directly to your inbox, by sending an email request to the OHC for your email address
to be added to our member roster. The schedule page is updated at least once a month with current events and the newsletter is sent immediately to OHC members with an email address on file, after the website is updated.
Question: Can I bring my kids/grandchildren?
Answer: The activities for the OHC are structured and designed for adults only, so please do not bring children to an OHC event. In October of 2010, for the first time, a hike specifically designed for children was hosted by The Omaha Hiking Club. Hikes/events for participants under the age of 21 years will be clearly indicated on the schedule page.
Question: How do I find out about a cancellation?
Answer: It is up to each individual hike leader or event coordinator to cancel and event at their discretion. In the event of a cancellation due inclement weather, every attempt is made to update the website and our Facebook page with a cancellation notice, as soon as it is known. Additionally, a cancellation notification by email is sent, when possible, to all members who have registered an email address with the OHC. When an event requires an RSVP, usually minimum number of attendees must be known for the event to be held. It is your responsibility to check the website, or email if you are registered with us for cancellations. It is not possible to respond to individual email requests confirming cancellations.
Question: Do you schedule overnight hiking/camping trips?
Answer: We have scheduled an overnight Niobrara kayaking trip with a hike to SmithFalls in September of 2008 and again for September of 2009. The Omaha Hiking Club went to Colorado for snow shoeing/skiing in February of 2010. A local overnight camping trip was offered in the autumn of 2010. We are currently seeking other opportunities for extended hiking and camping trips.
Question: How do I become a hike leader?
Answer: Please send an emailexpressing your interest in leading a hike, bicycle outing, snow shoeing or cross country ski event. The OHC will contact you and tell you how!
Question: I am no longer interested in receiving email from the OHC. What do I need to do?
Answer: While the OHC hates to see you leave, please send an email with REMOVE in the subject line and your
email address will be removed from the OHC roster as soon as possible.
Question: What else do I need to know?
Answer: Since it is OHC policy for hikers to participate in any OHC event at their own risk, it is ultimately the responsibility of each individual participant to ensure that they are adequately and appropriately prepared to hike in the elements with adequate water supply, application of sunscreen or bug spray, appropriate footwear and any other items that you feel you might need to bring. The OHC sincerely hopes you have a good time when you are with us and that you join us on our hikes whenever you can!
Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Each member, guest or visitor participating in any Omaha Hiking Club activity will voluntarily assume all risks incident to any Omaha Hiking Club activity described and posted on this website, contained in email newsletters sent to members, written on informational flyers distributed to the or other forms of correspondence, when participating in any Omaha Hiking Club activity including all costs related to rescue or medical care. The Omaha Hiking Club, including hike leaders, trip organizers, members, guests, or visitors participating in an Omaha Hiking Club activity and any person, partnership, corporation, other organization or association that permits the
use of its real or personal property for an Omaha Hiking Club event will not be held liable for any personal injury or property damage related to any Omaha Hiking Club activity. It is each individual hiker's responsibility to furnish their own drinking water, food, appropriate gear and any first aid supplies required during the course of any Omaha Hiking Club activity. The Omaha Hiking Club also obeys all posted trail rules and anyone not abiding by them will be asked to leave the group.