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Welcome to the Omaha Hiking Club (OHC) Q&A

Here are some answers compiled from questions retrieved from email received by the 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 Omaha Hiking Club is not affiliated any other local hiking/walking groups. The Omaha Hiking Club 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!

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 the website. Any additional registration requirements will be contained within each individual event posted on the web. 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 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 and hike line are the two best ways to keep up with current OHC happenings. Generally, the hike line contains a list of upcoming events and all the details, such as directions to the trail head, are on the schedule page of the OHC website. You can also receive a 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.

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 hike line and website 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 a minimum number of attendees must be known for the event to be held. Events have been cancelled in the past due to lack of interest, and all members who had sent an RSVP are notified of the cancellation. It is your responsibility to check the website, hike line 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 Smith Falls in September of 2008 and again for September of 2009. We are currently seeking other opportunities for extended hiking and camping trips. Accommodation and campsite reservations at premiere hiking destinations need to be scheduled up to a year in advance and may prove to be a limitation on what the OHC can provide for our members.

Question: How do I become a hike leader?

Answer: Please send an email expressing 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!

The Hike Line: (402) 384-BOOT (2668)

Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.  ~Henry David Thoreau

No solicitations please.