In developing outdoor group activity protocols, the Trail Conference consulted with an epidemiologist, pathologist, and several other organizations in the healthcare field. Their expertise helped us develop the full set of protocols, but the points they stressed are:
- Protect yourself: If you are part of the vulnerable population and/or have any underlying conditions, you are strongly encouraged not to engage in or lead group hikes.
- Protect your fellow hikers: If you have ANY symptoms, even if you believe it is just a sneeze from allergies, do not attend a group outing.
- Hand and face hygiene: Never touch your face until your hands have been sanitized. Sanitize hands before eating and do not share food.
- Physical distancing and masks: Each participant is required to bring a mask to the hike and maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet from others whenever possible. If it is not possible to maintain 6 feet of distance, a mask must be worn. Additionally, when you are physically exerting yourself (e.g. running or hiking uphill) or speaking loudly, it is best to increase the physical distance to as much as 15 feet.
Our group size max is 10. If you sign up and realize you are not able to attend, please cancel your registration to open up a spot.